Maran Hamekubal, Hagaon Harav Yaakov Meir Shechter, shlit”a, opened his home to the avreicheim geonim of Kollel Shas Yiden UK, who were visiting Eretz Yisroel, for them to celebrate their completion of the entire Shas. They were in Eretz Yisroel to participate in a public farher together with the other five Shas Yiden Kollelim based in Eretz Yisroel.

Despite his being away on vacation, Rav Shechter had insisted that this siyum take place at his home. The siyum was attended by the founder of Shas Yiden, the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Halevi Eisen, shlit”a, the Rosh Reshet Hakollelim, Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, shlit”a and the patron of Shas Yiden UK, Reb Yisroel Moskowitz, n”y.

Incredible Accomplishment

In just 14 years, through the Shas Yiden Kollel Network, the ability to know Gemorah and Rishonim in detail, and the concept of being a metzuyan has taken a giant leap forward. To be accepted at Shas Yiden, each avreich metzuyan is expected to know and be tested on 450 blatt! Following a most demanding curriculum and regimen, studying 9 blatt a day – five times – and with every Rashi and Tosfos, they will know the entire Shas. All this will be further honed to ensure mastery of the entire Talmud down to which page and line the matter can be found, and all by heart.

No Vacation Days – not even Shabbos and Yom Tov

Yes, the Shas Yiden avreichim are required to learn every day of the year. The only easing of the regimen is that the amount to be accomplished on Shabbos and Yom Tov and the days preceding them is that the quantity is halved. To ensure that no one falls behind there are regular questions to be answered and every month they all undergo written examinations of 225 blatt! Gedolei Torah have remarked that never, since the creation of the Talmud by Ravina and Rav Ashi, has there been such a demanding curriculum for an entire student body – from the great academies in Babylon and through to Europe and Ashkenaz. And this applies to each of the Shas Yiden kollelim – five in Israel and one in the UK. Today, there are 102 avreichim geonim.

It is no wonder that the Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievsky, zt”l, loved hearing, testing and speaking to the Shas Yiden avreichim when they would squeeze into his home to be tested on the length and breadth of Shas. Invariably, with his broad smile he would declare, Zei kennen Shas! (They know Shas!)

At the Siyum

Reb Yisroel Moskowitz, a major patron of the Kollel, was honored with reciting the kaddish at the siyum. Rav Shecthter delivered divrei bracha, and fervently praised the avreicheim geonim. He had always pined to see yungeleit of such a high caliber who mastered the entire Shas, literally.

At the conclusion, the Pozna Rov surpised Reb Yisroel Moskowitz, the patron of the Kollel, as he suggested the establishment of a Kollel Choshen Mishpat within the framework of “Torah 24”, another dynamic initiative of the Pozna Rov. Indeed, this coming Elul, a Choshen Mishpat Kollel will be opened, for avreicheim metzuyonim to master the intricate and complex halochos of Choshen Mishpat. The Rosh Kollel will be Rav Elimelech Schwirtz, one of the leading yungeleit of Kollel Shas Yiden, Yerushalayim, and son in law of Reb Yisroel Moskowitz. Rav Schwirtz has extensive expertise in Choshen Mishpat.

The Shas Yiden UK contingent returned to London elevated and inspired by these

experiences, and with thanks on their lips toward the Pozna Rov, and to Reb Yisroel Moskowitz,

patron of the Kollel, for enabling them to spend their days and nights in the tent of Torah.

To watch the dynamic farheren, or for more information on Shas Yiden, or to donate click on www.shasyiden.com or call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49^th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219. London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 – 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England or call 0208-066-1566

by Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

• Maran Rosh Hayeshiva Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, shlit”a: “I am like dust beneath the soles of your feet, hallevai my portion should be with yours!”
• Hamashpia Hagadol, Hatzadik Harav Elimelech Biederman, shlit”a: “A Yissachar-Zevulun shutfus (partnership) with Shas Yiden is mehadrin min hamehadrin.”

      Seven Gedolei Torah spent hours enjoying true give-and-take at the Shas Yiden 100 Siyumei Hashasim. No longer was the associated annual farher just questions and answers. The thrust and parry of true debate enthralled the Gedolim, the avreichim geonim and the American and UK visitors alike. It raised the concept of a ‘Shas farher’ to a new and dynamic height!

