Visitors from around the world gathered at the resting place of the Rebbe—Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, of righteous memory—in advance of and following the anniversary of his passing, which began on Friday night. More than 50,000 people visited the resting place in the days prior to and after the yahrtzeit, and countless others observed the day of passing worldwide. Photos by Bentzi Sasson
Rabbi Abraham Shemtov, chairman of Agudas Chassidei Chabad, the umbrella organization of the Chabad-Lubavitch movement, reads a general petition for blessing at the resting place.
People from all walks of Jewish life wait patiently on long lines to enter the Old Montefiore cemetery in Queens, N.Y. The Rebbe’s yahrtzeit is observed annually on the third day of the Hebrew month of Tammuz on the Jewish calendar. This year, that date began on the night of Friday, June 19, and lasted through Shabbat.
The Ohel draws hundreds of thousands of people annually in search of blessings and prayers. They come at all times of the day and night from throughout the world, and represent different religious backgrounds, affiliations and groups.
Videos of the rebbe were displayed for those in line.
Women and men wait separately before entering the resting place.
A boy pens a letter in the large study hall at the site.
In addition to letters written at the site, millions of letters from around the world are being sent via email, fax and in person via those bringing packets from others, which will be delivered at the resting place. Throughout the year, people continue to send letters to be placed at the Ohel for the Rebbe’s guidance and intervention On High, in the age-old tradition of written prayer petitions at our holiest sites.
For those wishing to send a letter at any time, click here.
Throughout most the year, visitors have the opportunity to spend time at the resting place, but due to the small space and large crowds during the days around the yahrtzeit and other Jewish holidays, only a few moments are available. Before departing, visitors read their petitions, tear them up and leave them at the resting place.
A boy at the final resting place of both the Rebbe and his father-in-law, Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn, of righteous memory.
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