Momentous Inspirational Torah Event

Rabbinical Influencers and Giants of Torah and Chassidus Participate in the Annual Siyum Hashas of the 62 Gaonim of the Kollelim “Shas Yidden”

The legendary Sar Ha Torah Hagaon R’ Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a the leader of the kollelim :

“The zechus of Torah that the learned yungeleit of Shas Yidden serves as a protection for Klal Yisroel and the entire world from all evil.”

The Ponevezh Rosh Yeshiva Rav Gershon Edelstein Shlit’a:

“The true derech halimud is followed by the rabbanim and gaonim of Shas Yidden.”

Hagoan R’ Pavorsky Shlit’a:

“To sit with 62 yungeleit, gaonim who have completed the entire Shas, can you imagine the simcha this creates in shamayim?”

Mashpia R’ Meilich Biderman Shlit’a:

“The gaonim of Shas Yidden are making a public Kiddush Hashem, by being knowledgeable in the entire Shas, something that is unprecedented.”

Hagaon R’ Chaim Feinstein Shlit’a:

“The gaonim of Shas Yidden are familiar with the entire Shas through and through, in depth as I have seen for myself.”

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

In a shocking gesture, R’ Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a struggled to stand up in honor of the founder of the kollelim R’ Avrohom Eisen Shlit’a Pozna Rav, on behalf of his efforts to spread Torah and establish tens of Torah giants, Shas Yidden, who are learned in all of Shas.

A momentous event in honor of the Torah learning took place on Tuesday Night in the Keter Ha Rimon hall in Bnei Brak as befits the Torah and those who toil in her depths. At the event, in the presence of Gedolei Yisroel, all 62 loimdim, shas yidden, concluded Shas as is the yearly custom. The joy and kavod ha Torah was tremendous!

The Shas Yidden Kollel Network, which planted its seeds in Beit Shemesh ten years ago, has since grown and flourished. The Beit Shemesh Kollel currently consists of 21 avreichim, The Yerushalayim Kollel consists of 14 yungeleit, in Bnei Brak the total is 16 and in Beitar Ilit has 11. That is a sum total of 62 gaoinim steeped in the learnings of Shas who are completing its entirety with Rashi and Tosfos on a yearly basis.

The specialized structure of learning in the Kollelim network is reviewed with a chazarah of more than 50 blatt every week and tallies to 225 blatt every single month. That is how the gaonim yungeleit are zoche to complete Shas thoroughly every year.

The name “Shas Yidden” has gained traction far and wide and the yungeleit cherish a special relationship with HaGoan R’ Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a the leader of all Kollelim. On countless occasions the Gaon farhered the yungeleit on the entire Shas and was amazed at the depth of their answers.

The Siyum event was conducted after a festive meal was served in the presence of a vast array of Gedolei Torah and Chassidus who participated in the grand event and expressed their deep joy at the accomplishment of the 62 yungeleit that completed Shas in depth.

This year, the kollelim network’s tenth anniversary was celebrated, which translates into completing Shas a total of ten times.

Rav Meilich Biderman Shlit’a, who farhered the misaymei ha Shas prior to the siyum, expressed his deep emotions toward the yungeleit and the knowledge they possess on each blat.  He added that this phenomenon has never existed since the writing of Talmid Bavli.

The Viznitzer Rebbe Shlit’a of Beit Shemesh spoke of the chashivus of the misaymei ha Shas and gave his holy blessing to the founder of the kollelim, Rav Eisen Shlit’a, for enabling this concept, for setting up an army of Talmidim that are familiar with the entire Shas from cover to cover. He added that his son in law is zoche to learn in the kollel and whenever he’s in need of a maareh makom he gets an accurate answer immediately.

The Rosh Yeshiva of Ponevezh Hagaon R’ Baroch Dov Pavorsky Shlit’a started his lecture quoting the words of “Nefesh Chaim” who explains the love Hashem has for every word of Torah. Every word of Torah that leaves the mouth of a yid travels to shamayim and gets embraced lovingly by Hashem building endless spheres of kedusha. The kedusha brings brachos and hashpaos to the one that uttered even one single word of Torah.