A Tradition of Public Farheren

The annual farheren of the entire Shas and Siyum Hashassim gatherings of the Kollel Shas Yiden Network have evolved into a tradition demonstrating incredible, detailed and broad Torah scholarship. The video recordings are eagerly anticipated for viewing worldwide by talmidei chachomim and yeshiva bochrim alike (www.shasyiden.com). Until his last year, the avreichim geonim would cram into the home of the late Nasi, Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Hagadol Harav Chaim Kanievsky, ztk”l, where he would farher them extensively, and which he said gave him great pleasure.

The ‘line-up’ of the Geonim, shlit”a at this year’s siyum in Beit Shemesh who tested the mettle of the avreichim geonim last week are a veritable Who’s Who of Torah learning – Maran Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Maran Harav Itamar Garbuz, Harav Yaakov Ades, Harav Elimelech Biederman, Harav Shmuel Yaakov Landau and Harav Eliyahu Stefansky. Among those who graced the dais was Harav Mordechai Stern, Rav of Heichal Dovid, Lawrence, NY.

The Pozna Rov, Harav Hagaon Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, founder of Shas Yiden 14 years ago, started this tradition to give honor to the avreichim geonim who study at Shas Yiden. It is also to give the supporters of this great and holy project the opportunity to see close up the fruits of their support month after month, and to develop more and more avreichim geonim who have a remarkable knowledge of every word of the Talmud, Rashi and Tosafos. The Gedolei Torah have come to look forward to engaging with the avreichim geonim of Shas Yiden.

As he concluded his farher, Harav Eli Stefansky exclaimed “I was faced with 100 Reb Chaim Kanievsky’s. I have tested them. I have seen them and their prowess.”

The Bren of Torah Invigorates

Maran Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, Rosh Yeshivas Ateres Yisroel and a Senior Member of Moetzes Gedolei Hatorah, has a grandson at Shas Yiden. Despite his advanced age, weak state of health and the effort needed to attend, Rav Ezrachi came to Beit Shemesh and climbed the stairs to the dais on the stage. Yet, as he began to debate the avreichim geonim and discuss specific and complicated sections of the Talmud, any hint of tiredness or weakness vanished and his face shone with excitement and joy at the incredible knowledge flowing from the avreichim geonim. He became even more enthused when he asked questions on sugyos (issues/subjects) in kodshim that required careful and deep reasoning. He was simply amazed to hear how the avreichim geonim managed to quickly and easily respond to all these questions with clear answers.

“Hallevai my portion in shomayim should be like yours,” said Rav Ezrachi with much emotion. “! In Heaven, they see what you are doing and how you know it. You live it and it stands before your eyes. I am sure there must be a tumultuous response to these moments — with a hundred avreichim geonim who know all the words of Shas. In truth, one should be jealous of you for this great feeling, as you are able to study and contemplate Shas the whole year through, and how it lives with you before your very eyes. The fact that there is a group of incredible talmidei chachomim like you, puts the entire people of Israel on a different level. It obliges us all to express our great appreciation to the Pozna Rov who came up with this idea of establishing such an institution, and he has truly given the Jewish people of Israel a gift that is beyond compare.”

And then, he brought his fist down three times, exclaiming each time –  ‘Every year, Shas!’ ‘Every year, Shas!’ ‘Every year, Shas!’

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Questions – Complicated and Complex

Maran Rosh Yeshivas Orchos Torah, Hagaon Harav Itamar Garbuz, enjoyed the lively interaction with the avreichim geonim for an extended session and tested them through the length and breadth of Shas and expressed his amazement at the incredible knowledge of the avreichim geonim.

His questions focused on all-encompassing knowledge of concepts and issues. For example: How many disputes between Rabbi Yehuda and Rabbi Shimon are there in Maseches Shabbos? The avreichim geonim noted not only listed them, but added many halachic references regarding difference between Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Yehuda, as well as the comments of Tosfos throughout the length of Maseches Shabbos. And then they branched off into the differences that apply in Maseches Eiruvin that also deals extensively with the laws of Shabbos. He peppered the avreichim geonim with numerous such questions, addressing groups of five at a time before opening the questions to the others. The answers flowed forth at an amazing pace, much to the pleasure of the participants and that of the attendees from abroad who were excited at the incredible standard of Torah knowledge they were witnessing.

