Study Rewarded in Detroit

As the school year in Detroit mesivta came to a close, a large celebration took place marking the culmination of a months-long Mivtza Torah campaign.

On Thursday, the 4th of Av, a ceremony took place marking the end of the program and participants were rewarded for their efforts.

The Mivtza, launched by the Talmidim Hashluchim at the beginning of the last Zman, was to encourage the Bochurim to learn as much as they could of the Mesechta Pesachim, by heart, and promised to duly reward those who would undertake this endeavor. The Bochurim responded very positively and almost the entire Yeshiva participated.

The campaign consisted of two separate tracks, one marking the Rebbe’s 110th year, with the goal being to learn 110 Blatt of Gemarah, and another celebrating 61 years of the Rebbe’s leadership, with 61 Blatt as its objective.

The Bochurim could be seen during breaks, at night or at any other time, poring over the Seforim, and pacing down the hallways while memorizing the long pages of Gemarah.

At the conclusion of the 12 week Mivtza, the hall of the Yeshiva was festively adorned for occasion; all those who had participated received their awards, and a lavish meal was served. The prizes were made possible by various generous sponsors, including known Chabad supporter Ben Federman, CEO of 1saleaday.com.

At the opening of the evening, Emcee Shliach Mendel Jacobs introduced Rabbi Stein who addressed the crowd with a letter from the Rebbe he had received for an event of this kind, in 5750, as the Menahel of the Cheder. He was followed by Rabbi Leime Wilhelm, Rosh Yeshiva and Rabbi Levi Kaplan, Menahel Ruchni of the Mesivta.

Hatomim Peretz Garelik made a siyum of the Mesechta, and Hatomim Sholom Ber Weiss said a Hadran of the Rebbe on Pesochim. Finally, just before the prizes were handed out, the Bochurim heard remarks from Shliach Mendy Minkowitz, representing his fellow Shluchim.

A special point was made to thank Koppel Chaiton, formerly a Shliach in the Mesivta and currently a Maggid Shiur, who in addition to his general assistance in all matters concerning the welfare of the Bochurim individually, was crucial in the preparations for the event.

The Bochurim were also treated to hearing from a special guest who flew in especially for the occasion, Rabbi Yossy Lew, Shliach in Atlanta, GA, who Farbrenged until the wee hours of the morning, leaving only in order to make it in time for his return flight.

Special thanks are also due to a dear friend of the Mesivta, Rabbi Yona Schapiro for his ongoing support.

Bochurim Sholom Ber Weiss, Menachem Deren, Moishe Spalter, Shmuel Freedman, Peretz Garelik, Mendel Shmotkin, Levi Shmotkin and Tzvi Alperowitz completed the entire Mesechta, and Bochurim Mendel Plotkin and Mendy Grossbaum completed the 61 Blatt of the first track.