The sweet strains of song and the trill of Torah study could be heard by passers-by on Chicago’s California Ave. At Yeshivas Ohr Eliyahu- Lubavitch Mesivta of Chicago, more than 250 had gathered for the biennial father-and-son Shabbaton.
Fathers, including prominent rabbonim and communal leaders, came from as far as Manchester and Turkey for the event, in which they are fully immersed in the rhythm of yeshivah life.
To accommodate the overflow crowd, special furniture was rented and meals were held at nearby Congregation Ezras Israel. Many out-of-town fathers were hosted by local families, who graciously opened their homes to them.
Throughout the weekend, fathers and sons enjoyed spirited tefillos, learning sessions, delicious Shabbos meals, and inspiring farbrengens together.
Since its founding in 1996, the Mesivta has grown to accommodate 144 students and now operates out of several buildings along California Ave., including the former Migdal Torah campus.
At the culminating melava malka, Rabbi Yosef Y. Jacobson, whose son is a Mesivta student, shared how special the weekend had been for him, as he watched his son flourish in an environment where Torah study, personal growth, and Chassidic values are fostered by the staff, whom he described as exemplary.
Speaking for the parents, he expressed his hakaras hatov to the dedicated rabbeim and members of the hanhalah, who care for each student and shower them with encouragement, guidance and attention.
