Brisbane Completes Rambam

The Brisbane and Gold Coast Jewish communities gathered together on Wednesday evening for a Siyum HaRambam – to celebrate the completion of the 27th cycle of the study of the Rambam (Maimonides) magnum opus “Yad Hachazakah” or “Mishneh Torah.”

Twenty five years ago, the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi M.M. Schneersohn introduced the concept of uniting the Jewish people through the study of the Mishneh Torah by Rambam (Maimonides), explained Rabbi Levi Jaffe, director of Chabad Brisbane and Rabbi of the Brisbane Hebrew Congregation, host of the Siyum. Rabbi Jaffe also pointed out that the Siyum was taking place in the week prior to Shavuos when all the Jews stood at the foot of Har Sinai together, “K’ish Echad Belev Echad” (Like one man with one heart). Likewise the study of Rambam in general, and particularly the unity expressed by different communities and individuals participating together in a Siyum was a very appropriate preparation for Shavuos and a great source of blessing for the Geulah Shlemah.

Rabbi Nir Gurevitch of the Gold Coast Hebrew Congregation and Chabad Shliach on the Gold Coast conducted the Siyum (completion) emphasizing the relevance and importance of the study of the Rambam’s final laws, relating to the coming of Moshiach. Rabbi Gurevitch elaborated on the concept of the two tekufos, (stages) with regards the advent of Moshiach as they are illuminated in the teachings of the Rebbe.

Rabbi Moshe Serebryanski, Chabad Shliach on the Gold Coast and the Northern Rivers commenced the 28th cycle with the first Halacha of the Rambam, stressing the importance of continuing the daily study of the Rambam. Rabbi Serebryanki spoke about the significance of the number 14, the number of books of Rambam’s Mishneh Torah, the numerical value of Yad (Hand) and that we are now commencing the 28th cycle, which is twice 14, representing the two hands. In addition the number 28 spells the word Koach – strength.

Chabad Brisbane’s adult education director Chanoch Sufrin spoke about how the Rambam style of writing was for people of all levels and the Rebbe’s choice of Rambam for it covers all mitzvahs and is easily understood by all, especially as the Rebbe introduced three study options, according the time and capabilities of various people. Chanoch concluded by encouraging the participants to study the Rambam or at least the dailys Mitzvahs.

Those present resolved to make a stronger effort to study the daily Rambam, and a Hachlotoh – (resolution) was made to study the daily mitzvahs after shacharis and maarvi for the benefit of those who attend the Minyanim so that they may be afforded the opportunity to learn the Mitzvahs too.

Good food, drink, l’chaim, singing and words of inspiration made the evening a very uplifting and enjoyable experience. ‘The Rambam, a biography’ was distributed as a Teshura to all participants.