If you listen closely, you can hear the anticipation in the air.
The march towards the final Hadran of the 13th Daf Yomi cycle continues onward, with members of klal yisroel of all ages joining together in an unprecedented wave of hasmadah, delving deeply into the waters of Torah as the Global Siyum HaShas of Daf Yomi draws near. Buoyed by the excitement of this historic event, thousands have jumped headfirst into new Siyum learning initiatives to expand Limud HaTorah, with a senior delegation of Agudah dignitaries recognizing Riverside Abstract for its partnership in these impactful Torah programs at a special June 3rd celebration.
The Agudah leaders were joined by the Rosh Yeshiva of the Mir Yeshiva, Rav Elya Brudny, as they paid a personal visit to Riverside Abstract’s Brooklyn offices to extend their heartfelt gratitude to CEO Shaul Greenwald and president Yoel Zagelbaum, true visionaries who appreciate The Siyum’s unparalleled potential as a powerful and effective launchpad for worldwide, long term Torah learning. Historically, the Agudah has seen 100 percent Siyum on Siyum growth over the past five Siyumim, and organizers are expecting The Siyum to be a complete sell-out, with a 100 percent increase in the number of Lomdei HaDaf since the inspiring culmination of the 12th Daf Yomi cycle. Over 200,000 participants are expected to participate in this epic event on January 1st, 2020 at MetLife Stadium, one that will take its place in the annals of Jewish history as a heart stopping display of achdus and an unshakeable commitment to Limud HaTorah.
Riverside Abstract has displayed an extraordinary commitment to the Siyum’s mission of Harbatzas HaTorah, partnering with the Siyum on multiple initiatives designed to increase learning on a global scale, including Chavrei HaSiyum which promotes Torah study in every kehillah and Masmidei HaSiyum which empowers children in their studies. In addition to its staunch commitment to the Daf Yomi program, Riverside Abstract sponsors the weekly Yom HaShishi video series in which various rabbonim offer divrei Torah that weave Daf Yomi and Parshas HaShavua together.
Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, executive vice president of the Agudah, spoke warmly about Limud HaTorah’s unique ability to unify Klal Yisroel, observing that Daf Yomi in particular brings people of all backgrounds together as they study the identical words on the same day. By extension, The Siyum is a global celebration of that achdus and a testament to the Jewish community’s unlimited and ever-increasing potential.
“It is a celebration of what we can accomplish as we grow,” said Rabbi Zwiebel. “Bli ayin hara, the community is growing at an explosive rate and when that growth is channeled around that which makes us a nation, which is the Torah hakedoshah, then there is nothing that is more choshuv than that.”
Extending his heartfelt gratitude to Riverside Abstract for its support of The Siyum which will ultimately uplift and inspire tens of thousands of yidden from all walks of life while increasing Kavod Sheim Shamayim, Rabbi Zwiebel noted how rewarding it is to see products of the yeshiva system who have made their way into the working world publicly demonstrating that the best investment of all is one that is made in Torah and learning.
Addressing the group, Rav Brudny emphasized the importance of limud Torah as the key to preserving our heritage in a culture that is often at odds with Torah values. Having witnessed those who were only marginally committed to their religious roots become deeply entrenched in their yiddishkeit as they slowly grew to appreciate the geshmak of Torah, Rav Brudny described learning as the ultimate hatzalos nefashos, with the excitement of The Siyum ensuring that bnei Torah, especially those who have left the hallowed halls of the beis medrash, maintain a serious commitment to learning.
“The hoopla and the tumult and everything about The Siyum is nothing to be cynical about,” said Rabbi Brudny. “This is kedushah!”
Others in attendance representing the Agudah were CEO Shia Markowitz, vice president of finance and administration emeritus Rabbi Shlomo Gertzulin, New Jersey director Rabbi Avi Schnall, Lefkowitz Leadership Initiative director Rabbi Shai Markowitz and national director of development Rabbi Naftali Miller, who observed that the timing of the celebration was particularly auspicious.
“We are honored to be recognizing Riverside Abstract for its partnership just days before Shavous,” said Rabbi Miller. “The Siyum is a celebration of Torah and Klal Yisroel coming together in one of the greatest gatherings demonstrating unity, which in and of itself is reminiscent of Matan Torah.”
WATCH:
Riverside Partners with the Siyum from Agudath Israel on Vimeo.
