On Thursday Evening, Yeshiva University High School for Boys (MTA) students and their parents convened in Yeshiva University’s Furst Hall to celebrate a massive siyum of the masechtot that were learned by various shiurim over the course of the year. Rabbi Michael Taubes began the program with a D’var Torah, in which he highlighted the great feat that the MTA Talmidim accomplished throughout the year and the value of working hard at Torah learning together with a group of peers.

The YU Roshei Yeshiva who graciously held regular chaburas with MTA students—including HaRav Hershel Schachter, shlita, who was present—were thanked. YU Rosh Yeshiva HaRav Mayer Twersky, shlita, spoke, stressing the pride students, as well as their rebbeim and parents, should have in their Torah accomplishments.

Yehuda Goldberg, Shmuel Turner, Marc Giahn and Barak Cohen made the siyumim; Yosef Lemel recited the Hadran; and Zack Steiner recited the final kaddish

Immediately after the siyumim, there was intense dancing in the spirit of Torah, and an enjoyable meal provided by Carlos and Gabby’s. Towards the end of the evening, Rabbi Dr. Yisrael Rothwachs, father of senior Avi Rothwachs, Dean of SINAI schools and an elementary school rebbe of some mesaymim, urged the students to strive to reach their Torah potential. The evening celebration ended with senior Rami Nordlicht comparing the siyum to his impending graduation, and he spoke of the intellectual effort and dedication required to make such a siyum.

By Noam Putterman