After an extensive session with the avreichim geonim, with great enthusiasm, Rav Garbuz exclaimed that it was a great honor and zechus for him to have this opportunity to engage with such avreichim geonim in Torah learning. “In you, the Jewish people are to be blessed,” he said. “It is impossible to estimate or to describe the greatness of the zechus of those who support this holy project that raises the grandeur of Israel and the holy Torah in such an amazing fashion.”

The Mashpia Hagadol – the Great Motivator

The mashpia hagadol ‘Reb Meilech’ Biederman burst out with a clarion call: “You see seated before you 100 avreichim geonim who know the entire Shas. Literally, 100 holy aronei kodesh (holy Torah arks) before our eyes. Where does one see such a phenomenon in this world. In Shomayim, confronted by such prowess, they stand and pray in face of such an awesome sight. How immense is the zechus of the donors and supporters! Through support for this cause, your merit and destiny will be enhanced for the good and for success in all matters, both material and spiritual.”

Practical Halacha

Harav Shmuel Yaakov Landau, Dayan and Rav of the Belz Beis Medrash ‘Yad Cohen’ in Beit Shemesh, has a son-in-law among the avreichim geonim.  He debated with the avreichim geonim at length through a number of sugyos. Among them was the sugya dealing with “A person cannot transfer or sell something that does not yet exist”, such as futures etc. He also dealt with the question of whether a person may appoint a messenger to perform a mission regarding something that does not yet exist, and other matters in this regard.

Spellbinding Give and Take

Nothing short of spellbinding was the give-and-take between Hamekubal Harav Hagaon Yaakov Ades and the avreichim geonim. He began with words of encouragement and then launched into debate on sugyos throughout Shas. He demonstrated incredible bekius and it was as if the entire Shas was an open book in front of his eyes. He just could not hold back from the torrent of discussion with the avreichim geonim and continued to speak with them at length after the farher as his face shone with the joy of the Torah. The avreichim geonim loved the intensity of the give-and-take.

After Rav Ades came away with a deep impression of the scholarship of the avreichim geonim, he turned to the donors who were watching the give-and-take with unconcealed enjoyment, he said to them: “I have a good idea for you. If any of you was thinking of making a donation to Shas Yiden, you should double it! And if you can, add a few zeros! You should know that the zechus of supporting such a great and holy project, is indeed significant, and it’s not a simple matter. Such support obligates the avreichim geonim as well. You should pray for the donors and supporters that they should be blessed with all that is good through the power of the Torah and your tefillos!

He gives A Daf to 18,000 Yiden Every Day!

Harav Hagaon Eliyahu Stefansky, Nasi of the Mercaz Daf Hayomi, conducts the most popular and populous shiur in the world, to 18,000 listeners Sunday to Friday. He gives a Daf Hayomi shiur in English. His unique style, broad scholarship, colloquial English peppered with witty and forceful comments and appropriate personal greetings that are at once charming and meaningful, have earned him an enthusiastic international reputation.  He was one of the farherers in fluent and colloquial Hebrew, and with a smile, and he captured the imagination and enthusiastic response of the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim.

The morning following the farher he prefaced his daily shiur with the following:

“A very special thing happened to me yesterday. There are chaburas known as Shas Yiden – a hundred kollel guys – about 5 or 6 kollelim in Israel in a network called ‘Shas Yiden’.

“These avreichim geonim finish Shas every year, and they know Shas cold… If you go online (www.shasyiden.com/farher) you can see Rav Chaim Kanievsky farhering them… And other gedolei Torah farhering them.

“Well, last night Rav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi (94 years old) the oldest of the Rosh Yeshivos, and some other Rosh Yeshivos farhered them… and they asked me also to farher them, and so I did. It was an amazing and special experience…”

Rav Stefansky addressed the avreichim geonim on many subjects in Shas. Then he ‘pulled out his ‘bag of tricks’. “I started out calm and easy and then I suddenly pulled out my illustrations that were especially created for the occasion. They had to decipher them and their riddles as to which subjects in Shas were being depicted, the context, the outcome and the halacha. This, too,

developed into an extended and lively session. It was quite exceptional.”

“It was a great zchus for me to test them. Truth is that I was not surprised at their knowledge because one of them is my chavrusa, and in our kollel we have another avreich who learns there in the afternoon – Belzer chosid, so I am familiar with them.