“In our presence are 62 yungeleit, gaonim, who have completed the entire Shas.  Imagine the joy created in shamayim thanks to the Shas Yidden” said the Rosh Yeshiva.  “How much kedusha they are filling the world with and how much shefa and abundance they are bringing upon the world with their koach haTorah.”

The hundreds of attendees, who took part in the Simcha Shel Torah, gave a standing ovation in awed respect as R’ Chaim Kanievsky Shlit’a, and Rav Edelstein Shlit’a made their honored appearance to display their respect and support for the avreichim of Shas Yidden and its founder.

Rav Edelstein commented that the derech halimud of Shas Yidden is the true way of learning. As Chazal say: first one should learn and only then go into depth. The Rosh Yeshiva expressed his pain at those who don’t understand that learning Gemara with Rashi is very chashuv even without Tosfos and here we have Shas Yidden who managed to complete Shas with Tosfos.

“These are the real Talmidei Chachamim” said the Rosh Yeshiva. “This is the right way to learn Torah. Boruch Hashem that our generation has been zoche to true learning.  There’s a tzibbur of 62 yungeleit, gaonim that completed the entire Shas. Hashem should help that they should have an effect on others who will follow in their footsteps. That, in turn, will have an effect on those that have not yet reached the goal. The merit of the misaymei ha Shas is tremendous as is the merit of their families and all those that aid in the running of the kollel.”

After the inspirational words of the Rosh Yeshiva, in the presence of Gedoilei Torah, the Rosh Hakollelim  R’ Moshe Isaac Samet Shlit’a got up and was misayam Shas. There was not a dry eye to be found amongst the crowd as R’ Samet’s voice, accompanied by 62 yungeleit, rang out with an emotional intensity.

After joyous music and dancing in honor of this momentous completion, Rav Kanievsky Shlit’a drank L’chaim in honor of the Torah and blessed the founder, Hagaon R’ Avrohom Eisen Shlit”a, that he should continue with his holy work together with those that are aiding in his accomplishments.  After the completion, Rav Eisen Shlit’a started the new Machzor Hashas with the first Mishnah of Brachos with the accompanying Rashi.

Hagaon Rav Eliyahu Mann read the “Michtav Habracha” that R’ Chaim Kanievsky wrote in honor of the siyum:

The respect that he has toward the founder of the kollelim was evident when he visited the holy home of R’ Chaim on Monday before the event. Rav Chaim made a tremendous effort to stand in his presence. He added that one should get up for Rav Eisen, for his accomplishments in the spreading of Torah which resulted in tens of yungeleit that are knowledgeable in all of Shas.

Rav Chaim Feinstein Shlit’a, the Rosh Yeshiva of Ateres Shloime, who farhered the yungeleit for hours on end shared testimony that the yungeleit are fully knowledgeable in Shas, that he alone was privy to the knowledge during the farhers.

“The Nefesh HaChaim says that the Ohr Hagunez that Hashem has saved for the time of Moshiach is hidden in the words of the Torah and those who toil in Torah are zoche to the light. That is the goal of this world, to toil in the depths of the Torah, to know and understand and delve in its depth and to review.”

Rav Feinstein Shlit’a added a bracha for the supporters that donate of their resources to upkeep the Kollelim Network of Shas Yidden that they shoud be zoche to the crown of Torah.

At the closing of the event, special envelopes with substantial remuneration were handed to the holy wives, the partners of the misaymei ha Shas. It is only with the constant support and encouragement that they provide to their spouses that they can learn with undisturbed diligence day in day out even during the most hectic times.

