The grand siyum marking the completion and inauguration of the 11th Sefer Torah Haklali for the unity of the Jewish people, written at the Rebbe’s directive, will take place on Sunday evening, 25 Cheshvan, immediately following the Gala Banquet of the International Kinus Hashluchim. Hakafos will begin at 7:45 PM, a time change from the originally planned 8:30 PM.

The Sefer Torah Haklali, also known as the “Unity Torah”, was first initiated in 5742 (1982) when the Rebbe announced that a General Sefer Torah would be written for all Jews, not only for children. Throughout that year, the Rebbe repeatedly spoke about the project during farbrengens, urging chassidim to take part with hishtadlus nafshis, total personal effort.

During the Lebanon War, the Rebbe explained that this Sefer Torah carries a special segulah to protect soldiers in battle, instilling fear in the enemy by uniting every Jewish soldier through the 304,805 holy letters of a single Torah scroll. The Rebbe also emphasized with great urgency that the siyum of the Sefer Torah Haklali should take place in a location of “rov am”, where as many Jews as possible can participate, highlighting the importance of unity and every Jew’s involvement in this collective Sefer Torah.

The previous Sefer Torah Haklali (the tenth) was completed during the war, with ceremonies held in the southern communities near the Gaza border and in Ofakim. Since then, thousands of soldiers, families of hostages, and Jews from around the world have registered their letters in the new Torah.

The final letters of the Sefer Torah will be written earlier in the evening at 6:30 PM in the Oholei Torah Ballroom. Immediately afterward, at 7:30 PM, a grand procession will escort the Sefer Torah to 770. The historic celebration will be held on Eastern Parkway in front of 770, which will be closed off by the NYPD for the occasion. Chassidic singer Eli Marcus, accompanied by the Yossi Cohen orchestra, will lead the music, energizing the crowd as the Sefer Torah is welcomed with song and dancing. Thousands of shluchim and guests from around the world are expected to participate in this unforgettable moment. Following the hakafos, there will be a farbrengen with Shluchim from across the globe.

The Rabbonim of the Crown Heights Beis Din, Harav Avraham Osdoba and Harav Yosef Braun, issued a letter urging all members of the Crown Heights community to take part in the upcoming Mega Siyum. “The significance of this Sefer Torah, which unites all Jews and brings protection and salvation, is well known, especially in light of the Rebbe’s sichos,” the Rabbonim wrote. “Participation in this endeavor, both physically and financially, is considered a great mitzva for all who take part.”

Ahead of the grand siyum, Rabbi Yosef Braun of the Crown Heights Beis Din released a special video urging the community to honor the siyum by coming in full Shabbos attire. As is known, in his famous letter about Siyum Sefer Torah, the Frierdiker Rebbe records the practice of donning Shabbos clothes whenever attending a community siyum sefer Torah. In his video, Rabbi Braun encouraged families to dress in their Shabbos clothes in honor of this “tremendous milestone”, uniting all of Klal Yisroel and celebrating a “special great simcha“.

All are encouraged to attend this historic celebration.

The event will be livestreamed on Anash.org.