1. Opening Remarks and Personal Connections
The farbrengen began with words of introduction, highlighting the honor of having Rabbi Kirshel Volosov as the guest speaker. He shared a personal anecdote about arriving prepared with notes on his iPhone, only to have the device die just as he arrived—reminding him of a story connected to the Baal Shem Tov. In that story, a talented student was chosen to lead the prayers in the Baal Shem Tov’s shul and had prepared notes to ensure proper kavana—intent. When he lost his notes, he was devastated but davened from the heart, and the Baal Shem Tov remarked that it was the most beautiful davening he had ever heard. This set the tone for heartfelt words rather than scripted remarks.
Rabbi Volosov expressed gratitude to Rabbi and Mrs. Fogelman for inviting him and acknowledged the special energy that comes from joining another community’s farbrengen. He reminisced about his longstanding relationship with Rabbi Fogelman and his father, emphasizing their dedication to Torah study and community building in Worcester and beyond. He also shared a fond memory of Mrs. Fogelman’s father, who was his beloved third-grade teacher and gifted him a unique tehillim—Book of Psalms with Yiddish translation, which left a lasting impression.
2. The Significance of Chai Elul
Today is Chai Elul—the 18th day of Elul, which means “life” or “living.” This day is meant to infuse energy (chiyus) into our service during Elul as we prepare for Rosh Hashanah. From Chai Elul there are twelve days left until Rosh Hashanah, corresponding to the twelve months of the year—each day serving as an opportunity for reflection and spiritual accounting for one month gone by.
Chai Elul is also celebrated as the birthday of both the Baal Shem Tov and the Alter Rebbe (Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi). While adults often shy away from birthday celebrations, in Torah we do find significance in birthdays—for example, when Moshe Rabbeinu was born, “the house was filled with light.” The Rebbe explains this as more than just physical light: it represents bringing warmth and illumination not just to oneself but to everyone around.
3. The Birthdays of Leaders: More Than Personal Milestones
The birth of Moshe Rabbeinu brought light not only to himself but to his entire environment—a lesson in leadership that extends to all generations. When Haman sought an auspicious time for his decree against the Jews, he chose Adar because it was when Moshe passed away; however, he overlooked that Moshe’s birth in Adar brought such positive power that it outweighed any negativity.
Similarly, celebrating the birthdays of the Baal Shem Tov and Alter Rebbe is not merely marking personal milestones but recognizing their transformative impact on all Jewish life. Their births brought spiritual light and warmth at times when Jews were suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually—reviving a nation that felt faint or lifeless.
4. The Baal Shem Tov’s Revolution: Valuing Every Jew
The Baal Shem Tov emerged during a period when many Jews were impoverished in every sense—materially, spiritually, emotionally—and often excluded by scholarly elites who looked down on simple Jews lacking formal Torah education. Many could not attend cheder—Jewish school—and grew up ignorant of Torah learning despite their sincere hearts.
The Baal Shem Tov taught that every Jew is precious before Hashem regardless of knowledge or status. Sometimes Hashem values the prayer and devotion of a simple Jew even more than scholarly insights. He would travel from town to town awakening people from their spiritual faintness by sharing stories from Torah and Midrash, showing love and encouragement simply by asking how they were doing or prompting them to say “thank you Hashem” (Baruch Hashem). This approach revived Jewish joy in serving Hashem with passion rather than mere survival.
5. Models of Leadership: From Noach to Moshe Rabbeinu
Rabbi Volosov contrasted different models of leadership using examples from Torah: Noach built an ark but waited for people to come ask him about it; he did not actively pray or advocate for others’ salvation. Avraham Avinu pleaded with Hashem on behalf of Sodom but stopped once he saw no righteous people remained.
Moshe Rabbeinu stands apart: after witnessing Yisroel’s greatest sin—the golden calf—he pleaded unconditionally for forgiveness even at risk to himself (“erase me from Your book if You will not forgive them”). This selfless love defined true leadership: never giving up on any Jew no matter how far they seemed.
6. The Ongoing Legacy: Chabad Outreach and Transformation
The Baal Shem Tov’s message lives on through Chabad shluchim worldwide who reach out without judgment or concern for personal comfort—dedicating themselves wholly to their communities’ spiritual needs rather than pursuing private gain or leisure.
The Rebbe likened this outreach to waking someone sleeping in a burning house—they may resent being disturbed at first but ultimately express deep gratitude for being saved. Thousands have thanked shluchim for reigniting their souls’ connection through Torah, mitzvos, prayer, and love—nourishing what material pleasures alone cannot satisfy.
7. The Alter Rebbe: Bringing Depth Into Reach
On Chai Elul we also celebrate the birth of the Alter Rebbe who took the Baal Shem Tov’s teachings further by making them accessible through intellect (Chochma Bina Daas, or Chabad). He enabled Jews not only to believe but also understand godliness—to meditate deeply so that connection with Hashem becomes internalized within one’s very being.
Today we benefit from translations and teachings that make these once-esoteric ideas available even in communities far removed from Eastern Europe—a testament to how Chassidus has spread its light globally.
8. Lessons From Chinese Food: Seeing Hidden Potential Everywhere
A humorous interlude addressed why Chinese food is served at Jewish celebrations—a nod both to communal tastes and deeper symbolism. Just as one should not judge a Jew by outward appearance but recognize hidden spiritual potential within every soul (as taught by the Baal Shem Tov), so too can something seemingly foreign be transformed into something meaningful within Jewish life.
This reflects a core teaching: don’t focus on what something appears now; look at its potential for transformation—whether it’s real estate or cuisine or most importantly another person.
9. Closing Blessings and Reflections on Community
Rabbi Volosov concluded by expressing appreciation for finally entering this particular shul after years visiting only its mikveh—and recognizing many familiar faces from Sharon who helped build this vibrant community. He offered heartfelt blessings that Rabbi Fogelman and Rebbetzin continue leading with strength; may this community grow ever stronger in unity (hakhel—gathering) and connection.