The celebration was concluded by the beautiful singing of the renowned singer R’ Aarale Samet with the Yachad Capella who sang to honor the Lomdei Troah. The night ended to the tune of the heartfelt songs celebrating the joy of Torah complemented by the dancing of mesaymei ha Shas and their families who were present to celebrate the big day.

For more information on Shas Yiden, to view live farhers, or to donate, click on www.shasyiden.com

Three Gedolei Hatorah Test the Proficiency of the Shas Yiden Geonim on the Entire Shas – by heart, in depth (iyun) and breadth (bekius)

An incredible sight was recently seen by the philanthropists and donors of the Shas Yiden Kollelim Network. This was a historical test for 62 Shas Yidengeonim. When one says historical, one may ask that seeing that the Shas Yiden network has already had numerous historical farhers by rabbis who are gedolei Yisroel. Nevertheless, this latest farher broke another barrier.

This time, 62 Shas Yidengeonim faced a public test by three gedolei Yisroel, shlit”a, who tested them on the entire Shas b’iyun (in depth), in breadth, in lomdus (reasoning and clarification) and hekeif (all-embracing knowledge). The three who comprised the ‘beth din’ of examiners were the Gaon Harav Chaim Feinstein, shlit”a, (Rosh Yeshiva Ateres Shlomo), the Gaon Harav Dov Diskin, shlit”a (Rosh Yeshiva Orchos Torah) and Hagaon Hatzaddik, Hamashpia Reb Elimelech Biderman, shlit”a.

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

This was an amazing gathering of 62 incredible geonim gathered together – 21 from Beit Shemesh, 16 from BneiBrak, 14 from Yerushalayim and 11 from Beitar. They sat on 6 risers facing the dais, and the nobility shining from their faces reflected how Shas had been absorbed into their being and the Talmud was, literally, in their hands.

What was most amazing were their penetrating responses to the array of probing and scholarly questions. By way of example, Rav Diskin asked if they could give an example from any place in Shas where a father and mother are so called, even if they passed away before the birth. The immediate response, in virtual unison was Megillah 13a – where it states that Esther was born after the deaths of her father and mother, and even so they are referred to as father and mother, which they had never been in practice.

An interesting question from Rav Feinstein: “How is it possible for a korban of livestock to atone without shechita and the pouring of the blood? Instant answer: Temurah 25b – one who slaughters a chatas (a sin- offering) and finds a living fetus of 4 months.”

The geonim were asked many questions on matters that appeared numeous times throughout Shas, and they answered and detailed each case. For example, Rav Feinstein asked, where is the dispute if imperfect shechita (she’einareuya) can be regarded as shechita. Immediately, there was a torrent of responses: Kesubos 34a, Bava Kama 70b and 106b, Kidushin 57a, Chullin 80a and 84a.

Reb Meilech Biedermanasked where in Shas is the following well-known principle to be found: “Wherever something should not be mixed, if it was mixed, it is problematic”, and with regard to which circumstances? The answer rained down like a slew of bright burning coals: The source is Menachos 18b and 103b regarding the mincha offering; Nedarim 73a regarding a deaf person annulling an oath made by his wife; Kiddushin 25a and Nidda 66a regarding an intermission during immersion; Bava Basra 81a, Makkos 18b regarding reading the text when bringing Bikkurim; Chullin 83b regarding covering the blood after shechita.

Reb Meilech raised the spirits of the gathering when he asked; “Where in Shas does it describe the importance of making people happy other than with money? The responses gladdened the hearts of all: Taanis 22a, the case of two jesters concerning who Eliyahu Hanavi remarked that they merited Olam Haba; Kesubos 111b where Rabbi Yochanan said: Better to show white teeth (to smile at another) that pouring him milk; similarly, the gemora in Bava Basra 9, that states that one who gives words of comfort to a poor person is blessed with 11 blessings, where as one who gives only money is blessed with only 6.

Many, many other questions were asked, however there is no place here to bring them all in the space of a news report. The mood was electric and charged with anticipation as the geonim responded from each appropriate place throughout Shas, all which brought about an enormous and historical Kiddush Hashem.

