Cincinnati Night Seder Chaburah Makes Siyum After Two And a Half Years

After two and a half years, the Night Seder Chaburah at The Cincinnati Kollel celebrated a siyum on Maseches Avodah Zarah and invited the 25 baalei battim members who learn together each night to a gala siyum celebration.

Mr. and Mrs. Michy and Sarah Fishman graciously opened up their home to host the siyum, and hired a local chef to prepare a delicious five-course meal for the members of the chaburah and their wives who attended this festive occasion.

The beautiful ambiance was a true display of kvod haTorah, highlighting the importance of dedicating time each night to learning Torah.

Reb Yosef Zoimen started off the program by welcoming everyone and introducing the Rosh Chaburah, Rabbi Tzvi Fishman. Affectionately known to all as “the Rosh Yeshivah,” Rabbi Fishman leads the chaburah with a tremendous energy.

Rabbi Fishman began by highlighting the importance of this occasion and the perseverance and dedication shown by each member, coming to learn b’iyun with their chavrusa each night after a long day of work.

It was this dedication that culminated in the accomplishment of finishing the masechta. Rabbi Fishman then proceeded to say the Hadran as the other mesaymim read along with him.

One of the distinguished members of the chaburah, Rabbi Moshe Berlove, then recited the Kaddish.

The highlight of the event was the participation of Harav Yeruchim Olshin, shlita, Rosh Yeshivah of Beth Medrash Govoha, who spoke via phone in honor of the siyum.

The Rosh Yeshivah mentioned that making a siyum transforms the entire day into a Yom Tov. He told a story of someone who came to the Chofetz Chaim for a brachah, and the Chofetz Chaim told him the greatest brachah lies in the Torah. Learn Torah and you will be gebentched!

Two esteemed members, Rabbi Avrohom Yitzchak Braunstein and Mr. Dovid Shepansky, spoke and shared the impact the chaburah has made on each of them.

The Menahel of the chaburah, Rabbi Zalmy Epstein, then summed up the chaburah in two words: consistency and connection. The constant learning night after night, rain, hail or snow, as well as staying connected to the source of life, the Torah, and staying connected to one another in the chaburah, made a great impact on the participants.

The evening’s host, Reb Michy Fishman, closed out the program by imploring everyone to have the learning of Torah remain their “hobby” as it is important to always keep one’s priorities straight even while in the workforce and working hard to support one’s family.

All the attendees left in high spirits and were inspired to continue learning the next masechta, Moed Kattan, as they continue to grow in their learning.