Farbrengen: Difference between revisions
Created page with "'''Hitva'adus''' or '''Farbrengen''' in Yiddish is the common name in the Chabad Chassidic community for a gathering of Chassidim. During a Farbrengen, it is customary to raise a glass of 'l'chaim', sing Chassidic niggunim, tell stories of tzaddikim, and share words of Torah. The Farbrengen is usually conducted with a Rav (Mashpia). The Rebbe also conducts Hitva'aduyot during which he shares sichos and ma'amarim. In Polish Chassidic groups, a Farbrengen with the Admor i..." |
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''' | [[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:התוועדות עם ר' שלמה חיים.jpeg|thumb|A Chassidic Farbrengen with the Mashpia Rabbi Shlomo Chaim Kesselman]] | |||
[[File:חסידים מתוועדים בסוכת 770.jpg|thumb|A Chassidic Farbrengen in The Courtyard of [[770 Eastern Parkway|770]]]] | |||
A '''Farbrengen''' ('''Hitvaadut''' in hebrew) is a yiddish term for a joyful gathering of Chassidim. During a Farbrengen, it is customary to raise a glass of '[[Mashke|l'chaim]]', sing Chassidic meoldies, tell stories of Tzaddikim, and share words of Torah. Farbrengens are often conducted by a [[Mashpia]] (spiritual mentor) but oftentimes take place spontaneously without formal arrangement. | |||
The Rebbe also conducts | The Rebbe also conducts Farbrengens during which he shares [[Sicha|sichos]] and [[Maamar|ma'amarim]]. In [[Polish Chassidim|Polish Chassidic groups]], a Farbrengen with the Admor is called a "tish." | ||
== The Significance of Farbrengen in Chassidut == | == The Significance of Farbrengen in Chassidut == | ||
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. | The purpose of a Farbrengen is to awaken the soul and its purpose in the world, and to strengthen aspects of [[Chassidus|Chassidut]] among the participants, such as extended [[prayer]], studying Chassidut, [[Bitul (Self-Nullification)|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. | 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, one of the foundations in the ways of Chassidim, and an introduction to the mitzvah of ahavas Yisrael (love of fellow Jews). | 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. | Among Chassidim, there is a common saying that "a Chassidic Farbrengen can accomplish even what the [[Angel#Michael|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>. | ||
== The Content of the Farbrengen == | == The Content of the Farbrengen == | ||
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. | 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, and | [[The Rebbe Rayatz]] says that in a Chassidic Farbrengen, stories of [[Tzaddik|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 | See also Likkutei Diburim in Hebrew Volume 3, page 603, which describes the Chassidic type in days gone by, how on Shabbatot and on Yoma D'Pagra (Chassidic holidays) they would gather to sing heartfelt, deep niggunim, converse about the proper conduct of a Chassid, and tell various stories about the conduct of the Rebbeim, the conduct of the elder Chassidim, and matters of yechidut (private audiences with the Rebbe). | ||
Further on, the Rebbe Rayatz says that a Chassidic story about a Rebbe or a Chassid, and a Chassidic niggun, is a fundamental matter (in the ways of Chassidim).</ref>, and niggunim are sung. | |||
The Alter Rebbe says that the stories of tzaddikim that Chassidim tell during Chassidic Farbrengen are like "the [[dew]] of lights is your dew," as stories of tzaddikim bring vitality to intellectual understanding and to [[avodah]] (divine service). | |||
The Chassidic Farbrengen is usually led by a person called a "Mashpia" or "Mitva'ed." The Mitva'ed is a Rav or educator who converses during the Farbrengen with the other Chassidim who are participating. There is a type of Farbrengen in which the participants converse among themselves, sharing words of inspiration and encouragement, which is not common among young boys. | The Chassidic Farbrengen is usually led by a person called a "Mashpia" or "Mitva'ed." The Mitva'ed is a Rav or educator who converses during the Farbrengen with the other Chassidim who are participating. There is a type of Farbrengen in which the participants converse among themselves, sharing words of inspiration and encouragement, which is not common among young boys. | ||