The gedolei Torah present expressed their unqualified amazement at the extensive knowledge of the Shas Yiden geonim and expressed their sentiments before the founder of the Shas Yidden Kollelim Network, the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Halevi Eisen, and the donors who witnessed the public farher during two dynamic and riveting hours.

The live farher will soon be available on the Shas Yiden website: www.shasyiden.com

Unusual reception at Home of Sar Hatorah, shlit”a

Tens of thousands often gather at the small house in Rashbam Street, Bnei-Brak. These include hundreds of Rabbis and leaders of the Jewish people, day after day.   Therefore, it was most surprising when Maran, Sar Hatorah, despite being many years his senior, rose from his seat to honor one of these visitors, and accompanied his actions with the recitation of the verse: “Mipnei seiva tokum – Before the elderly one should rise!”

The visitor was Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, the Pozna Rov, and founder of the Shas Yiden Network of Kollelim, was taken by Rav Chaim’s action and words. Rav Eisen had come to Rav Chaim to formally invite him to the 10^th Anniversary celebration of the founding of Shas Yiden, of which Maran Sar Hatorah is the Nasi. The celebration which took place a week later at an impressive gathering presided over by Rav Chaim and attended by the gedolei Torahof Eretz Yisroel at the Keter Rimon Hall,is the subject of a separate article.

In response to the expression of amazement by Rav Avrohom about the rising of Rav Chaim before him, Maran Sar Hatorah explained: “In light of his great efforts to increase Torah in the Jewish people and to groom many tens of avreichim to know the entire Shas – Gemora, Rashi and Tosfos, one should rise before the Pozna Rov!”

• 

In honor of the Shas Yiden10^th Anniversary, Rav Kanievsky gave Rav Eisen the following letter:

Bs”d Cheshvan 5780

Come and acknowledge our colleague the Pozna Rov, Hagaon Rav Avrohom Halevi Eisen, shlit”a, on the occasion of the tenth anniversary of the founding of the Shas Yiden kollelim. A few years ago, he responded to my request and established other kollelim where tens of avreichim, great talmidei chachomim who are indeed like they are called that they know Shas Bavli fully. I have examined them on a number of occasions, and they answered my questions immediately on the spot.

In addition, my son, Reb Shaul, shlit”a, examined them for a full hour, ranging across the entire Shas. He was amazed at their all-encompassing knowledge and referred to them as described in the Talmud (Kiddushin 30a) “If a person asks you a matter, don’t fumble and then reply; rather reply immediately etc.”

Thus, it is a very great zchus to strengthen and support great talmidei chachomim like them with an open hand. All those who do support them should be blessed with all the brochos that are said about those who support Torah — Chaim Kanievsky

And R’ Chaim’s Brocho comes true again

813,300 Blatt ahead for the Shas Yiden Avreichim

Just 4 years ago, the Nasi of Shas Yiden, Sar Hatorah Maran Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlit”a, gave a brocho that Shas Yiden should increase by another 10 kollelim with avreichim geonim! So, in addition to the first kollel in Beit Shemesh (which has 21 avreichim geonim), another kollel was opened in Bnei Brak (with 16), followed by Yerushalayim (with 12), and now, on Tuesday – Rosh Chodesh Cheshvan, in the young Torah city of Beitar (with 11). 

Yes, sixty metzuyonim – using the unique Shas Yiden system of learning and chazorah – master the entire Shas b’al peh, including every Rashi and Tosfos! Each avreich completes 8-blatt-a-day PLUS 4 chazoras, and sits for a bechina and farher on 225 blatt each month and a siyum hashas every year in Cheshvan.

