What Led to 20 Bochurim’s Feat

By COLlive reporter

20 students of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim of Queens, NY, recently marked a monumental achievement when they all learned the 90-page tractate of Gemara Gittin by-heart.

The siyum was done at a public celebration in the yeshiva that brought together parents, fellow students, faculty members and supporters of the institution.

Two bochrim wowed the audience as they spoke about their learning and then recited the kaddish for each siyum. The resounding “Amen!” was followed by a rousing applause that continued for a long few minutes.

Additionally, 6 bochurim from Shiur Aleph completed the tractate (masechta) of Sukkah.

How did it come to be that 26 bochrim, from the 70 that study in the Yeshiva, accomplished so much in learning?

COLlive.com was told that throughout the year, the entire Yeshiva was involved in Mivtza Torah, an extra curricular program that encouraged bochrim to learn in their free time.

The program is directed by the group of Talmidim HaShluchim who personally supported the boys’ work – learning with them one-on-one, holding farbrengs and even taking a break for Slurpees. Most importantly, they served as role models and friends.

The goal of the program was for the bochrim to complete the pages in the masechta that were not covered during the sedarim, thus finishing the entire masechta. At several points throughout the year, the bochrim took tests and were treated to fun activities.

This past Sunday, over 20 bochrim took a written final test that consisted of 100 questions. The bochurim proved their abilities by getting test scores over 90%, the Yeshiva said.

The bochrim were also tested on the entire masechta by Rabbi Gavriel Zinner, the respected Boro Park posek who is the author of the acclaimed series Nittei Gavriel on halacha.

Impressed with their knowledge, Rabbi Zinner shared words of chizuk with them, stressing how much of the masechta is focused around the laws of being a Shliach. He emphasized that this is what the Rebbe taught – to be Shluchim in spreading yidishkeit to all.

The celebration that followed was honored with the participation of Rabbi Yaacov Schwei and Rabbi Yosef Braun, who both spoke about the importance of reviewing material to retain what one learns and the how the Rebbe viewed the significance of excelling in learning.

One of the supporters spoke about how proud he is to be supporting this special learning and encouraged the boys to keep going.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Scharf, the Yeshiva’s menahel, proudly spoke about the boys’ accomplishments and presented a certificate of achievement to each of the 26 bochurim.

As the graduating class was called up to the stage, the boys broke out in a spontaneous dance, “teyereh bridder, teyereh bridder, mir velen zich veiter zehn…” They will be continuing their learning in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim of the Poconos in Pensylvania.

Though the year of learning has come to an end, Torah learning never ends. The sweet taste of a fun, meaningful and successful year of growing will last forever.