260 Bochurim Pass Sichos Test

Two hundred and sixty Bochurim from ten Yeshivos passed the first test of the Halikut program run by the Vaad Hatmimim in conjunction with the Shluchim of each Yeshiva. The test, given last week, included questions on the Sichos of the Rebbe from Chelek Chof, on Parshiyos Lech Lecha, Vayeira and Chayei Sarah.

Launched last month, Halikut encourages bochurim to learn and memorize the entire Chelek Chof of Likkutei Sichos.

Representatives of Halikut traveled to each participating Yeshiva to administer the test. “The Bochurim studied hard,” says Mendel Levertov, who administered the test in the Mesivta of New Haven, “and those who passed were really proud of how well they learned and understood the Sichos.”

The test was the first of three scheduled in preparation for the grand test which will be taken in New York, the day after Yud Shevat, on all the Sichos studied. Those who pass all four tests will receive a significant prize: Those who learn one sicha a week during the twelve weeks of the program will be awarded a set of Sefer Hasichos. Those who complete the entire Chelek will receive a set of Toras Menachem – Hisvaaduyos. Additionally, the top scoring Bochur will be presented with a full library of all the Rebbe’s Torah published by Kehos.

“Seeing the Bochurim eagerly learning the Sichos and preparing for the tests reminds me of the anticipation we had in the good old days,” says Rabbi Amram Farkash, Menahel of Yeshivas Ohr Elchonon in Los Angeles, California, recalling the Likkut that would be published each week after being edited by the Rebbe, “I haven’t seen such a Koch in Likkutei Sichos in many years – as far back as I can remember. Bochurim are spending all their free time learning sichos.”

Rabbi Zushe Wilhelm, Rosh Yeshiva of Oholei Torah Mesivta explains, “When a Bochur “Kocht Zich” in Likkutei Sichos, his entire day is different. He begins to live with the Rebbe in his mind and heart.”

The effect of the program was seen in the way many of the Bochurim awoke an extra hour before the start of their day to study the sichos.

“A Bochur who lives with Likkutei Sichos,” says Rabbi Wilhelm, “even brings a Chayus in Chassidus to those around him. As we say, ‘Mimenu Yiru V’chein Ya’asu’—others will learn from his example.”