“But all together, it was just amazing.  Their knowledge… Afterwards I was talking with them and I asked: ‘Is there anyone here with a normal, average brain? Someone who is not an illuy and with a head of a gaon? In answer to my question, many of them raised their hands. So, I asked them for ideas or suggestions for chazora and memorizing, and that opened up an interesting discussion on the subject.

“Among all my questions I asked these:

1. Where in the entire Shas are there seven consecutive words that begin with the Hebrew letter Chaf? A: Nedarim 10b
2. Where in Shas are there 44 consecutive words that end with the Hebrew letter Nun? A: Shabbos 104
3. In our sugya we just learned about Bar Padda, and I noticed a note in Art Scroll that says that he was the nephew of Bar Kappara on Meilah 4. So, I casually asked who was Bar Padda’s uncle. All of a sudden all of them, and they each had a microphone, called out together – Bar Kappara, Bar Kappara – Meila Daf Dalet, Meila Daf Dalet.

It was crazy, just crazy.

1. Where does the Masores Hashas note a sugya (issue/subject) that is found on five consecutive folios of Shas? A: Gittin 20 – 24 – dealing with witnesses effecting a get.

“An incredible, amazing experience … Every year they chazer Shas, every year…”

Siyum Shassim, Presentations and the Dinner

After the lengthy farheren, there was a heartfelt and inspirational maariv led by Harav Ades. This was followed by the Siyum Shassim – each of the avreichim geonim had concluded Shas for the year.

Each of the kollel wives was personally presented with a cash-filled envelope in appreciation of their unstinting support for their husbands’ dedication to the very demanding study regimen at Shas Yiden. A sumptuous dinner followed for the kovod Hatorah, and in honor of those who support Torah, accompanied by song and music by Aharon Samet. All present agreed that the incredible ‘engagement-farher’ and siyumim combined to be a Torah happening to remember.

PS – Shabbos Reaction at Maran Harav Boruch Mordechai Ezrachi, shlit”a

On the Shabbos after the Siyumim-farher, Rav Boruch Mordechai could not contain his excitement about what he had witnessed at Shas Yiden. So, reported one of those who joined him at his Shabbos seuda.

He regaled them about the farher in which he had participated, describing the geonus (brilliance) that pulsated in the hall from the 100 avreichim geonim. “I have never been so moved and excited at a public gathering,” declared Rav Boruch Mordechai. “Happy is my portion that I was zocheh to witness this wondrous happening!”

PS – Reaction of a Shas Yiden Avreich

Shortly after the Siyumim-farher, one of the avreichim geonim commented. “I am just 27 and I tell you the truth – I never dreamed that I would get to this point in my learning. To know the entire Shas? For me, this was something achieved in previous generations.

However, here at Shas Yiden, I have managed to achieve the unbelievable in the merit of the framework, the unique methodology of learning that includes many, many revisions amid unceasing progress through the texts. I am excited today as never before, even my day of marriage…

PS – Overheard at the Siyumim

Two fathers of two of the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim were sitting together at the Siyumim Dinner, discussing their feelings of joy at the simcha in which their sons played an important part. “If all the gedolim here were not present, I would jump up and dance with abandonment – I have to hold myself back,” said one.

The other responded, “Even when I married off my children, I did not experience such incredible joy. This is just unbelievable, my son completed Shas and was tested on it thoroughly. My son knows Shas! It was worth being born, toiling all these years just to get to this most memorable occasion. I have merited to marry off all my children, and I must confess that I have never experienced such simcha as I do now.”

By Rabbi Eliezer Sandler

The first gathering for a public farher on the entire Shas since reaching the mark of 100 avreichim geonim was held this last Monday, 2 Elul, in Bet Shemesh. 

Not only did the avreichim geonim demonstrate their prowess in the details of the Gemara, all the Rashis and Tosfos, they also amazed those present with their detailed knowledge and accurate quotations from all over the Rambam and his commentaries, from the Ktzos Hachoshen, Gilyon Hashas of Rabbi Akiva Eiger, Even Ha’Azel and other Acharonim. So many are still in their twenties, but their expansive Torah knowledge and recall is like that of scholars many, many years their senior. 

