After six months of dedicated study and iyun in Likkutei Sichos, a powerful and uplifting siyum event was held by the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim in Kfar Chabad, bringing the “Halikut” initiative to a close.
Hundreds of bochurim packed the hall as outstanding participants were tested on Volume 21, a “Chosson Halikut” was crowned, and prestigious prizes—including a ticket to the Rebbe—were awarded.
Over recent months, Yeshivos Tomchei Tmimim across Eretz Yisroel experienced an extraordinary surge in learning. What began as an ambitious initiative by the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim Haolami evolved into a full-fledged revolution in seder hasichos. The “Halikut” program infused fresh energy into the study of the Rebbe’s Torah, with hundreds of bochurim immersing themselves not only in mastery, but in deep analysis and understanding of the sichos.
A clear sign of the program’s success came in the publication of comprehensive kovetz he’aros, filled with chiddushim and in-depth discussions written by the bochurim themselves—demonstrating a genuine connection to the material.
The grand event opened with a comprehensive written test on Volume 21, where the tmimim displayed remarkable proficiency. Following Mincha, each participant received a special teshura —a Mincha-Maariv siddur branded with the initiative’s logo—and the evening continued with an interactive quiz using advanced clicker technology. The top five performers received valuable seforim sets.
A second round followed for the top 15 bochurim who led the cumulative scoring throughout the program, culminating in a public final round. The six finalists who advanced were:
Mendel Mendel Ish Beis (Kfar Chabad), Avraham Weiss (Kiryat Gat), Reuven Chazan (Kfar Chabad), Yisroel Chayivi (Migdal HaEmek), Menachem Mendel Cohen (Kiryat Gat), and Yosef Yitzchok Hakohen Roth (Kfar Chabad).
The panel of examiners included a number of roshei yeshiva and ramim: Rabbi Zusha Alperovitz, mashpia at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kiryat Gat; Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Belinov, rosh yeshiva of Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad; Rabbi Menachem Dov Dobroskin, mashpia at Tomchei Tmimim Migdal HaEmek; and Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Segal, ram at Yeshivas Toras Emes.
The rabbanim presented the bochurim with open-ended and complex questions, and the tmimim demonstrated full mastery in their knowledge of the sichos and the fine nuances of the explanations.
The program concluded with a grand event attended by rabbonim, members of the Beis Din Rabbonei Chabad in Eretz Yisroel, roshei yeshiva, and mashpiim.
The event opened with the recitation of the Rebbe’s and Rebbetzin’s kapitlach, followed by tzedakah. Master of ceremonies Rabbi Dovid Olidort highlighted the tremendous simcha generated by the initiative, noting that every bochur who completed the volume is considered a “chosson,” and extended heartfelt mazal tov wishes.
Divrei hisorerus on the importance of learning Likkutei Sichos were delivered by leading rabbonim, including Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Gluckowsky, and Rabbi Shneur Zalman Yaroslavsky. The keynote address was delivered by Rabbi Yitzchok Goldberg, Rosh Yeshiva of Migdal HaEmek, with additional remarks by Rabbi Menachem Farkash of Tzfas.
Emotional moments were felt during a video presentation highlighting the Rebbe’s special encouragement for learning Likkutei Sichos—especially writing he’aros and iyunim. A summary video showcased the immense scope of the program and thanked all those who contributed to its success.
Recognition was given to the yeshiva hanhalos, maggidei shiur, mashpiim, and the bochurim who coordinated the program in each yeshiva. Special thanks were extended to the editorial team of He’aros U’biyurim, the designers, and the organizers—led by program director Mendel Edrei—for their dedication throughout the six months.
Gratitude was also expressed to the generous donors, including Rabbi Shmuel Yeshayahu, Rabbi Eliyahu Schlossberg, Keren Meromim, and Rabbi Berel Lazar.
To resounding applause, the winners were announced:
Chosson Halikut:
Hatamim Menachem Mendel Hakohen Cohen (Shiur Gimmel, Kiryat Gat), who received a full set of the Rebbe’s Torah and a ticket to the Rebbe.
Sganei Hachosson:
Hatmimim Yosef Yitzchok Hakohen Roth and Menachem Mendel Ish Beis (Shiur Beis, Kfar Chabad), who each received a set of Likkutei Sichos and half a ticket to the Rebbe.
The director of the Vaad, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Kanelesky, shared that the feedback he received shows the tremendous success of the “Halikut” initiative beyond expectations, with all the tmimim who took part in the program happy and uplifted simply by the fact that they merited to complete an entire volume of Likkutei Sichos from cover to cover.
After Birchas Hamazon with a zimun over a kos, led by the Chosson Halikut, followed by Maariv, the tmimim left with the special teshura “Hu Bachayim.”
The evening concluded with a tremendous sense of satisfaction and a firm resolution by hundreds of tmimim to continue to delve deeper into the Torah of the Rebbe, with the understanding that this brings true nachas ruach to the Rebbe.
