Close to ten thousand Anash and Rambam learners from all backgrounds filled the massive hangar erected in the center of Kfar Chabad for a central Siyum HaRambam, marking the completion of the 45th Rambam cycle, in accordance with the Rebbe’s takana, across all three learning tracks: three perokim a day, one perek a day, and Sefer Hamitzvos.

Fathers with sons, grandfathers with grandchildren, young and old, Chassidim and those less affiliated streamed into Kfar Chabad from across the country, arriving by bus and via Israel Railways, which added special routes for the occasion. Many arrived dressed in Shabbos clothing befitting the moment.

The event opened with the formal Siyum HaRambam led by the Chief Rabbi of Eretz Yisroel, Harav Dovid Yosef. The opening of the new 46th cycle was given to the rov of Kfar Chabad, Harav Meir Ashkenazi. 

Singers Benny Friedman and Zanvil Weinberger entertained the crowd with music and niggunim, together with the Malchus Choir and the Hapanasa’im Children’s Choir, conducted by R’ Naor Karmi with his expanded orchestra, in honor of the joyous occasion celebrating the completion of kol haTorah kulah.

The expansive head table, set in the center of the enormous hangar, was adorned by gedolei Yisroel, prominent rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, and Chassidishe Rebbes, as well as members of Beis Din Rabanei Chabad in Eretz Yisroel, mashpi’im, and shluchim, many of whom made special efforts to attend this exalted gathering.

One of the most emotional highlights came when R’ Tzvi Levenstern, father of Elisha Levenstern HYD, who fell in battle in Gaza, took the stage. He spoke about his son’s special connection to Rambam learning and shared that Elisha had managed to complete his daily Rambam shiur shortly before falling in combat, giving his life for Am Yisroel.

For over three hours, the massive crowd sat shoulder to shoulder, captivated by a rich and thoughtfully prepared program produced by the Siyum HaRambam headquarters of Tzach.

This year marked the first time the event was held in Kfar Chabad, inside one of the largest hangars in the country, specially brought from abroad and transformed into a magnificent hall through the craftsmanship of Tzvaim Hafakot.

A partial list of the prominent guests who honored the event with their presence: the Gaavad of Makava; the Alexander Rebbe; Harav Yaakov Meir Stern; the Pittsburgh Rebbe; the Shomrei Emunim Rebbe; the Bitchkov Rebbe; the Ahlin Rebbe; the Kaliv Rebbe; Harav Chaim Meir Hager – the Av Beis Din Vizhnitz; Chief Rabbi Harav Dovid Yosef; Chief Rabbi Harav Kalman Ber; and Harav Yitzchak Abuchatzera.

Representing the Knesset was Knesset Member Rabbi Meir Porush, and representing municipal leadership was the Mayor of Bnei Brak, Rabbi Chanoch Zeibert.

Photos: Chaim Tuito and Yisroel Fruchter