The examiner was Maran Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Shmuel Schwartz, shlit”a, Rav and Rosh Kollel of Bais Medrash Chisda, in Bnei Brak. Renowned for his bekius in Shas and the meforshim, as well as the breadth of Halacha, he fired deep and searching questions that challenged the mettle of the avreichim geonim.

Examiner’s Amazement

“I had incredible simcha and oneg when I sat on the dais facing them… On each question that I put before them they brought answers from all over Shas, and close referencing Rashi and Tosfos, quotes from the Rishonim and from across the entire Torah spectrum,” commented Harav Schwartz. 

“After asking them questions that required both quantitative and qualitative knowledge in Halacha and Aggada, fact and reasoning, I sat and reflected that their knowledge was amazing in its clarity and purity. Many of them are also proficient in Yerushalmi, Rambam, Tur and the Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch. 

“Thus, I express my heartfelt feelings and appreciation of Hagaon Harav Avrohom Halevi Eisen whose spirit caused him to rise and gird himself to establish this network of kollelim to develop true Shas Yiden who illuminate the world with their Torah. He has created a gathering place of avreichim who are fully proficient in the entire Torah… this great phenomenon, which never existed before and has never been heard of in all the previous generations.”

The Tears of a Special Guest 

The holy Makover Rebbe shlit”a, from Kiyat Ata in the north, is renowned for his piety, holiness and scholarship. He knew of the prowess of the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim, and made time to attend the public farher. He was so inspired by the sight of all the avreichim together, all demonstrating a true mastery of the entire Shas, that he was moved to tears of joy. In a short address before departing the hall, his memorable words included the following:

“They study Torah in purity. With the power of the Torah they are protectors of this entire world and save it from many difficult decrees.

“Praised are those who support this holy project, and their reward is very great.”

“And now that we are in the month of Elul which is a propitious time for repentance that saves one from the harsh decree, one should be busy with repentance. However, Torah is a great purifier and is greater even than repentance and certainly must be a protection for the entire world.”

After the farher, the Makover Rebbe exclaimed: “Over the years I have witnessed many, many farhers of Torah and examples of erudition. But I have never, in my entire life, witnessed such an event where so many avreichim were gathered and tested together on the length and breadth of Shas, with non-stop questions, and the answers just came booming back.” 

For clips of the lively and enlightening Shas Yiden farheren and siyumim, click on www.shasyiden.com and for more information or to donate, or call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 – 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England

Shas Yiden Kollelim Welcomes 100th Avreich from
Beis Hanasi, Maran Sar Hatorah, zt”l
PLUS New Extra Bonuses for Avreichim

Over the last 14 years since its inception, the Shas Yiden Kollelim Network has electrified the Torah world by its determined approach to the learning and mastery of the entire Shas. Shas Yiden has popularized the concept of learning gantz Shas. Each of its avreichim geonim completes Shas five times every year, AND with every Rashi and Tosfos. To facilitate learning the entire Shas and the development of true Shas Yiden, with the brocha of the Sar Hatorah zt”l, six such kollelim with 100 avreichim geonim were established. (After the success of the first Shas Yiden Kollel in Bet Shemesh, Rav Chaim gave a brocho to create 10!)

Milestone – 100^th Avreich – from Beis Hanasi

It is with great pride that Shas Yiden announces that it has accepted its 100^th avreich gaon from Beis Hanasi of Shas Yiden, the late Sar Hatorah, zt”l. He is already proficient in the entire Shas and is the son-in-law of Hagaon Harav Yitzchak Shaul Kanievsky, shlit”a, son of the Sar Hatorah.

The commitment to lomdei Torah at Shas Yiden was especially noted by the late Nasi of Shas Yiden, the Sar Hatorah, zt”l. He, personally, enjoyed the Shas Yiden Kollelim, and especially when the avreichim geonim would gather in his home and he would farher them throughout Shas. His face would beam with joy. On one occasion, he rose from his chair to greet the Pozna Rov to emphasize the great appreciation that he felt to the person who founded Shas Yiden; the one who developed this incredible Torah project, and merited to train avreichim geonim who are fully conversant in the entire Shas.

NEW BONUSES at Shas Yiden

The Shas Yiden Kolel Network has already acquired a prestigious and respected name across the Torah world. It is known for its unprecedented challenge to all its avreichim geonim to ‘push the envelope’ further and further, in their quest to master the study of Shas.

