The Rabbonim of the Crown Heights Beis Din, Harav Avraham Osdoba and Harav Yosef Braun, issued a letter urging all members of the Crown Heights community to take part in the upcoming Mega Siyum celebrating the completion of the 11th Unity Sefer Torah to take place following the gala Kinus Hashluchim banquet on Eastern Parkway.

“The significance of this Sefer Torah – which unites all Jews and brings protection and salvation – is well known, especially in light of the Rebbe’s sichos,” the Rabbonim wrote. “Participation in this endeavor, both physically and financially, is considered a great mitzvah for all who take part.”

The grand siyum marking the completion and inauguration of the 11th Sefer Torah Haklali for the unity of the Jewish people, written at the Rebbe’s directive, will take place on Sunday evening, 25 Cheshvan, immediately following the Gala Banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchim.

The historic celebration will be held on Eastern Parkway, which will be closed off by the NYPD for the occasion. The event will take place in front of 770, accompanied by a full orchestra and leading Chassidic singers. Thousands of shluchim and guests from around the world are expected to participate, joining in joyful dancing and song as the Sefer Torah is welcomed to 770.

The final letters of the Sefer Torah will be written earlier that evening in the Oholei Torah Ballroom, followed by a grand procession to 770, where the hakafos and hachnasas Sefer Torah will take place.

The previous Sefer Torah Haklali (the tenth) was completed during the war, with ceremonies held in the southern communities near the Gaza border and in Ofakim. Since then, thousands of soldiers, families of hostages, and Jews from around the world have registered their letters in the new Torah.

The Sefer Torah Haklali – also known as the “Unity Torah” – was first initiated in 5742 (1982) when the Rebbe announced that a General Sefer Torah would be written for all Jews, not only for children. Throughout that year, the Rebbe repeatedly spoke about the project during farbrengens, urging chassidim to take part with hishtadlus nafshis – total personal effort.

During the Lebanon War, the Rebbe explained that this Sefer Torah carries a special segulah to protect soldiers in battle, instilling fear in the enemy by uniting every Jewish soldier through the 304,805 holy letters of a single Torah scroll.

The Rebbe also emphasized with great urgency that the siyum of the Sefer Torah Haklali should take place in a location of “rov am” – where as many Jews as possible can participate – highlighting the importance of unity and every Jew’s involvement in this collective Sefer Torah.

A free translation of the Rabbonim’s letter:

We hereby address all members of our community with this letter of blessing, encouraging everyone to take part in the celebration of the completion of the 11th Unity Sefer Torah, which, with Hashem’s help, will be brought with great honor and joy into the Rebbe’s house – 770 Beis Rabbeinu Shebebavel – on Sunday night, 25 MarCheshvan.

The significance of this Sefer Torah – which unites all Jews and brings protection and salvation – is well known, especially in light of the Rebbe’s sichos. Participation in this endeavor, both physically and financially, is considered a great mitzvah for all who take part.

May it be Hashem’s will that this event hasten and bring about the complete revelation of Moshiach Tzidkeinu, speedily in our days — truly now.

Signed,
Rabbi Avraham Osdoba — Member of the Beis Din
Rabbi Yosef Yeshaya Braun — Member of the Beis Din