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Afarbrengen (/fɑːrbrɛŋɡɛn/,Yiddish:פארברענגען,lit. '[joyous] gathering';German:verbringen "to spend [time/solidarity/festivity together]") is aHasidic gathering. This term is only used byChabad-Lubavitch Hasidim, as other Hasidim have atish or abotteh. Carried out in a relaxed atmosphere, with no rigid schedule, it may consist of edifying discussions, explanations of generalTorah subjects, with an emphasis onHasidic philosophy, relating of Hasidic stories, and lively Hasidic melodies, with refreshments being served.[1] It is regarded as a time of great holiness.Farbrengens are public events open to non-Hasidim as well.
Farbrengens are usually held onShabbos,Yom Tov, or an auspicious day in the Hasidic calendar such as a birthday orYom Hillula of one of the Chabad Rebbes, or a day in which one of the Chabad Rebbes was released from prison. Because of the emphasis on inspiration, self-examination and the making of new resolutions common atfarbrengens, they are also often held in preparation for events related toteshuvah, such as on Thursday (in preparation for the Shabbos, whose lettersהשבת can be rearranged to spellteshuvah,תשבה),Rosh Chodesh (which has similar qualities toRosh HaShanah andYom Kippur), or similar days.
According to the instructions of RabbiMenachem Mendel Schneerson it is also customary for Chasidim to hold afarbrengen with their friends on their birthday, and Rabbi Schneerson encouraged all Jews to do so. Afarbrengen is also held on the occasion of one's engagement and wedding. Thus,farbrengens are held often.
The goal of thefarbrengen is to inspire one to grow in his spirituality.
Farbrengens are typically held on the followingChabad holidays:
Atfarbrengens it is customary to sing Hasidic melodies known asniggunim (singular:niggun). Chabad tradition contains many hundreds of such tunes, both slow and soul-stirring, and fast and lively. The goal is for the niggun to inspire and open the hearts of the participants.Zemiros are not sung.
All attending wishlechaim (blessings of life) to one another. The reason for thel'chaim is to open the hearts of the participants to be inspired to want to change, and internalize what is being spoken at thefarbrengen. In addition, since thefarbrengen often includes discussion about very sensitive matters, with pointed criticism, alcohol is consumed in order to lessen the tension amongst the participants. However, it is only meant to be drunk sparingly, as RabbiMenachem Mendel Schneerson forbade drinking more than four shot glasses of alcohol ("l'chaims") for anyone under the age of 40.
Allfarbrengens include songs (aniggun) and speech, the speaker taking breaks for song.
Generally speaking, there are three possible formats for afarbrengen:
Farbrengens are customarily gender-segregated; most commonly nowadays this is done through separate farbrengens for each gender,[4] although the Rebbe hosted farbrengens with both genders present but separated by amechitza.[5] Awomen's farbrengen is nowadays afarbrengen for women only, although the Rebbe hosted at least one in which the women sat in the men's section while the men sat in the women's section.[5]
TheAlter Rebbe related that a "note fell down from the Heavens," containing the following: "What a Hasidicfarbrengen can achieve, even the angelMichael cannot achieve".[6] However, in popular speech, most chasidim attribute the saying to RavHillel Paritcher. This power stems from the idea that when God, regarded as our father, sees that His children are sitting together in unity and love, He is then aroused with a desire to fulfill all their requests, even those of which they would not be worthy via normal means, such as via the advocacy of Michoel, the defending angel of the Jewish people. Indeed, Chasidic tradition includes many stories of people who were saved by taking part in afarbrengen and being thereby blessed.
Farbrengen literally means "get together". It is called this name so theevil inclination will be fooled to think that this is just like any other get together and will not be on guard and try to get the person to ignore the inspiration of the gathering.
There is a Chabad Chasidic saying "when two get together to talk of their spiritual failings, it is twoGodly souls vs. oneanimal soul."[7] The reasoning is, the Godly souls are selfless and are more than happy to unite and help each other in the spiritual failing at hand. However, the animal soul is innately selfish and thus each animal soul will not join forces. Thus, at afarbrengen, when Chassidim get together to inspire one another, they have the help of each other's Godly souls, greatly out-numbering the animal souls.