Yeshiva Achei Tmimim Celebrates 26 of Its Bochurim

On Monday, the 18th of Sivan, Yeshiva Achei Tmimim in Crown Heights gathered to honor the 26 students who achieved the highest scores in the sophisticated Mivtza Torah – Competitive Gemara study program of the year 5784.

The mivtza included a series of five bechinos (exams) on perek chezkas habatim, the third chapter of this year’s mesechta –  Gemara Bava Basra. The exams were taken by all of the students of the yeshiva. In order to pass these in-depth exams, one had to demonstrate proficiency, both in the actual text of the Gemara; Rashi; Rashbam; and Tosefos, as well as demonstrate critical thinking, and a thorough understanding of the vast array of other commentaries.

26 of the students successfully received high scores in the exams, and merited to be crowned with the official title “Mara detalmuda” – master of Gemara. They also received certificates of honor, which described and praised the great effort and skill that they had invested in their Torah study.

The certificates were signed by the principal of the yeshiva, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Tzukernik, as well as by the heads of the Gemara division of Yeshivas Achei Tmimim – Rabbi Yoseif Yitzchak Geisinsky, Rabbi Yaakov Chanan Weiss, and Rabbi Baruch Shneur Kalmenson, who together with Rabbi Tzukernik, were the architects of the mivtza.

In addition to the certificates, the winners of this mivtza received special gifts, which included expensive electronic devices, as well as sforim – holy books.

The official banquet honoring the conclusion of the mivtza included a lavish seuda as well as a panel of speakers.

The event opened up with the master of ceremonies Rabbi Dovid Losh – who serves as one of the mashpi’im of the yeshiva. He praised the students for their efforts.

Rabbi Geisinsky, spoke about the uniqueness of tractate Bava Basra, a tractate which, according to the Rambam is considered the pillar of rabbinic rational and analysis for the whole Gemara. He also related an explanation from the Rebbe, regarding the special connection of bava basra -the third tractate of Seder nezikin -to the third Beis hamikdash, which will be built speedily in our days.

Rabbi Weiss spoke about the importance of in-depth learning, and how it purifies the mind and the soul, and truly transforms the internal instincts of a Jew. Stressing the words of the alter rebbe in the fifth chapter of the Tanya, that when one studies, Torah his mind becomes completely enveloped with G-dliness.

Rabbi Kalmenson spoke of the significance of this celebration also coinciding with the conclusion of the whole year, indicating that the focal point of the entire year of a bochur is in-depth Torah study. He also pointed out, that the theme of meschta bava Basra has to do with the laws of chazaka, which means strength, both physically and spiritually.

Rabbi Tzukernik spoke about the significance of understanding the unique qualities of every individual bochur, and that every student has something unique to offer that no one else in the world possesses. He connected this idea to Torah portion That had just been read, parshas beha’aloscha, which speaks about kindling the menorah, and how every bochur is a “ner leha’ir”- a candle that spreads light around the world.

Rabbi Yossi Paltiel, a mashpia in the yeshiva and a renowned speaker and lecturer, spoke about infusing everything we learn with the light of chassidus. As explained in Parshas Beha’alosecha, that the menorah was chiseled out of “miksha achas” one chunk of gold, implying that all of Torah is united as one, both nigleh and chassidus.

The students were then called up and honored with the receiving of their certificates in front of the entire yeshiva. As well as their gift cards for the special prizes that they would be receiving as part of the award.

In addition to the regular mivtza, two of the bochurim from Rabbi Geisinsky’s class, Chayim Shneior Zalman Weinstein and Avraham Asher Miller, took part in a special advanced track of the program. They were tested on two chapters of the mesechta hashutfin as well as chezkas habatim, by Rabbi Zusha Winner, Rosh Yeshiva Tomechei Tmimim Chovevei Torah Crown Heights, and Shliach in Brighton Beach.

As a reward for their incredible efforts, these bochurim were crowned with the additional special title of “chasan hatorah “ – the groom of the Torah and were awarded their special certificates in front of the entire yeshiva. Their certificates were signed by Rabbi Winner, Rabbi Tzukernik and by their magid shiur Rabbi Geisinsky.

Rabbi Winner then addressed the yeshiva, focusing on the fact that the potential of our young generation is boundless, and that the Rebbe believed in us, and believed that we would be the generation to finally bring about the actual coming of Moshiach.

He also gave a parable of a young eagle who doesn’t recognize his own power to fly, and only once he is faced with the danger of wolves and wild beasts that surround him, and is pushed to the brink of survival, only then does he comprehend that he was granted a special ability from above, to fly high over all obstacles. And so too, very often bochurim of our generation do not recognize their potential, until they are faced with challenges, but once they stand up to those challenges, they discover the special powers that hashem has granted them, and they triumph be’ezras Hashem.

The event concluded with with the entire yeshivah – staff members and students together – raising their voices with song and dance, in honor of the great joy of the Torah.

A special thanks to our dear student and gifted photographer, Dovi Slapotchnik, for photographing the event, and making the pictures available to all.