Maranan, Gedolei Hatorah and Roshei Yeshiva across Eretz Yisroel, all acclaim the great feat of Shas Yiden over this last decade. Public farhers by leading talmidei chachomim on the entire Shas have captured the imagination of lomdei hatorah across the entire Jewish world. These live farhers can be viewed at www.shasyiden.com. Please click on the link to view them or to donate and support this incredible Torah endeavor – “the first of its kind in Jewish history”, declared both the Sanzer Rebbe, shlit”a, and Reb Meilech Biderman, shlit”a. 

On November 19, in celebration of 10 years of Shas Yiden and a year in which a minimum of 813,300 blatt will be completed by the 60 avreichim geonim, a gala farher and dinner, to be graced by Sar Hatorah and the gedolim of Eretz Hakadosh, will be held in Bnei Brak. אשרי העם שככה לו!

Facing one of the most searching farhers to date, the Shas Yiden geonim avreichim once again astounded the examiner. Those present, travelling from New York, found the scholarship nothing short of amazing! With comments like: “They own Shas!” “Their accomplishment is just ‘beyond’…” “I thought the claim that they all complete Shas five times a year was hallucinatory talk, but with my own eyes I saw them in action – just something else!”

Giving the farher on this occasion was Harav Hagaon Itamar Garbuz, shlit”a,  Rosh Yeshiva of Orchos Torah (appointed by Maran Hagaon Aharon Leib Steiman, zt”l) and Rosh of the 15 kollelim of Taharos (appointed by Maran Hagaon Mechel Yehuda Lefkowitz, zt”l).

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

For a full hour, Rav Garbuz conducted a non-stop, penetrating, all-encompassing examination. It is not possible to fully describe all the fascinating and deep responses, the heated dynamic of Torah, and the power and the personal spiritual gifts which this entire experience involved and demonstrated. The Rosh Yeshiva expressed his amazement at the knowledge of these geonim avreichim. He said, “These are not just ‘regular’ Shas Yiden who show a broad knowledge of the text of Shas. Behold, here we have seen and heard knowledge of the Shas in depth, with Rishonim and they have the needed scholarship.” Simply, it is also not possible not to emphasize their pansophic knowledge which is extraordinary.

In his conclusion, Rav Garbuz blessed the founder of Shas Yiden, Hagaon Harav Avrohom Eisen, shlit”a, the Pozna Rov, together with the supporters who travelled from overseas to be present at the farher and to meet with the Nasi of Shas Yiden, Maran Hagaon, Sar Hatorah, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shilt”a, and other gedolei Torah who are avid supporters of Shas Yiden. Rav Garbuz again expressed his excitement at the Shas Yiden phenomenon. He then added that he was jealous of their zechus in supporting this incredible endeavor and the development of these geonim avreichim who are unique in our generation.

Some of the wide-ranging questions:

• We all know the statement “One can rely on Rabbi Shimon in the case of an emergency“. What is considered the emergency for which we are relying on Rabbi Shimon? How many times do we find this in Chazal? Their immediate responses: Shabbos 45a – muktzeh; Brochos 9a – recitation of the Shma; Gittin 19a – shtar mukdam. Then they added Rabbi Elazar in Niddah 6b; Eiruvin 46a in the sugya of in ‘m’eis l’eis’.
• Is an egg is considered food or a liquid and explain? Three immediate responses: Beitza 2a; Yoma 80a; Sanhedrin 5b.
• In Shabbos, how many disputes are there between Rabbi Shimon and Rabbi Yehuda? Immediately they listed them all and their page numbers. All present could not believe their eyes and ears.
• Which Amora concluded Shas at a young age? Rav Cahanah at 18 – Shabbos 63a; Rav Chaga at 18 – Moed Katan 25a. Who concluded a maseches at a younger age? ‘Hahu yanuka’ concluded Avoda Zara at age 6 – Avoda Zara 56b.   
• How many mishnayos in Shas have no gemara on them? Bechoros 13a, Rosh Hashanna 22b, Nedarim 63b.
• Which daf in Shas contains the expressions of Rava only? Bechoros 59. 

