In an incredible feat, Hatomim Menachem Mendel Korik, a 15-year-old bochur at Mesivta Melbourne, successfully completed and was tested on all 53 perakim of Likkutei Amarim Tanya entirely by heart, bevas achas.

The extraordinary accomplishment was a result of countless hours of consistent review, chazarah, and unwavering commitment to memorizing the foundational teachings of Chassidus. Reciting and being examined on every chapter of Likkutei Amarim from memory in one sitting is a rare feat, requiring not only precision in memorization but a deep connection to the words of the Alter Rebbe.

The Rebbe repeatedly encouraged Chassidim to memorize Tanya, explaining that knowing its words by heart allows its teachings to accompany a person wherever they go. Learning Tanya ba’al peh is a powerful way to internalize the Alter Rebbe’s guidance and strengthen one’s daily connection to Chassidus.

Mendel credits much of his inspiration to Rabbi Yosef Yitzchok Gordon, the Mesivta’s Maggid Shiur for Girse, who also runs Melbourne’s very successful Mishnayos Bal Peh program, to which almost everyone in Melbourne credits all of its incredible Tanya and Mishnayos Bal Peh achievements.

“The Rebbe told me, ‘Ein’nemen Australia durch Limmud Hatorah‘ – Conquer Australia through learning Torah,” says Rabbi Gordon. “Over the past two weeks, over 324 perakim of Tanya Bal Peh were chazzered, some boys with over 30 perakim each. Mendel has achieved a lot, but it’s not only him. Let’s not underestimate the other bochurim who are working hard as well.” 

Mendel also credits the Mesivta’s mashpia, Rabbi Lipskier, whose encouragement and emphasis on learning Tanya with diligence motivated him to finish the ambitious goal.

This achievement continues a growing culture of exceptional hasmadah and accomplishment within Mesivta Melbourne. Last year, Hatomim Motti Abenaim, then just 16 years old and still a Mesivta bochur, celebrated a Siyum HaShas, demonstrating the high aspirations and commitment to Torah learning being fostered among the talmidim.

In recognition of his accomplishment, Menachem Mendel was presented with a special gift: a Tanya from the Rebbe, which had been distributed on Yud Shevat 5750 in honour of 40 years of the Rebbe’s N’sius. The meaningful presentation was arranged by Hatomim Mendel Aron, with the sefer generously provided by Rabbi Y. Groner of Melbourne, Australia.

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