== Saying 'L'chaim' at a Farbrengen == | == Saying 'L'chaim' at a Farbrengen == | ||
'''Expanded topic – Mashke, The Mashke Ordinance''' | '''Expanded topic – [[Mashke]], [[The Mashke Ordinance]]''' | ||
As mentioned, at a Farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) it is customary to raise a glass for 'l'chaim', typically with an alcoholic beverage - mainly vodka - although the Rebbe disapproved of excessive drinking and prohibited bochurim and yungeleit under the age of 40 from drinking more than a reviis (= 86 cc). This ordinance is known among Chabad chassidim as 'gezeiras hamashke' (the mashke decree). An exceptional case occurred at a Farbrengen conducted by the Rebbe on Erev Pesach 5741 (1981) which fell on Shabbos, and since it is customary not to drink wine on the eve of the Seder - they drank water at that Farbrengen. | As mentioned, at a Farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) it is customary to raise a glass for 'l'chaim', typically with an alcoholic beverage - mainly vodka - although the Rebbe disapproved of excessive drinking and prohibited bochurim and yungeleit under the age of 40 from drinking more than a reviis (= 86 cc). This ordinance is known among Chabad chassidim as 'gezeiras hamashke' (the mashke decree). An exceptional case occurred at a Farbrengen conducted by the Rebbe on Erev Pesach 5741 (1981) which fell on Shabbos, and since it is customary not to drink wine on the eve of the Seder - they drank water at that Farbrengen. | ||
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== Time of the Farbrengen == | == Time of the Farbrengen == | ||
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. | 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. | 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. | ||
== Participation in Farbrengens == | == Participation in Farbrengens == | ||
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== Farbrengen in the Rebbe's Presence == | == Farbrengen in the Rebbe's Presence == | ||
The Rebbe during a farbrengen he conducted in the large zal of 770, on the farbrengen platform. Behind him can be seen the secretary Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Eizik Hodakov. | [[File:הרחמא חודוקוב.jpg|thumb|The Rebbe during a farbrengen he conducted in the large zal of 770, on the farbrengen platform. Behind him can be seen the secretary [[Chaim Mordechai Isaac Hodakov|Rabbi Chaim Mordechai Eizik Hodakov.]]]] | ||
Expanded article – '''[[Farbrengen with the Rebbe]]''' | |||
Expanded article – '''Farbrengen with the Rebbe''' | |||
Throughout the years of his leadership, the Rebbe would conduct farbrengens on holidays and Chassidic occasions in the large zal of 770. During the farbrengen, the Rebbe would deliver a talk to the audience, focusing mainly on the weekly Torah portion and matters related to the day for which the farbrengen was being held, pausing between talks to allow for the singing of a niggun. During these farbrengens, the Rebbe would also deliver his Chassidic discourses. | Throughout the years of his leadership, the Rebbe would conduct farbrengens on holidays and Chassidic occasions in the large zal of 770. During the farbrengen, the Rebbe would deliver a talk to the audience, focusing mainly on the weekly Torah portion and matters related to the day for which the farbrengen was being held, pausing between talks to allow for the singing of a niggun. During these farbrengens, the Rebbe would also deliver his Chassidic discourses. | ||
== Further Reading == | == Further Reading == | ||
* '''Ways of Hiskashrus: Farbrengen''', 'Ateres Chaya' supplement, Erev Shabbos Parshas Bo 5780, page 10 | * '''Ways of Hiskashrus: Farbrengen''', 'Ateres Chaya' supplement, Erev Shabbos Parshas Bo 5780, page 10 | ||
* '''In which farbrengens did he participate since traveling from here''', in the section 'From the Royal House', Kfar Chabad weekly 1886, page 16 | * '''In which farbrengens did he participate since traveling from here''', in the section 'From the Royal House', Kfar Chabad weekly 1886, page 16 | ||