22 Tammuz 5779

I hereby express my praise of the incredible Rabbonim Geonim who study the Torah of Hashem by day and by night, with extreme diligence and clear understanding, with in-depth and all-encompassing knowledge of the entireShas, year after year. They are also outstanding in their middos tovos.

These are the scholars of the Shas Yiden Kolel Network under the leadership of my dear and esteemed friend, who raises the standard of Torah in our generation, the Gaon Harav Avrohom Halevi Eisen, shlit”a, the Pozna Rov.

What amazed me was to behold the power of the Torah of these Rabbonim Geonim. With my own eyes, I saw how they were quizzed ‘by heart’ in all the sections of Shas, and were able to answer each and every question on each topic in a manner that was both amazing and intimidating, together with referencing the exact page in Shas. Had I not witnessed such competence with my own eyes, I would not have believed it possible.

There is certainly an incredible zchus to be a supporter of these Shas Yiden Kolelim, the likes of which we have never ever heard before.

Praised is the person who is zoche to have a cheilek in their Torah, as there is no doubt that this tzedaka is both exceedingly great and important. Especially to those who are zoche to be faithful partners with them in a “Yissachar-Zevulun” pact — one cannot adequately describe or even estimate how great is their goodness and cheilek, both in this world in the World-to-Come.

I hereby give my brocha to all those who participate and have a cheilek in maintaining this Torah study, that they should be zoche to have goodparnossa, good children, good shidduchim, refuos and yeshuos in whatever they need. They should be zoche to all the brochos that are written and stated in the Torah — Amen and may it be His will.

Written and signed for the honor of the Torah and it scholars

Avrohom Elimelech Biderman

Click on the video below:

Recently, the Torah world was electrified by the news and video of the Shas Yiden public farher on the entire shas by Harav Nissan Kaplan and Harav Rephael Shmuelewitz at Yeshivas Daas Aharon. Maran Harav David Cohen, Rosh Yeshivas Chevron, suggested that yeshivos should invite the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim so that yeshiva bochrim could see true Shas Yiden and be inspired.

Let the Geonim Test Them!

However, Hagaon Harav Yehoshua Menachem Weiss, menahel haruchani of the Erlau Yeshiva Ketana in Bnei Brak, decided to go a step further. “The second shiur of the yeshiva had been spending many hours mastering the 120 daf of Bava Kamma. 20 of the bachurim knew the masechta both by heart and in depth. What better challenge could there be than for them to be tested by the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim? They are acknowledged masters of Shas about whom so much has been written, and who are praised by the Sar Hatorah, Maran Hagaon Chaim Kanievsky, the nasi of Shas Yiden.”

Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, Rosh Hakollelim of Shas Yiden, consulted with the avreichim geonim at Shas Yiden Yerushalayim. They agreed to make time in their heavy learning schedules for such bochurim. For weeks, the Erlau Yeshiva was buzzing with excitement. They could not believe this unique opportunity.

No Seforim on the Tables!

The 15-year-old bochurim arrived at Shas Yiden Yerushalayim and were divided into pairs, each with an avreich. Moreover, there were no seforim on any of the desks! There was no need. All the testers and the bochurim knew the gemora texts in detail and by heart. If there was any question, the volume could be found on the shelf. For an intense hour, the bochurim were quizzed over the entire Bava Kamma – length and breadth, forwards and backwards, and in depth – and they could answer all questions!

 

After this initial question period, the bochurim were gathered together and, collectively, had a general farher. The faces of all were shining with glow and sparks of Torah.

 

Gedolim of the Future

The avreichim were overjoyed to see the prowess of each of the bochurim. The general sense was these young and budding talmidei chachomim are proof how in-depth and all-encompassing knowledge of Shas can begin at a young age. Harav Yosef Danziger, masgiach ruchani from Erlau, who arranged the occasion, reported that the bochurim returned to the yeshiva on a ‘major high’, inspired and eager to tackle the next masechta with the hope to become true Shas Yiden.