This quarter, a new thrust to enhance learning and retention was introduced at Shas Yiden. The avreichim geonim are required to sit for additional written tests each quarter. The first rigorous test on 800 blatt has just been completed. Based on their total scores, they can each secure an extra ‘bonus’ stipend of up to $6,000!

Each test will be on the next quarter Shas – 800 blatt. Thus, this new project enables them to increase their annual stipend considerably. The various study thrusts and encouragement at Shas Yiden to enhance their mastery of Shas, has captured the imagination and interest of yeshivos and kollelim throughout the Torah world. This new Shas Yiden project is named Mif’al Be’er Yaakov in blessed memory of Hagaon Harav Yaakov ben Harav Sholom Halevi Eisen, zt”l, father of the Pozna Rov.

Appreciation at Shas Yiden

Kollel avreichim the world over, they and their wives and families, are recognized as being truly moser nefesh for Torah. Most live in strained circumstances, their monthly checks are often late (some have to wait up to six or seven months for a check) and meeting the monthly expenses or getting something new and special for one’s eishes chayil or children, or for Yom Tov is not possible.

Therefore, when he founded Shas Yiden in 2008, the Pozna Rov, Harav Hagaon Avrohom Halevi Eisen, shlit”a, made a commitment that the avreichim geonim at Shas Yiden who are bnei aliyah devoted to limud Hatorah would be shown the respect and appreciation that they deserve. First and foremost, they and their wives would be able to rest assured that their monthly checks would be paid on time, on or before every Rosh Chodesh. For the last 14 years, he has made sure to do so.

For the Nissan and Tishrei bein hazemanim, the avreichim geonim also receive two extra full checks. Additionally, there are also grants for the completion of written tests and farheren, and even help with the weddings of their children and special occasions! Furthermore, at the annual Siyum Hashas, the wife of each avreich receives an envelope with a cash ‘thank you’ gift.

Unique Learning Methods

An avreich who manages to be accepted into the academic body at Shas Yiden, within two years, keeping to the Shas Yiden schedule and system, will know the entire Shas clearly, if not by heart. There are now 100 avreichim geonim in six Shas Yiden Kollelim – five in Eretz Yisroel and one in London UK. All these avreichim geonim go through the entire Shas thoroughly every year – at least five times!

The veterans among the avreichim geonim, aside from completing Shas in its entirety, together with all the Rashi and Tosfos, also complete large sections of the Yerushalmi, the Dalet Chelkei Shulchan Aruch, Sifra and Sifrei, Rambam and Midrash. There are a significant number of other sections of Torah that are covered as well.

Since its modest beginning with just 6 avreichim, Shas Yiden has been in the forefront of developing ideas and devising learning methods to enable retention, and to motivate the avreichim geonim to achieve the annual goal of a Siyum Hashas every year before Chanukah. Aside from learning 7/7 per week (yes, 365 days a year, including Shabbos and Yom Tov!), written tests and oral farhers – on 50 blatt a week, 225 blatt a month and 2711 blatt (the entire Shas) at the end of the cycle, there are regular oral farheren by Talmidei Chachomim and Gedolei Hatorah who are proficient in gantz Shas.

For clips of the lively and enlightening Shas Yiden farheren and siyumim, click on www.shasyiden.com  as well as for more information or to donate, or call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 – 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England

Stunned and Astounded

In a letter penned shortly after the farher, Rav Schwartz wrote the following:

“At Shas Yiden, the vision of the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, of learning techniques and programs to enable the completion of Shas  in a year have been developed. Thus, he would merit to produce legions of talmidei chachomim and exceptional geonim who are engaged with Toras Hashem, day and night.

“I have been privileged, with Hashem’s help, to test the avreichim geonim shlit”a, and I was stunned and astounded when my eyes witnessed these geonim exhibiting their mastery of masseches after masseches. On each question they answered correctly through a combination of memorization and exactitude, and without any hesitation. It was nothing short of amazing.

“Praised is the eye that beheld this, and happy is the generation that merited such a phenomenon. Not only a wondrous encyclopedic knowledge of Shas, but their in-depth understanding of deep issues in Shas and the words of the Rishonim. I found them unbelievably knowledgeable – happy are our People to merit this.”

