(Courtesy of Bris Avrohom) On Motzei Shabbat, Rosh Chodesh Adar, a Siyum HaRambam was held at Congregation Shomrei Torah Ohel Yosef Yitzchok Bris Avrohom Center. Close to 100 people participated to celebrate the completion of the 44th cycle of the Rambam. The Lubavitcher Rebbe introduced studying one to three chapters of the Sefer HaRamabam daily for men, and for women and children, to learn Sefer Hamitzvos. At the time the Rebbe introduced the learning, he also requested that at the completion of learning a cycle, a siyum be held as one would celebrate finishing learning the Torah.
The master of ceremonies of the event was Rabbi Avremy Kanelsky, who shared with the crowd the importance of studying Rambam. He explained that as we are all obligated to perform all the mitzvot. Through studying the mitzvot in the manner the Rambam teaches, it is as though one has performed them.
The guest speakers were the Kosoner Rebbe of Linden, and Rabbi Halberstam of Union.
The Kosoner Rebbe made the Siyum HaRambam and shared beautiful thoughts. He shared from the Chasam Sofer, that it was once asked where the Rambam is mentioned in the Torah. The response was the roshei teivos of the pasuk, רבות מופתי בארץ מצרים. He also posed the question, why the Rambam, whose study of Torah was so brilliant, was required to be a doctor. Why should he not have toiled in learning day and night? The response was profound. Had the Rambam not been a doctor, he would have died much earlier in his life, as his tachlis was fulfilled in his earlier years. However, since he was busy healing people, he was granted more years. The Rebbe concluded by encouraging all to learn Sefer HaRambam and fulfill the final words in the sefer, ״ומלאה הארץ דעה את ה׳״—when Moshiach will come, we will all be knowledgeable in the study of Torah.
Rabbi Halberstam made the Haschalas HaRambam and began the new cycle. He expressed his gratitude to Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky and Chabad for their assistance in setting up the Union community. He then spoke about the Sefer HaRambam. The Ramban begins with the words
“״יסוד היסודות ועמוד החכמות. The Rav pointed out that the roshei teivos of the pasuk is the name of Hashem. He illustrated that the purpose of learning is only to come close and cleave to God. Simply learning without connecting is meaningless. Thus, in the first words of the sefer, the Rambam points out its purpose; to teach Torah with an emphasis on connecting to God.
Rabbi Mordechai Kanelsky then addressed the crowd with a story on the Baal Shem Tov as is customary to relate on Motzei Shabbat, as well as some additional fascinating tidbits on the Rambam. Rabbi Kanelsky also shared a story of the Rebbe in connection to the parsha on giving tzedakah.
The entire crowd was uplifted and inspired by the words of all the speakers. A festive melave malka was served, prepared by Corner Slice. The event concluded with exuberant dancing in honor of the siyum and Chodesh Adar.
