Farbrengen: Difference between revisions

[[File:פאבריינגען.jpeg|thumb|A painting by the artist Zalman Kleinman depicting a Chassidic farbrengen. In the center, the mashpia is seen leading the farbrengen.]]

[[File:חסידים מתוועדים בסוכת 770.jpg|thumb|A Chassidic Farbrengen in The Courtyard of 770]]

The Rebbe also conducts Farbrengens during which he shares [[Sicha|sichos]] and [[Maamar|ma'amarim]]. In Polish Chassidic groups, a Farbrengen with the Admor is called a "tish."

The purpose of a Farbrengen is to awaken the soul and its purpose in the world, and to strengthen aspects of Chassidut among the participants, such as extended prayer, studying Chassidut, bitul hayesh (nullification of self), and so on. This is accomplished through conversation between participants and the words of the Mashpia.

It is also customary to have mashke (alcoholic beverages) and 'farbaysen' (food eaten with drinks) during a Farbrengen, in order to open the heart so that it will be receptive to speaking and listening.

Farbrengen is also one of the ways to achieve hiskashrus (connection) with the Rebbe<ref>Hayom Yom 24 Sivan</ref>, one of the foundations in the ways of Chassidim, and an introduction to the mitzvah of ahavas Yisrael<ref>Hayom Yom 24 Tishrei. Sicha from Shabbos Parshas Vayakhel 5746 (1986), Section 4 and onward</ref> (love of fellow Jews).

Among Chassidim, there is a common saying that "a Chassidic Farbrengen can accomplish even what the angel Michael cannot accomplish." The Alter Rebbe explained this saying by stating that when a father sees his children gathered in unity, he is inspired with a desire to fulfill all their wishes, even when through the 'conventional' channels (such as through angels) they may not be entitled to it. Indeed, in Chassidic tradition, there are many stories of people who were helped after participating in a Farbrengen and receiving blessings<ref>Igros Kodesh Admur HaRaYaTZ Volume 3, Page 413, and brought in "Collection of Letters for Reciting Tehillim" in the addendum to the Tehillim Ohel Yosef Yitzchak published by Kehot, Page 198 and onward</ref>.

In a Farbrengen, the speakers demand from the participants that they improve their conduct and ways, that they set times to strengthen their hiskashrus to our Rebbes and to study Chassidut, that they maintain regular study sessions, and that their learning should be with the intention to fulfill. Rebuke during a Farbrengen should only be about matters that do not cause embarrassment<ref>Hayom Yom - 24 Tishrei</ref>.

The Rebbe Rayatz says that in a Chassidic Farbrengen, stories of tzaddikim are told, their sayings are repeated, stories of Chassidim are shared<ref>In Igrot Kodesh of the Rebbe Rayatz Volume 6, page 332, it is brought that this brings strengthening in the service of prayer. There he details the manner of Chassidic stories: to tell of their experiences and ways of life, their melodies and dances and joyfulness, and above all, the ritual immersion for purification.

The Alter Rebbe says that the stories of tzaddikim that Chassidim tell during Chassidic Hitva'aduyot are like "the dew of lights is your dew," as stories of tzaddikim bring vitality to intellectual understanding and to avodah (divine service).

There is no need for a special reason or time to hold a farbrengen, but nevertheless there are days when it is customary to hold them, some of which were even established by our Rebbeim. These days are usually special days in Chabad, such as Chag HaGeulah, the entire month of Kislev, birthdays of Chabad Nesi'im, and similar occasions.

Additional '''farbrengen''' times: Friday night, Shabbos Mevorchim, during the third meal of Shabbos, and on Rosh Chodesh. (These farbrengens, as well as farbrengens on Anash occasions - should take place in the synagogue). Melave Malka farbrengens on Saturday night should take place in the private homes of Chassidim.