A large crowd of Anash, together with members of the broader Buffalo community, gathered at Ohr Temimim School in Buffalo for the central Siyum HaRambam, celebrating the completion of the 45th Rambam cycle and the beginning of the 46th cycle, as learned by Yidden around the world in accordance with the Rebbe’s takanah.

The event was masterfully led by Rabbi Yossi Charitonow, who reminded attendees that the first Siyum HaRambam ever – since the writing of the Mishneh Torah – took place in Buffalo in 5745 (1985), and spoke about the strong and unique attention the Rebbe gave that historic Siyum.

The crowd then watched video footage from the Rebbe’s first Siyum at the farbrengen of 11 Nissan 5745, where they were able to discern the paper used by the Rebbe for the Siyum, the very same paper that had been used at the Buffalo Siyum earlier that week.

Rabbi Avraham Sender Cohen then led the crowd in Tehillim for the Rebbe and the Rebbetzin.

Buffalo shliach and rav of Knesset Center, Rabbi Shmaryahu Charitonow, concluded the Rambam and shared a sicha from the Rebbe addressing the seemingly contradictory words of the Rambam regarding whether mitzvos will still apply in the times of Moshiach. Rabbi Charitonow also spoke about the great joy felt on the day we complete kol haTorah kulah.

Devoted askan Reb Yossi Zinger of Borough Park was honored with beginning the new Rambam cycle, and in a visibly moved tone spoke about the tremendous zechus it is to receive such an honor. He praised the dedication of the Rebbe’s chassidim and shluchim who learn Rambam and devote themselves to the Rebbe’s teachings and directives.

Tzivos Hashem General Shmuel Cohen represented the children with a Siyum on the entire Sefer HaMitzvos.

Guest speaker Rabbi Michoel Peretz of Crown Heights elaborated at length on the Rambam’s words in the second-to-last perek, describing how the entire world will be filled with the knowledge of Hashem, and shared how in our times we see these words being fulfilled in the most literal way.

The crowd also enjoyed a stirring video titled Rambam in the Shadow of Death, detailing the inspiring story of Cohen Binyaminov of Rego Park, Queens, who undertook to learn Rambam after being diagnosed with a serious illness, persevering every day even while on the verge of death, until he was miraculously healed and later began a Rambam shiur at his Bukharian shul in Queens.

In honor of Chamisha Asar Shevat, the crowd enjoyed fruits and the Shivas HaMinim, along with freshly baked sponge cake. The event concluded with lively dancing and singing, marking the great simcha and renewed commitment to strengthening the daily learning of Rambam on all three tracks.

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