[Videos and photos below.] A distinguished gathering of askanim, supporters, rabbonim, and others assembled yesterday at the Manhattan offices of Outerstuff for an inaugural pre-Siyum HaShas kickoff event hosted by Shloime Werdiger, Chairman of the Board of Agudath Israel of America.

The evening marked the formal launch of early efforts leading toward next June’s Siyum HaShas and brought together individuals committed to strengthening Daf Yomi, expanding opportunities for limud haTorah, and helping shape what organizers hope will become the largest and most impactful event of harbotzas haTorah in history.

Hosted in the elegant Outerstuff offices in Manhattan, the gathering was designed not merely as a planning session, but as an opportunity to present a vision, one centered on reaching broader audiences, inspiring deeper connection to Torah, and investing in initiatives that will elevate Daf Yomi following the Siyum, which will be held on Sunday, June 6, 2027, at MetLife Stadium.

A central theme repeated throughout the evening was the ambitious goal of enabling the Siyum HaShas to ultimately reach one million people worldwide and inspire them in limud haTorah. Speakers emphasized that the objective is not only to fill a stadium, but to ignite a greater passion for daily Torah learning among Yidden across every background and community.

The event also served as the first official opportunity for attendees to reserve premium suites for the Siyum itself, giving supporters an early chance to participate in what organizers described as a historic undertaking already generating significant excitement and momentum.

Rabbi Naftali Miller opened the evening by welcoming guests and introducing Mr. Werdiger. Mr. Werdiger spoke passionately about the responsibility and privilege of preparing for a Siyum HaShas. He described it as an opportunity to inspire countless Yidden to begin learning, reconnect to Torah, and become part of something larger than themselves.

Mr. Werdiger then introduced R’ Shmuel Yosef Rieder, who delivered a detailed presentation titled “Inspiring the Masses – Programs and Initiatives.” R’ Shmuel Yosef outlined a broad range of developing initiatives designed to bring the excitement and accessibility of limud haTorah to larger audiences than ever before. Attendees listened attentively as he laid out an ambitious roadmap for expanding the Siyum’s reach and impact, with a particular focus on bringing one million people into the orbit of the Siyum HaShas and inspiring greater commitment to limud haTorah.

Mr. Werdiger then introduced renowned Daf Yomi maggid shiur Rabbi Sruly Borenstein, whose heartfelt remarks focused on the transformative power of the Siyum HaShas experience and the profound effect Daf Yomi has had on individuals and families around the world.

Rabbi Borenstein spoke emotionally about people from every background finding connection, consistency, and personal growth through daily Gemara learning. He described how the Siyum HaShas serves as a transformative moment for Klal Yisroel. He reflected on stories of individuals whose lives were changed through Daf Yomi, emphasizing what Daf Yomi can accomplish in a person’s life.

Rabbi Avi Schnall, COO of Agudath Israel of America, then thanked those in attendance and spoke about the enormous opportunity facing the Torah community as preparations continue for the Siyum HaShas.

Rav Binyomin Eisenberger, rov of Heichal Hatefillah in Boro Park, then addressed the gathering with stirring and inspirational remarks about the tremendous significance of supporting and growing the Siyum HaShas. He encouraged attendees to view their participation not merely as support for an event, but as an investment in the future spiritual strength of Klal Yisroel.

Throughout the evening, attendees expressed excitement and optimism about the ambitious vision being presented. Conversations continued long after the formal program ended, with participants discussing ideas, opportunities, and ways to help bring the plans to fruition.

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