Longtime Chavrusas Mark Siyum

By: Dovid Zulauf

It happened on Shabbas Yud Shevat in 2008 at the Lubavitch Headquarters on Eastern Parkway – 770.

Rabbi Yosef Katzman was talking with a friend and noticed a new face in the crowd. Rabbi Katzman introduced himself and Gershon Felberbaum from Monsey, NY replied with a warm handshake. After a few brief words Rabbi Katzman asked Gershon Felberbaum if he wanted to learn Chasidus together.

That moment began a close friendship and the beginning of a new chavrusa. Gershon would travel every day from Monsey to Crown Heights to learn with his new chavrusa the Mamar Samech Vav. They learned diligently every night and reviewed each Mamar four – five times until they understood the depth of each concept and it permeated their very being. As the years went on Gershon married and moved to Crown Heights.

As the years went on and their friendship grew, Yosef and Gershon studiously continued in learning the Mamar Samech Vav.

Recently they finished learning the Mamar and held a Siyum at Bais Hakneses Anash on Montgomery Street.

During the Siyum Yosef and Gershon stressed establishing fixed times to learn Chasidus, and how learning Chasidus should affect you and change your life. They also spoke about the mitzvah of Ahavas Yisrael and making this world a dwelling place for Hashem.

Many stories of the Rebbe and alter Chasidim were told regarding their Mesiras Nefesh for spreading Chasidus and how they davened at length.

The Siyum concluded with a L’Chaim that the Redemption is overdue and “We want Moshiach Now.”