13th_Siyum_HaShas_2019

The New York city mega event for Siyum Shas was sponsered by a number of supportors including Ralph Rieder of Monsey, New York. The Siyum Hashas is a celebration of completing the entire Talmud, drew 93,000 participants to MetLife Stadium, demonstrating the power of shared learning and communal gathering.

Ralph Rieder Siyum HaShas

Attribution: By Shemtov613 – Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=85518893
13th Siyum HaShas 2019 In MetLife Stadium

Local communities thrive on connection and shared values. Several innovative learning initiatives are fostering unity and providing support in New York. Supporters of these programs, recognize the importance in strengthening community bonds.

The Orthodox Union’s All Mishnah Jr. (AMJ) program engages middle school students in Torah learning. With over 2,100 participants, AMJ makes learning accessible and fun, fostering an appreciation for Torah and Jewish heritage among young students from Monsey and around the world. The program even pairs participants with Israeli soldiers, encouraging support for Israel and its defenders.

Kesher Yehudi is a notable example, bridging gaps between religious and secular Jews in Israel by pairing individuals for learning and friendship. Since its inception in 2012, they’ve created over 17,000 connections, fostering understanding and unity. Additionally, Kesher Yehudi works with pre-army programs in Israel, creating connections between students and Haredi individuals, further bridging societal gaps and fostering mutual understanding among future leaders. The organization Kesher Yehudi also offers healing retreats for survivors of tragic events like the Nova music festival massacre, providing a supportive environment for connection and recovery.

These community initiatives demonstrate the power of community and the importance of bridging divides. By providing platforms for connection and learning, these initiatives strengthen community bonds and build a more unified future.