| Line 62: | Line 67: | ||
== External Links == | == External Links == | ||
* | * [https://www.lubavitch.com/wordsmith-farbrengen/ etymology of the word "Farbrengen"] | ||
* Treasures of Each Generation - A collection from the words of the Rebbe Rayatz regarding '''Chassidic Farbrengen''' | * Treasures of Each Generation - A collection from the words of the Rebbe Rayatz regarding '''Chassidic Farbrengen''' | ||
* '''When the Rabbi thought a farbrengen was entertainment''' | * '''When the Rabbi thought a farbrengen was entertainment''' | ||
* '''Chassidic Farbrengen''' from the Hiskashrus publication | * '''Chassidic Farbrengen''' from the Hiskashrus publication | ||
* Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Laufer, '''Chassidic Farbrengen''', in the section 'Sparks of the Rebbe' Hiskashrus weekly issue 362 | * Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Laufer, '''Chassidic Farbrengen''', in the section 'Sparks of the Rebbe' Hiskashrus weekly issue 362 | ||
== References == | |||
[[he:התוועדות חסידית]] | |||
[[Category:Fundamental Concepts]] | |||
[[Category:Concepts in Chassidus]] | |||
Latest revision as of 19:30, 31 July 2025
A Farbrengen (Hitvaadut in hebrew) is a yiddish term for a joyful gathering of Chassidim. During a Farbrengen, it is customary to raise a glass of 'l'chaim', sing Chassidic meoldies, tell stories of Tzaddikim, and share words of Torah. Farbrengens are often conducted by a Mashpia (spiritual mentor) but oftentimes take place spontaneously without formal arrangement.
The Rebbe also conducts Farbrengens during which he shares sichos and ma'amarim. In Polish Chassidic groups, a Farbrengen with the Admor is called a "tish."
The Significance of Farbrengen in Chassidut[edit | edit source]
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[1], one of the foundations in the ways of Chassidim, and an introduction to the mitzvah of ahavas Yisrael[2] (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[3].
The Content of the Farbrengen[edit | edit source]
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[4].
The Rebbe Rayatz says that in a Chassidic Farbrengen, stories of tzaddikim are told, their sayings are repeated, stories of Chassidim are shared[5], and niggunim are sung.
The Alter Rebbe says that the stories of tzaddikim that Chassidim tell during Chassidic Farbrengen are like "the dew of lights is your dew," as stories of tzaddikim bring vitality to intellectual understanding and to avodah (divine service).
The Chassidic Farbrengen is usually led by a person called a "Mashpia" or "Mitva'ed." The Mitva'ed is a Rav or educator who converses during the Farbrengen with the other Chassidim who are participating. There is a type of Farbrengen in which the participants converse among themselves, sharing words of inspiration and encouragement, which is not common among young boys.
Saying 'L'chaim' at a Farbrengen[edit | edit source]
Expanded topic – Mashke, The Mashke Ordinance
As mentioned, at a Farbrengen (Chassidic gathering) it is customary to raise a glass for 'l'chaim', typically with an alcoholic beverage - mainly vodka - although the Rebbe disapproved of excessive drinking and prohibited bochurim and yungeleit under the age of 40 from drinking more than a reviis (= 86 cc). This ordinance is known among Chabad chassidim as 'gezeiras hamashke' (the mashke decree). An exceptional case occurred at a Farbrengen conducted by the Rebbe on Erev Pesach 5741 (1981) which fell on Shabbos, and since it is customary not to drink wine on the eve of the Seder - they drank water at that Farbrengen.
Format of Saying 'L'chaim' at a Farbrengen[edit | edit source]
There are two versions for saying l'chaim:
- "L'chaim tovim ul'shalom" (To good life and peace), and the reason for this blessing - since the first mention of wine drinking in the Torah had negative consequences, which led to the curse of Cham (Noah's son) and the Tree of Knowledge was a grapevine, therefore we bless that this wine should be for good life.
