This past Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Jewish community united for a Siyum Harambam celebrating the completion of both the annual and three-year cycles.
The event was hosted collaboratively by Pittsburgh Zal and Bnai Emunoh Chabad in partnership with Chabad of Western PA.
A large attendance, Baruch Hashem, included members of Anash, as well as Bachurim from both the Zal and Mesivta.
The community was uplifted by Divrei Chizuk delivered by Rabbi Daniel Yolkut of Congregation Poaleh Tzedek and Rabbi Yitzy Genack of Congregation Shaareh Torah. They stressed the deep significance of learning the daily portion of Rambam and urged attendees to embrace this opportunity for consistent, comprehensive growth in Torah learning.
Rabbi Yisroel Rosenfeld, Head Shliach of Chabad of Western PA, shared Divrei Torah focusing on the special significance of this being the 45th Siyum, making it a celebration for everyone studying Rambam, regardless of whether they complete one perek or three.
Rabbi Ephraim Lerner discussed the Rambam’s halacha concerning the mitzvah of Mishloach Manos when one has only a single meal, noting that the obligation is fulfilled even if the item given is later returned.
Rabbi Mendy Volfman led the Siyum on the Rambam, while Reb Chaim Soblick initiated the Haschalah.
Raffi Kurtach, a Talmid of the Zal, delivered a talk connecting Hashem’s creation of the world with Nevius. He explained that this link stems from the Rambam’s teaching that Nevius is only attained after self-improvement, demonstrating Hashem’s deliberate and specific connection with the world through the necessity of personal betterment.
Finally, Rabbi Betzalel Bassman presented certificates to those who completed Hilchos Ribis as part of the Semichas Chaver Chabad program.
Special thanks to Rabbi Mendel Goldwasser and Rabbi Mendel Friedman for arranging this event.
