By Rabbi Shmuel Butman
I want to share with you a deeply personal experience that highlights the immense value the Rebbe placed on the Siyum HaRambam. One winter day in 5749, I received an unexpected call from Rabbi Groner, informing me that the Rebbe wished to see me. Given that it was during the Shnas Haaveilus of the Rebbetzin, the Rebbe was residing at his house at the time.
I was called to the second floor, where I had the profound zchus to have a yechidus with the Rebbe in his home. It was later that I learned how rare such an opportunity was, as very few were zoche to such a yechidus.
During the Yechidus, the Rebbe expressed that the reports from the Siyum Harambam had made a strong impression on him. He requested that we compile an album of the previous Siyumim, emphasizing the importance of documenting and celebrating the Siyumei Harambam. The Rebbe reiterated multiple times during Yechidus, נישט רעכענען מיט קיין געלט—urging us not to be concerned about money and to ensure that everything was done with the utmost professionalism.
This yechidus underscored the great value the Rebbe placed towards the Siyum Harambam. He wanted everything associated with it to be of top quality, reinforcing that financial constraints should not compromise our efforts.
As a testament to the significance of this Yechidus, I am attaching two images of the Rebbe’s handwritten edits —Hagaos— on the transcript of the yechidus.
In just a few hours, thousands will gather on Eastern Parkway to celebrate this momentous 40th anniversary of the תקנת לימוד הרמב”ם, making it a historic event as the largest gathering for this Siyum to date.
Throughout the years, many have been zoche to see numerous Brachos be fulfilled after supporting the Siyum. I turn to you now to ask for your help. Your support will enable the Siyum to be the utmost success.
Thank you for considering this heartfelt request. May your support bring you and your family abundant Brachos, and may we all continue to give the Rebbe Nachas, leading us speedily to the coming of Moshiach.
With deep appreciation,
Rabbi Shmuel Butman
Chairman of the Vaad Siyum HaRambam Haolami
