Over 300 bochurim from around the world qualified to take part in the Halikut Siyum this year, with three finalists competing for the grand prize – all of the Rebbe’s seforim. It was won by Mendel Gourarie of Morristown Yeshiva.
After months of diligently studying all the Sichos of Chelek Chof Hei of Likkutei Sichos, 300 Bochurim gathered at Chabad of Great Neck, N.Y., for a full day Siyum event.
After being greeted by a lavish spread of pastries and drinks, the bochurim took the final test, consisting of 67 questions, testing them on the entire sefer.
Following the test, three finalists, Chaim Garelik of Toronto Yeshiva, Mendel Roth of Baltimore Zal, and Mendel Gourarie of Morristown Yeshiva, were invited on stage to prove their knowledge of the entire sefer. Testing them were Rabbi Chaim Shaul Brook and Rabbi Yisroel Shimon Kalmenson of Lahak Hanachos and Rabbi Leima Wilhelm of Morristown Yeshiva. Moderating the quiz was Rabbi Moshe Gourary, Shliach to Toms River, New Jersey.
After the quiz, the judges announced that the winner was Mendel Gourarie, and he won the top prize of all the Rebbe’s seforim.
The program concluded with a banquet dinner in the presence of distinguished rabonim and mashpi’im, addressed by Rabbi Eli Nosson Silberberg of Chicago Mesivta. The event celebrated the bochurim’s accomplishment, encouraging them to continue in their studies. Hatomim Lazer Schapiro made a siyum on Chelek Chof Hei, connecting the final Sicha with Yud Shevat and Basi Legani.
Special thanks were given to the organizers of the Halikut program, a project of Vaad Hatmimim led with dedication by Rabbi Tzvi Hirsh Altein, together with Halikut’s organizers Tzvi Alperowitz, Boruch Ceitlin, Peretz Garelik, Mendel Goldman, Berel Danow, and Mendel Azimov. Thanks were also given to all the Shluchim of each participating Yeshiva that made Halikut possible, especially Levi Katz, Berel Marazow, Berry Zirkind, Schneur Wilhelm, Mendel Goldberg, Mayer Greenberg, and Mottel Greisman for all their tireless effort.
Now concluding its fifth year, Halikut continues to revolutionize the way bochurim learn the Rebbe’s sichos. Many Bochurim attending the siyum, expressed their thanks to the Halikut team for showing them their true potential in learning, understanding, and knowing the Rebbe’s Torah, remarking that they can’t wait to participate again next year.
Halikut is sponsored by Keren Meromim; Yossi & Nechama Dina Katz; Sholom & Esther Laine; The Dornbusch family – לע”נ עזריאל צבי בן מרדכי ע”ה. and by an anonymous donor לע״נ מרת חסיא בת איסר ע״ה.
The Halikut Siyum is sponsored by Reb Yossi Kazarnovsky L’iluy Nishmas his parents Reb Moshe & Liba Golda A”H Kazarnovsky
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