By COLlive reporter
Photos: Aharon Gelis
After months of preparation, three hundred Chabad bochurim gathered at Chabad of Great Neck, NY Sunday for a full day Halikut siyum event.
The bochurim first took the final test of this year’s Halikut program. The finalists then appeared in an on-stage competition where they were tested by the choizrim on a full sefer of Likkutei Sichos of the Rebbe.
The day’s programs also included a Crossfire event for the bochurim to pose anonymous questions to a panel of experienced Rabonim and Mashpiyim, on an array of topics of concern and interest to bochurim. The panelists were Rabbi Yossi Klein of Baltimore, Rabbi Meir Chaim Posner of New Haven, and Rabbi Leima Wilhelm of Morristown. It was moderated by Rabbi Hertzel Pevzner.
Now in its third year, the Halikut program is revolutionary in its effectiveness on bochurim’s learning. Each bochur takes three general tests which then qualify him to attend the Halikut Siyum, where the grand test is taken on all the Sichos at once. This in effect requires the Bochurim to review the Sichos many times so that they remember all the details of the entire sefer.
For the on-stage competition, moderated by Rabbi Shmuly Avtzon, Bochurim proved their knowledge on a full Sefer of Likkutei Sichos. They were tested by Choizrim Rabbi Nachman Schapiro, Rabbi Avrohom Gerlitzky and Rabbi Sholom Charitonow.
Finalists were Meir Shlomo Greenberg of Morristown, Menachem Mendel Shneiderman of Chovevei Torah Zal, and Menachem Mendel Majesky of Baltimore. The winner was Menachem Mendel Shneiderman of Chovevei Torah Zal.
The program concluded with a Banquet dinner addressed by Rabbi Avrohom Gerlitzky and a keynote address by Los Angeles Mashpia Rabbi Mendy Shapiro.
New for this year, a set of Sichos Kodesh will be gifted to those passing the full sefer for their third year.
Special thanks were given to the organizers of the Halikut program, a project of Vaad Hatmimim led with dedication by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Altein, together with Halikut’s organizers Tzvi Alperowitz, Boruch Ceitlin and Peretz Garelik. Thanks were also given to all the shluchim of each participating yeshiva that made Halikut possible, especially Mendel Goldman, Berel Marazow, and Menachem Schmerling for all their tireless effort.
To support these programs, visit thebochurim.com to donate.
My son attended and he said it was one of the most inspiring events he’s ever been to. Thank you so much to the organizers of this wonderful program. Mchayol El choyil!!