What You Need is a Rambam ‘Study Buddy’

From the Anash.org Inbox: As we gear up for the 45th Rambam cycle, I’ve been thinking: how do we not just start strong, but stay strong? A busy day can turn into a missed day, and before we know it, we’re a week behind, feeling too discouraged to catch up. This year, I have an idea that could change that.

By A Lubavitcher Yungerman

This Sunday, our homes and shuls will hum with joy as we celebrate the completion of the 44th cycle of daily Rambam. And as someone who’s been part of this journey, I can tell you there’s nothing quite like turning that final page of Rambam.

But as we gear up for the 45th cycle, I’ve been thinking: how do we not just start strong, but stay strong? Every year, I see friends dive into the new cycle with enthusiasm—myself included—only to watch life’s demands pull us away. A busy day can turn into a missed day, and before we know it, we’re a week behind, feeling too discouraged to catch up. This year, I have an idea that could change that: a Rambam study buddy system.

Here’s how it could work. Imagine pairing up with a friend, a family member, or even someone you meet at this Sunday’s siyum. Each day, after you finish Rambam—whether it’s three perokim or one—you send your buddy a quick message: “Done for today!” They do the same for you. That’s it. No pressure, no long discussions (unless you want them!), just a simple nudge to keep each other on track. It’s like having a chavrusa who’s got your back, even on the days when the yetzer hara whispers, “You can skip it just this once.”

Why a buddy system? Because accountability works wonders. When I know someone’s counting on me—not just to study, but to check in—it adds a layer of motivation that’s hard to replicate alone. Plus, it’s a chance to build connection. Picture this: you and your buddy trade a “Done!” text every day for a year. By the time the 46th cycle rolls around, you’ve not only finished Rambam, but you’ve strengthened a bond through Torah.

I’ll admit, I haven’t always been perfect with daily Rambam. There were stretches when I’d let days slip by, promising myself I’d double up later (spoiler: I rarely did). But last cycle, a friend and I started informally checking in with each other. Nothing formal—just a “You good?” here and there. It wasn’t foolproof, but it made a difference. I stuck with it longer, and even when I stumbled, I got back on track faster. That’s what inspired this idea. If it worked for me on a small scale, why not make it a community-wide push?

As we stand on the cusp of the 45th cycle, let’s seize this moment. This Sunday, while we’re celebrating with l’chaim and words of Torah, let’s find our Rambam buddies. It could be someone sitting next to you at the siyum, a cousin across the country, or a virtual chavrusa. The beauty of this is its simplicity—it doesn’t require a big commitment beyond what we’re already doing. It just makes the commitment stick.

Chazak v’ematz—and Mazal Tov!