Thousands at Siyum Harambam

Thousands attended the International Siyum Harambam ceremony that took place in Brooklyn’s Crown Heights Sunday, completing the 28th learning cycle of the Mishne Torah.

Rabbi Avrohom Osdoba was honored to make the completion, while his collegue at the Crown Heights Bais Din Rabbi Yaacov Schwei began the new cycle that was instituted by the Rebbe.

Held at the Oholei Torah ballroom, the event was emceed by the organizer Rabbi Shmuel Butman, Excutive Director of Lubavitch Youth Organization.

Chazzan Moshe Teleshevsky began with reading the Rebbe’s Capital 109 in Tehillim, which was followed by a video of the Rebbe making a Siyum on the Rambam.

Noting that 28 is the numerical value of the Hebrew word koach (strength), Rabbi Butman explained how the number is connected with the ultimate redemption.

He then introduced philanthropist Sholom Ber Drizin, who dedicated the ceremoney in memory of his late father Reb Avrohom Drizin (Mayor), a known Mashpia.

“Although he was involved and dedicated his life to the activities of the Tomchei Temimim Yeshiva in Russia, he was not arrested, which the Gemara mentions as a special merit,” said Sholom Ber.

The guest speaker was Israel’s Chief Rabbi Yona Metzger who recalled the blessing the Rebbe gave him. “I was elected to my position beacuse of it and it guides me in my work,” he stated.

He was warmly greeted by Rabbi Leibel Groner, one of the Rebbe’s secretaries who was present at that encounter in 770.

Another speaker who brought up memories was Rabbi Eliezer Baum, Rosh Yeshivas Yagdil Torah of Ger, who used to attened the weekly Chassidus classes by the ‘Chozer’ Rabbi Yoel Kahn.

Other speakers included Rabbi Michael Daskal, Rosh Yeshivas Tzemach Tzaddik of Viznitz; Rabbi Shimon Elituv, member of the Israeli rabbinate; Rabbi Chaim Baruch Wolpin, Rosh Yeshivas Karlin-Stolin; Rabbi Chaim Kriger, representing the Modzitz Rebbe; Rabbi Yitzchak Rabinovich, representing the Boyan Rebbe; Rabbi Aharon Goldmitzer, representing the Square Rebbe; Rabbi Mordechai Leib Weiss, representing the Munkatsh Rebbe; Rabbi Yitzchak Aizik Shnebalg, Rov of Belz in Williamsburg; Rabbi Aharon Weinberg, representing the Slonim Rebbe; Rabbi Gershon Tenenbaum, Director of Igud Harabbonim.

Women joined the event from a separate section and a special program was organized for children. The event was organized by Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Butman.

“As all things that are true and pure, the daily learning of the Rambam has not lost its vitality even after so many years,” Rabbi Butman said in his closing remarks.

“On the contrary, we see and meet people who are joining this unifying, spiritual initiative from year to year,” he said.