More Than 100 Students and Alumni Mark Completion of Masechet Kiddushin
Yeshiva University students and alumni from across the University’s many Judaic studies programs and around the globe came together today to celebrate their historic siyum [completion of a unit of Torah study] on Masechet Kiddushin. More than 100 students completed the masechta together, including undergraduates, students at the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, students in the Gruss Kollel in Israel, and alumni who have continued their regular learning in the Jacob and Dreizel Glueck Center for Jewish Study, making the siyum the largest in Yeshiva history.
“The rebbeim and hanhala [administration] of the Yeshiva are exceptionally proud of the more than 100 talmidim [students] who dedicated many additional hours in the beit midrash, focused on the goal of covering and mastering Masechet Kiddushin,” said Rabbi Yosef Kalinsky, associate dean of undergraduate Torah studies. “We hope that this experience inspires each of them to continue to aspire to greater personal goals in learning with the confidence of knowing that they can succeed. Many thanks to all of the night seder rebbeim and staff who create a warm and helping atmosphere in our beit midrash.”
After learning of the record number of students committed to finishing Masechet Kiddushin, Rabbi Joel Schreiber, chairman of the RIETS Board of Trustees, was inspired to participate in the learning and celebration himself. “It was a singular experience of both accomplishment and joy to take part in the siyum with 110 young men of RIETS and Yeshiva. The participation of so many Roshei Yeshiva as well as the dancing and spirited singing was truly a special occasion.”
The learning toward the siyum was completely voluntary and regularly conducted during Yeshiva’s night seder program, during which four rebbeim—Rabbi Yitzchok Radner, Rabbi David Weiss, Rabbi Moshe Abrams and Rabbi Robbie Schreier—are on hand to mentor students one-on-one, answer questions about the text and build deep, meaningful relationships with each student. Students who were tested on their knowledge of the masechta will be able to earn credit toward purchases at the YU Seforim Sale.