- The Maggid of Mezritch would respond "L'chaim ul'bracha" (To life and blessing), and once at a Farbrengen attended by the Alter Rebbe, he also responded "L'chaim ul'bracha." After the Farbrengen, the chassidim discussed the reason for this specific version, which they heard then for the first time. One of the chassidim said that it might be because "when wine enters, secrets come out," which in divine service means the revelation of emotions, therefore a blessing is needed. And the version is "L'chaim ul'bracha" - the letters spelling "lev-racha" (soft heart).
The Sweetening of Judgments in 'L'chaim Ul'bracha'[edit | edit source]
The final letters of "L'chaim" (ם) and the final letter of "ul'bracha" (ה) form the acronym for "mituk hadinim" (sweetening of judgments).
Time of the Farbrengen[edit | edit source]
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.
Participation in Farbrengens[edit | edit source]
For Chabad Chassidim, participation in farbrengens is often a necessity, to the extent that Chassidim were careful to participate in a farbrengen at least twice a week, and would arrange regular farbrengens on Friday night, Shabbos afternoon, and Saturday night, which are times when one can farbrengen freely without interfering with one's livelihood.
The Tzemach Tzedek attributed the prevention of abundance to a young married Chassid to the fact that he stopped participating in farbrengens.
Even for those who are close but not yet counted among Chabad Chassidim, the Rebbe instructed that they should participate in farbrengens "from time to time – at least," and added that "there is no substitute for this, and it is very necessary."
Farbrengen in the Rebbe's Presence[edit | edit source]
Expanded article – Farbrengen with the Rebbe
Throughout the years of his leadership, the Rebbe would conduct farbrengens on holidays and Chassidic occasions in the large zal of 770. During the farbrengen, the Rebbe would deliver a talk to the audience, focusing mainly on the weekly Torah portion and matters related to the day for which the farbrengen was being held, pausing between talks to allow for the singing of a niggun. During these farbrengens, the Rebbe would also deliver his Chassidic discourses.
Further Reading[edit | edit source]
- Ways of Hiskashrus: Farbrengen, 'Ateres Chaya' supplement, Erev Shabbos Parshas Bo 5780, page 10
- In which farbrengens did he participate since traveling from here, in the section 'From the Royal House', Kfar Chabad weekly 1886, page 16
- These bottles heard the entire farbrengen, in the section 'Life of the Rebbe', Kfar Chabad weekly issue 1988, page 30
External Links[edit | edit source]
- etymology of the word "Farbrengen"
- Treasures of Each Generation - A collection from the words of the Rebbe Rayatz regarding Chassidic Farbrengen
- When the Rabbi thought a farbrengen was entertainment
- Chassidic Farbrengen from the Hiskashrus publication
- Rabbi Moshe Mordechai Laufer, Chassidic Farbrengen, in the section 'Sparks of the Rebbe' Hiskashrus weekly issue 362
References[edit | edit source]
- ↑ Hayom Yom 24 Sivan
- ↑ Hayom Yom 24 Tishrei. Sicha from Shabbos Parshas Vayakhel 5746 (1986), Section 4 and onward
- ↑ 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
- ↑ Hayom Yom - 24 Tishrei
- ↑ 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. See also Likkutei Diburim in Hebrew Volume 3, page 603, which describes the Chassidic type in days gone by, how on Shabbatot and on Yoma D'Pagra (Chassidic holidays) they would gather to sing heartfelt, deep niggunim, converse about the proper conduct of a Chassid, and tell various stories about the conduct of the Rebbeim, the conduct of the elder Chassidim, and matters of yechidut (private audiences with the Rebbe). Further on, the Rebbe Rayatz says that a Chassidic story about a Rebbe or a Chassid, and a Chassidic niggun, is a fundamental matter (in the ways of Chassidim).