This past week, members of the Toras Chaim learning program celebrated a grand siyum upon completing the entire Seder Moed after six-and-a-half years. Participants gathered in Crown Heights for a seudas mitzva and the start of Seder Nashim.
By Anash.org reporter
This past week marked a momentous occasion for members of the Toras Chaim learning program, as they celebrated a Siyum upon completing the entirety of Seder Moed. The program, which operates under the Merkos Halacha organization founded and supported by Harav Gedalia Oberlander, Mara D’Asra of Kingston, Pennsylvania, is dedicated to fostering structured daily learning for working Anash, Shluchim, and Bachurim.
The initiative, which began 7-8 years ago with Maseches Brachos, follows a rigorous yet accessible framework – learning one amud a day, five days a week, culminating in a monthly test on the ten blatt covered. Participants receive stipends based on their test marks, incentivizing commitment and consistency in learning. After starting Maseches Shabbos six and a half years ago, the program has now completed Seder Moed with the conclusion of Maseches Chagiga.
To mark this incredible milestone, a grand four-course fleishig seudah was held, fully sponsored by Merkos Halacha. The event was arranged by Rabbi Mendy Goldberg, the program’s organizer and test administrator, with assistance from Rabbi Yossi Rosenberg.
The Siyum featured an array of inspiring speakers, each reinforcing the significance of daily Torah study:
R’ Tzviki Volvovski, a member of Anash from Kingston, Pennsylvania, made the official Siyum on Maseches Chagiga and Seder Moed. He shared personal Divrei Chizuk, detailing how the program transformed his learning habits—taking him from a state of minimal daily learning to an elevated commitment not only in Gemara but also in Chassidus and his daily Chitas and Rambam. His heartfelt words encouraged others to recognize the brachos that consistent learning brings into one’s home.
Harav Gedalia Oberlander spoke about the paramount importance of setting fixed times for Torah study, making it a constant, unwavering part of life despite any challenges that may arise. He extended gratitude to those who helped establish the program and praised the current participants, urging them to inspire friends and family to join.
Rabbi Efraim Mintz, Director of JLI, delivered a stirring address on the transformative power of daily Torah learning. He shared stories and Divrei Torah illustrating how learning Torah elevates a person, enabling them to transcend worldly concerns and experience personal and financial success as a result. He also recounted stories of the Rebbe emphasizing the importance of קביעות עתים לתורה.
Rabbi Shmuel Wagner introduced the next phase of the program by making a Haschala on Maseches Yevamos, offering a detailed explanation of the first Mishnah along with a profound insight from the Rebbe.
Additionally, two impactful JEM videos were shown, featuring individuals who had personal encounters with the Rebbe regarding the significance of setting fixed times for learning Torah and the tangible benefits it brings in all areas of life.
Throughout the event, Rabbi Mendy Yuzevitz, who served as the evening’s emcee, enriched the gathering with stories and heartfelt vertlach.
With the completion of Seder Moed, Toras Chaim is now embarking on a new journey, beginning Seder Nashim with Maseches Yevamos. This new cycle presents an incredible opportunity for others to join. The program remains completely free, but participants are encouraged to register in order to receive the reminders and access the monthly tests.
Join today at https://tinyurl.com/TorasChaimSign-up.
Discussion
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.