Special Guest – Maran Harav Shimon Galay

            A surprise special guest to attend the farher was the Gaon, Maran Harav Shimon Galay, shlit”a. A buzz went through the hall when he arrived to witness the avreichim geonim being put through their paces with the most searching questions.

            In his own words: “I was able to be present when they were tested on the entire Shas b’al peh, and I could not believe my eyes. There they sat, exceptional talmidei chachomim whose awe of Heaven clearly precedes their wisdom, with their boundless prowess throughout Shas, with clear and precise knowledge and precise insights. Praised are eyes that merited to see this all.”

            Apparently for some three hours after the farher, Rav Galay was still speaking about his experience at the Shas Yiden farher.

SHAS YIDEN – PHENOMENON OF THE TORAH WORLD 

Over the centuries, the Torah, its wisdom, its study and laws have been the mainstay of the Jewish people. Its talmidei chachomim were always our leaders and guides. The central compendium of thought and law – the Talmud – is made up of some 1000 years of unbroken scholarship, comprising the Mishna and Gemara, followed by another 14 centuries of uninterrupted scholarship and commentary until the present day.

For centuries, the yeshiva world focused on certain tractates and others, due to the Exile and Dispersion of Jews throughout the world, were neglected, especially those sections of Kodshim and Taharos. Early in the 20th Century, the Chofetz Chaim rekindled great interest in the study of Kodshim, and towards the end of the 20th Century, Maran Hagaon Michel Yehuda Lefkowitz, zy”o, revived the study of Taharos. 

However, another dimension of Torah scholarship was still missing. Namely, the consolidation of all the branches of Talmud study as one totality. Talmidei chachomim who were able to do so and developed a thorough knowledge of the entire Talmud were known by the honorific of Shas Yiden, but they were a rarity. 

In 2009, the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, of Flatbush, NY, had a vision of establishing a kollel in Eretz Yisroel, where each avreich  would commit to an intense regimen of completing the entire Talmud, annually, and would work to mastering it by heart. Based on the success, other branches of Shas Yiden would be opened. Those hearing of this vision were inclined to scoff and say that such a concept was flawed, and that never in the history of Torah study has such a comprehensive program been done.

Shas Yiden began in Bet Shemesh with 6 avreichim, and Rav Eisen persevered. Gradually the number of avreichim increased. After achieving a minyan, the numbers increased to 2 minyanim. The Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlit”a, was asked to test their mettle, and he became enthused about the project. Year after year he tested them, gave his blessing to establish more such kollelim. In June 2018, with the establishment of the 3rd kollel – Shas Yiden–Yerushalayim – ‘Rav Chaim’ agreed to serve as the Nasi of the Shas Yiden Network. In the space of just 13 years, there are 6 now Shas Yiden Kollelim, with one of them in London, UK. The incredible success of Shas Yiden has been acclaimed by the Gedolei Torah across the Torah spectrum – Ashkenazim, Sefardim, Chassidim and the Yeshiva world.

THE TOUGHEST REGIMEN PROVES ITSELF – AGAIN AND AGAIN

The prowess of Shas Yiden as true masters of Talmud has been shown again and again. During the course of a year, 2-4 farhers (public and collective oral examinations) are held. The people most impressed by the all-encompassing knowledge of every page of the entire Talmud have been the examiners themselves. Each is a recognized gaon and leading talmid chochom, and each has been lavish in his praise of the Shas Yiden knowledge, and have penned letters of approbation.

The Shas Yiden website (www.shasyiden.com) has video recording of the farhers, which are watched again and again, and are reviewed by Torah scholars and yeshiva students across the world.

Shas Yiden have no vacation. It is a daily regimen every day of the year, including Shabbos and Yom Tov, and the days before each. The only ‘let-up’ is that the study load on those days is reduced from the daily 9 blatt (Talmud folios – both sides of the page) with 4 revisions (a total of 45 blatt a day), to 4 blatt with 4 revisions (a total of 20 blatt). The total number of blatt per year is 13,555. There are also no semester breaks. Every month they undergo a detailed written exam on 225 blatt. 

This remarkable and demanding workload has propelled the Shas Yiden scholars into the forefront of Talmud learning, causing gedolei Torah, among them the mekubal, Maran Hagaon Harav David Abuuchatazeira to say: The geulah (redemption) of the Jewish people, rests on the Torah study of Shas Yiden.