“It is a Mitzvah to Bring Shas Yiden Avreichim to Every Yeshiva so that every bochur can see that he can become a Shas Yid”

– Chevron Rosh Yeshiva

Recently, there was an amazing sight at Yeshiva Daas Aharon in Har Nof, Yerushalayim. 42 avreichin geonim of Shas Yiden, surrounded on three sides by all the talmidim of the yeshiva. They sat facing the two Roshei Yeshiva – Maranan Hagaonim shlit”a, Harav Nissan Kaplan and Harav Rephael Shmulewitz – who conducted a detailed farher with questions from all over the entire Shas! The talmidim sat spellbound, witnessing an incredible back and forth from the avreichim who know every line and discussion of the Talmud.

Reaction of the Gedolim

Maran Hagaon Harav Gershon Edelstein, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Ponevez, was effusive in his praise: “Ashrei ayin roassoh zos – Joyous are the eyes that witness such a phenomenon as Shas Yiden.” And the reaction of Maran Hagaon Harav David Cohen, shlit”a, Rosh Yeshiva, Chevron, declared: “It’s a mitzvah for every yeshiva to bring a group of the Shas Yiden avreichim geonim that every bochur can see first-hand that he can become a Shas Yid.”

Each avreich is a “Living Shas”!

The Roshei Yeshiva felt that this would be a unique opportunity for such scholars to inspire their talmidim to see just what can be achieved in Torah learning. “Our bochrim had a chance to see 42 ‘Living Shasim’ in action,” said Rav Kaplan after the farher. “Heim sholtim b’Shas!” (They have mastered Shas.) During the course of a year, each avreich gaon completes a minimum of 13,555 blatt of Talmud with all the Rashi and Tosfos, and also knows Shas by heart. This was their 7th public Shas-wide farher in 10 years, aside from written tests and the annual farher by Sar Hatorah and Nasi of Shas Yiden, Maran Hagaon, Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlit”a.  

Seeing is Believing – Torah Sparks Flying

“Our talmidim know just how hard they have to work to master Gemara page by page, to review and to remember and this was their inspiration,” said Rav Kaplan. The air was electric and the enthusiastic shining faces seemed to be lit up by sparks of Torah. The constant questions, both in-depth and covering many tractates, with virtually instant responses from across the group was so intense that most dispensed with the few microphones present, jumped out of their seats and called out the answers.

To watch the live farher, please click on: https://shasyiden.com/farher/ and then on the latest farher.

On Monday evening, the avreichim geonim of Shas Yiden, leading supporters from the United States and England and other guests gathered at the Lederman shul in Bnei Brak.  A controlled excitement permeated the small hall as all waited to welcome the Nasi of Shas Yiden, Maran Sar Hatorah   ורשכבה”ג Hagaon Harav Chaim Kanievsky, shlit”a, for the annual Siyum Hashas by each of the 42 avreichim. Each had completed a minimum of 13,555 blatt!

When Rav Chaim entered, the music and the singing reached a crescendo and the simchas Torah began with abandon. Aside from Rav Chaim, Rav Eliyahu Mann, the Rav’s chavrusa, addressed the gathering on behalf of Rav Chaim. “We are celebrating a siyum of 569,310 blatt!… The Sar Hatorah said that the supporters of Shas Yiden will have ehrliche children who will be yir’ei  shomayin; their sons talmidei chachomim and their daughters, tznuos. Hagaon Harav Shimon Galai gave divrei brocho and spoke of the greatness of the avreichim and the mutual greatness of those who support  Shas Yiden. The hadran was made by the Rosh Reshet Hakollelim, Hagaon Harav Moshe Isaac Samet, shlit”a, and the kaddish was recited by Reb Yossi Hirsch from New York.

Just before Rav Chaim left the gathering, he read and signed a letter of brocho – 28 Cheshvan 5779