Rambam Siyum Marked in NY

Photos: Shimon Roumani

Thousands participated in the “Siyum Horambam Haolomi” (“International Siyum Hormbam,”) as the Rebbe named it, held Sunday in Crown Heights on the day of the conclusion of the 33nd cycle for those who learned 3 Perokim (chapters) per day, and for the 11th time for those who learned 1 Perek (chapter) per day, and for those who learned Sefer Hamitzvos.

“Although this is the 33rd cycle, we see that the Rebbe’s directive is not fading but rather growing from year to year,” said one of the participants.

The Grand International Siyum started with the Perek of the Rebbe said by the participants Posuk by Posuk.

Several videos of the Rebbe were shown where the Rebbe speaks about the Rambam and the importance of learning Rambam.

The chairman of the International Siyum Horambam Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Director of Tzeirei Agudas Chabad Hamerkozis, spoke about the connection of the Siyum Horambam that comes 3 days before the festival of Chanukah. In the very last Halocho the Rambam says that during the time before the coming of Moshiach “The Jewish people will be great scholars and “Will understand hidden matters.” This is a reference to the concealed part of the Torah as the Zohar refers to oil as “Rozin DeRozin” –“The secret of Secrets.” So the last Halocho in Rambam speaks about the concealed part of the Torah “hidden matters” and Chanukah when we celebrate the “Miracle of Oil” stands for the concealed part of the Torah.

Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba, Rabbi Yaacov Schwei and Rabbi Yosef Braun, members of the Crown Heights Beis Din spoke about the importance of the learning of the Rambam and encouraged the community to increase in learning and in spreading Torah and Chassidus.

Rabbi Yitzchok Rabinovitch, representing the Chassidus of Boyan said that although thirty three years passed since the beginning of the Takono by the Rebbe, we see that it is becoming stronger from year to year. “We see here the power of the Rebbe. By continuing to do what the Rebbe wants we get all the rewards of following Tzadikim.”

Rabbi Mordechai Weiss, Rosh Yeshivah and brother -in-law of the Munkacher Rebbe spoke of the great unity that takes place due to the learning of Torah. This unity is magnified through the daily learning of the same particular Perek of the Rambam. This forms a unity that brings the greatest blessings for all of Klal Yisroel.

Rabbi Eliezer Boim, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivas Yagdil Torah of Gur told several stories of the Rebbe some of which he heard that very same day from a Jew to whom he said that he will speak at the Grand Siyum Horambam. “I leave here encouraged and invigorated from the great enthusiasm in learning and completing Rambam every single year.

On behalf of Chassidus Tzanz Klausenburg Rabbi Shlomo Lazer, Rav of Kehilas Shefa Chayim of Tzanz Klausenburg in Boro Park said that you see the profound influence that the Rebbe has today with tens of thousands coming to the Ohel and getting helped. The Rebbe showed the world what it means to care for another Jew.

Representing the Rebbe of Skver and the Chassidus of Skver, Dayan of Skver in Boro Park, Rabbi Yisochor Ber Einhorn told a personal story a first-hand story of the Rebbe that he heard from one of his friends. He continued to make the Siyum. Rabbi Einhorn stressed that through the learning of the Rambam instituted by the Rebbe, one will merit all the Brochos of life, children and great Parnoso (sustenance).

Participating and giving his blessing was Rabbi Yaakov Boruch Ledereich, brother-in-law of the Stoliner Rebbe and the Rov of the Stoliner Shul in Boro Park.

The Rosh Yeshivah of Tzemach Tzadik of Viznitz, Rabbi Mechel Daskal made the “Hascholo” – by starting the beginning of the 34th cycle of the Rambam. The speaker mesmerized the great throng when he read a special message from the Viznitzer Rebbe in Eretz Yisroel. He preceded the message by saying that the Viznitzer Rebbe came to see the Rebbe several times and was greatly inspired by the Rebbe. In the message the Viznitzer Rebbe speaks of the Rebbe as the leader who rejoices with the joys and Simchos of the people and who agonizes with the troubles and the Tzoros of the people.

Rabbi Daskal recalled with great trepidation that he had the zechus of being by the Rebbe for “Dollars” on Sunday, 26 Adar 1 5752, one day before the sad day of Chof Zayin Adar Rishon. “I remember, like today, that I had the great zechus that the Rebbe counted seven dollars to give me for my family. I came late in the day and I was among the last ones to receive dollars from the Rebbe.“ Rabbi Daskal concluded that it is absolutely impossible to comprehend the magnitude of the continuation of the activities of the Rebbe in all parts of the world.

Rabbi Gershon Tannenbaum, Executive Director of Iggud Horabonim, the Rabbinical Alliance of America, addressed the crowd and exclaimed that the grand picture of all Chabad Shluchim, in front of Chabad Headquarters 770 Eastern Parkway, just a few short weeks ago, represented the greatest picture of activity.

At the end of the Siyum Horambam Haolomi there was a special treat – a lively performance by Yossi Cohen and his Kapele Choir sang Chassidishe niggunim as the large crowd sang and danced with great spirit and enthusiasm.

Indeed this was an electrifying event. One of the participants from a known Chassidic dynasty said, “The Rebbe was there.”

The crowed left in great spirits. Although it is 33 years from the Takono, the learning of the Rambam and Siyum Horambam continues with added strength and enthusiasm.

“This was indeed electrifying to hear how Rabbonim of different communities speak with such great awe hislahavus (spiritual enthusiasm) about the Rebbe,” said an excited participant.

The conclusion: We must continue with added strength to follow the Rebbe’s directives and help prepare the world for that great moment of the Geulo Shleimo.
Rabbi Butman thanked his son Rabbi Yossi Butman for the exceptional organization of the Siyum Horambam Haolomi.

The Chairman announced that Bezras Hashem the next Siyum will be held in Yerusholayim, on the 6th day of Kislev 5776 with the participation of the Rambam and the Rebbe.