Now, this is exciting! Rabbi Avtzon launched a new initiative last week and it is already pulling in the crowds. Each afternoon before Mincha, we're hosting a shiur at the New Centre. At the moment, the shiur starts at 4:30 each afternoon.
Already about 10 men come each day- and you could join them!
The shiurim are given by: Mendy Shishlers on Sunday, Rabbi Ari Shishler on Mondays, Rabbi Levi Avtzon on Tuesdays and Thursdays and David Alswang on Wednesdays.
There are refreshments on hand too :)
Wow! What we packed into four days in NY could have rivalled the Iron Man. It certainly was worthwhile- what a trip!
Day one saw started spiritually in the Rebbe's room and library and continued from the studios of Jewish Educational Media to the sparkling view from atop the Rockefeller Centre.
We spent our Friday morning at the Ohel (resting place of the Rebbe) , where we learned about the power of davening at such a holy place. The group then spent time formatting petitions for brochos and davening at the Ohel.
Despite the unexpected downpour, most of the crowd remained there davening in the rain (which was incredibly inspiring to see).
Then the rain really came down, trapping us for longer than expected at the Ohel (not a bad thing). Most of the group managed to get off to the famed "Pomegranate" all-kosher supermarket in Flatbush, while one group of us remained behind due to weather-traffic issues and eventually headed back to Crown Heights (and a delicious lunch at the new Basil restaurant- highly recommended).
Chassidic artist, Michoel Muchnik opened his gallery for us before Shabbos and then the classic Crown Heights air-raid Shabbos siren signalled that as long as a summer Friday looks, Shabbos always comes in before you expect it. 
Friday night Shul in 770 was powerful and inspiring- you would never have guessed that a huge segment of the community was away for the summer. The reverberating singing and chorus of "Amen!" makes for a highly inspiring davening. An added bonus was sitting next to expat Dr. Eli Rosen, who gave our group a very warm welcome.
Meanwhile, the women enjoyed a spiritual session with Shimona Tzukernik (also an expat) on the meaning of the Shabbos candles. Dinner only started at 10pm, but was a culinary adventure (loads of food, thanks to Rabbi Avtzon's aunt, our hostess), song and Torah thoughts.
Shabbos day included another bout at 770 (with a very protective Crown Heightser who ensured that everyone was guided through the davening experience), a post-Shul farbrengen at "Getzels' (a shtibel with a good compliment of expats), lunch with Rabbi Moshe Klein (our local Rabbi Klein's brother) and an excellent shiur by Shimonah. You'd think with all that eating, nobody would be ready for another meal after Shabbos, but we managed another restaurant stop anyway. (If you haven't picked it up, we ate fortunes of great food on this trip).
Sunday took us back to the Ohel (this time in gorgeous weather) and with a few extra recruits who were inspired to join us too. Please G-d, we should all receive the brochos that we davened for.
We also managed to experience the uniquely creative Jewish Children's Museum- which was mind-blowing! The creativity and thought that has gone into making this Disney-style fact-packed educational experience that is as inspiring for adults as it is to kids.
All in all, the whole NY trip was amazing!
It is just wonderful to spend time with members of our community in the vibrant and inspiring atmosphere of NYC.
Today, we had the privelege of davening in the Rebbe's room, where he would receive tens of thousands of people for private audiences. The room is only open at certain times and is a very holy place to daven.
Everyone was impressed by just how jacked-up their operation is. Add to that some delicious ice cream, NY deli supper 
The first of our group (me included) jets off to New York this evening. PG towards the end of the week, all 17 of us will be together for a very powerful, life-altering experience.
Please check back here to see updates and pics from the trip.