“WE SPLIT 50-50” – SAR HATORAH

Every year, the Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Chaim Kanievsky, made it his custom to invite the Shas Yiden avreichim to his home and to farher them. Peppering them with questions from all over Shas in increasing complexity, his smile grows broader and broader as each of his questions are answered with precision regarding every source and page number in Shas. So much so is his pleasure at their prowess, at the conclusion of one farher, he exclaimed to the Pozna Rov: “Zei kennen Shas!” (They really know Shas.) During the last few years, the avreichim have also focused on mastering every Rashi and Tosfos b’al peh (by heart).

‘Rav Chaim’ was represented at the London Siyum Dinner by his long-time chavrusa (daily study partner), Hagaon Harav Yisroel Meir Druk, founder and head of Mosdos Tiferes Yisroel in Yerushalayim and Rishon L’Tzion. He brought a letter from ‘Rav Chaim’ to read out to the gathering. ‘Rav Chaim’ expressed his warm appreciation and regard for Shas Yiden and all its outstanding avreichim. Rav Druk added that these avreichim were acquiring the fulfilment of man’s purpose in both olam hazeh and olam haba, and praised their daily mesirus nefesh (total commitment). He reserved special words of praise for the wives of the avreichim who enable their husbands to devote virtually every minute to toiling in Torah. He added that during his hesped for the late Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky, Rav Chaim’ said: “I promised her that the reward for all my Torah learning we would split 50-50.”   

TOTAL MIND-FOCUS ON TORAH

The main speaker of the evening was Hagaon Hatzadik Yechezkel Shraga Boruch Halberstam, shlit”a, of Kiryat Sanz, near Netanya. He is the eldest son of the Sanzer Rebbe. A dynamic speaker and incredible talmid chochom, as a rule he does not accept invitation to speak abroad or outside of the Sanz communities. However, he greatly admires and has a warm regard for Shas Yiden, and also knows some of its avreichim metzuyonim personally. He has witnessed the outstanding success of Shas Yiden, and he felt it his duty to travel to this historic gathering in honor of the establishing and glorification of Torah scholarship in London. 

He not only praised the scholarship of the gaonim of Shas Yiden and their diligence, but he extolled their negation of worldly pursuits and total mind-focus on Torah.

LONDON SHAS YIDEN

The launching of the London Shas Yiden kollel coincided with the onset of the Covid epidemic. Nevertheless, throughout the long months, the avreichim have pursued their daunting regimen and examinations which follow those of the Shas Yiden kollelim in Eretz Yisroel, and their results have been stellar. 

The patron of Shas Yiden-London, and who recited the kaddish at the siyum, is Harav Hechover Yisroel Moskowitz. His son-in-law, Hagaon Harav Dovid Olevsky, shlit”a, was one of the outstanding avreichm of Shas Yiden-Yerushalayim, now serves as the Rosh Kollel of Shas Yiden-London.

The siyum itself was conducted by the Viznitzer Rebbe of London who was effusive in his praise of the achievements of Shas Yiden in London. It was significant that all merited to participate in such a gathering in this month of Adar, the month of simcha, celebrating the continuity of Torah by day and by night. 

Hagaon Harav Chaim Dunner, shlit”a, electrified the evening with his stirring words in praise of Shas Yiden. He turned to the avreichim and declared: “You are awakening the jealousy of the community!” All those in attendance, or those who will hear of this gathering, will desire to emulate your achievements –to know the entire Shas from beginning to end, and that all the words of the Shas will be on their lips.

The Pozna Rov began the new Shas cycle with the commencement of Brochos. Rav Eisen recounted the beginning and development of Shas Yiden. He praised the ongoing generous support of philanthropists and regular people who have been inspired by the achievements of Shas Yiden and want to be part of this Torah success. 

As the Pozna Rov concluded his words, the band and assembled choir broke out with songs in praise and honor of Torah, and the entire hall rose to join in dance and praise. This was a London royal evening to remember.

To watch the London siyum or the dynamic farhers of the Shas Yiden, or for more information on Shas Yiden or to donate, click on www.shasyiden.com or call 718-702-1528 or Mail: 1274 49th Street #562, Brooklyn, NY 11219.

London: UK Registered Charity # 1191225 – 2 Timberwharf Road, London N16 6DB, England