This month, during seudah shlishit on June 18, Shabbat Parshat Naso, Congregation Beth Aaron will again have the privilege of celebrating the completion of all six books of the Mishna. Gathered at this event will be many of the participants who involved themselves in the study of one masechta (portion) of the Mishna, of which there are 63 in all. Guests who are proud of their parents, children, friends and neighbors will be in attendance as well.
Some of the learners are veterans who have been participating for years, others are newcomers who are just starting out in their learning. Some of the participants learn alone—at home, on the way to work, during their lunch hour or on Shabbat; others team up with a friend, their spouse or child. Some of the people are experienced Torah learners who read through the Mishna with little effort, others take advantage of the lending library of pocket-sized English, Kahati mishnayot available for free to help them through the study of their portion. Everyone has that wonderful feeling of accomplishment by being part of a great communal effort.
As in past years, Dr. Barry Weissman, a generous member of the Beth Aaron family, is sponsoring the siyum in memory of his loving parents, Pearl and Morris Weissman, who were part of the shul community for several years before their passing.
The annual siyum fills each member with pride at being a part of this kehilla, the shul congregation. The “regulars” are there, the men who can always be relied on to learn Torah, whether for a special event like this one, or just lishma, for the sake of Torah learning. Women are in attendance as well, some who have learned Torah with a spouse and some who may have learned with family members. Children and young adults also attend, some who are past Bar and Bat Mitzvah age and others who have not yet reached the Gil Mitzvot who are being mesayem with the adults. Men, women, young and old—all have learned and now celebrate together.
Please join the shul for the annual siyum on June 18, following the 7:35 p.m. Mincha minyan. All are welcome, even those who have not signed up to learn. This event may be just the inspiration needed to sign up for next year’s learning/siyum.
By Alden Leifer
