The Siyum HoRambam Haolomi, as it was called by the Rebbe, was celebrated in grand style with over 15,000 in attendance, and was reported on many Jewish media outlets.
With a large stage in front of the Lubavitch World Headquarters at 770 Eastern Parkway the Siyum HoRambam Haolomi was graced by prominent rabbonim and community leaders.
The police Department closed off two long blocks of the usually bustling parkway. The program was extraordinary, uplifting, inspiring and conducted with military precision. Everything together contributed to being a very electrifying event with an unforgettable impact.
“This is a unique triple celebration,” said Rabbi Shmuel Butman, chairman of Siyum HoRambam Haolomi. “It is for those who learned three Prokim per day, for those who learned one Perek per day and for those who learned Sefer Hamitzvos. It also has a special significance as it is in the year of Hakhel.”
Giving Torah study its deserving honor, the event was focused on encouraging the assembled crowd to strengthen and improve their daily study of Rambam, in accordance with the Rebbe’s takonah. A great focus was put on inspiring more and more people to join the Rebbe’s takonah.
The Siyum was made by Rabbi Yaakov Peretz Bluming for authoring a commentary on the Rambam. The Hascholo and beginning of the 43rd cycle was made by Rabbi Meir Elituv for his sefer Pardes Hamelech gathering the Rebbe’s explanations on the Rambam.
In honor of this great celebration particular messages were sent by the chief rabbis of Israel Rabbi Yitzchak Yosef and Rabbi Dovid Lau, as well as the former chief Rabbi of Israel, and presently chief rabbi of Yerushalayim, Rabbi Shlomo Amar. The rabbonim praised the idea of having set times for Torah study every day, and the greatness of the Rebbe’s takanah, which has been adopted by Klal Yisroel. Their insightful words resonated with the attendees, amplifying the event’s atmosphere of celebration and introspection.
Mr. Yitzchak Herzog, the president of Israel, spoke in his message about the great takonah of the Rebbe to learn Rambam daily and the work of the Chabad Lubavitch movement: “There is always something to learn. There is always another Mitzvah to do. There is always another Jew with whom you can do kindness.”
The president of Israel continued: “In the place where you are gathered to conclude the learning 770, I stood with my father Mr. Chaim Herzog of blessed memory, at that time the Ambassador of Israel to the United Nations and later the president of the country. This was decades ago. I was privileged to receive a blessing from the Rebbe which left a great impression on me and remains with me till this very day.”
The audience was also treated to an exhilarating musical performance by renowned singers Avraham Fried, Benny Friedman, and Eli Marcus, together with an orchestra conducted by Choni Mileki and the children’s choir Yingerlich of young Chassidic children from Skver-Town and Boro Park. Their harmonious renditions added a dynamic dimension to the celebration, lifting spirits and invigorating the crowd.
In between speeches and songs, a series of inspiring videos were screened. These narratives showcased the transformative power of the Rambam’s teachings on individual lives and underscored the profound impact of Jewish learning.
Rabbi Butman extended special appreciation to Mayor Eric Adams, who has shown steadfast support to the Crown Heights Jewish community for over two decades. His commitment, alongside the efforts of Ingrid Lewis-Martin, Chief Advisor to the Mayor, Joel Eisdorfer, Senior Advisor to the Mayor, and Fred Kreizman, Commissioner of Community Affairs Unit (CAU) who ensured that the celebration ran smoothly and safely.
Rabbi Butman praised the diligent work of the NYPD, specifically Lieutenant Ira Jablonsky, Inspector Richie Taylor, Inspector Joseph Hayward, and particularly Sergeant Mike Baratta, which contributed greatly to the event’s success.
Rabbi Butman thanked Rabbi Chanina Sperlin, Executive Vice President of the Crown Heights Jewish Community Council Government Affairs for his great help, Rabbi Yossi Butman and Rabbi Mendel Mintz for their outstanding work, Rabbi Eli Newman, Rabbi Mendel Braun, Rabbi Shmuly Butler, Rabbi Shmuly Wudowsky, Mendy Hirsch and Bentzi Sudak for their great help in the Siyum Horambam. “Der Rebbe blaybt nit kein baal chov” – “the Rebbe does not remain in debt.”
As we look back on this grand Siyum HaRambam, we don’t just see a completion of a cycle of study, but a celebration of our resilient and united community. As we embark on another cycle of shared learning, we carry the spirit of this Siyum with us, ready to inspire, uplift and prepare the world for the coming of Moshiach as the Rambam says at the Siyum of his sefer “and the world will be filled with the knowledge of Hashem as the waters cover the sea.”
Yes, thank you to all of you for making this beautiful Suyim Harambam I also I would like to give a big thank you to the NYPD. Thank you to mayor Eric Adams thank you to the community council and let’s not forget thank you, Hashem