A particularly moving moment unfolded at the central Siyum HaRambam in Eretz Yisroel when the father of fallen soldier Sergeant First Class (Res.) Elisha Levenstern HYD went up on stage as the entire Rambam was completed in his son’s memory.

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

The expansive head table was adorned by gedolei Yisroel, prominent rabbonim, roshei yeshiva, Chassidishe Rebbes and mashpi’im, while world-renowned singers uplifted the crowd.

One of the most emotional highlights came when Elisha’s father, Zvi Levenstern, rose to speak.

The audience first watched a deeply touching video, where Zvi recounted Elisha’s devotion to serving Hashem and his extraordinary dedication to learning Rambam every day.

Even in the final hours before he was killed in combat in southern Gaza, Elisha carried his Rambam with him, completing his daily study. In his last photograph, he is seen holding the Rambam as he takes a short break from his duties on the front line.

His wife, Hadas, shared that upon receiving the tragic news, the thought entered her mind: “I hope Elisha managed to finish his daily Rambam study.”

The video showed how Rabbi Chaim Heber, a shliach in Be’er Sheva, was inspired to start a daily Rambam shiur in his neighborhood in Elisha’s memory. “I thought to myself: this learning cannot stop. Someone must continue Elisha’s learning,” he said.

The video featured Kobi Mizrachi, a participant in the new shiur, who was among those who took on the responsibility of continuing Elisha’s daily Rambam study after his passing.

Following the video, Kobi Mizrachi was invited to the stage alongside Zvi Levenstern to conclude the Rambam in Elisha’s memory.

Just before reading the last halacha, Kobi shared an incredible hashgacha protis moment: “Something moving caught my attention. I checked the datewhen I rece ived the message from the rabbi about Elisha’s Rambam – and it turns out it was exactly two years ago, on 15 Shevat 5784.”

After the Siyum, Zvi shared heartfelt words about his son’s devotion:

“Elisha devoted his life to serving Hashem. From a young age, he pursued mitzvos and Torah study with passion. Even on the battlefield, he carried his Rambam, completing his daily chapter until the very end. Seeing others continue his learning today brings comfort and sanctifies his memory.”

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