By COLlive reporter
Members of Bais Shmuel Chabad Cong. in Crown Heights gathered at the newly opened The BH – Bespoke Hospitality to celebrate a Siyum on Chelek Alef of the Shulchan Aruch, marking the completion of nearly three years of consistent daily halacha study.
The initiative began in the wake of the October 7 attacks, when members of the shul accepted upon themselves a hachlata to dedicate five minutes each day to learning halacha in the merit of the safe return of the hostages.
The undertaking was inspired by the verse, “Tzion bemishpat tipadeh veshaveha bitzdoka” (“Zion shall be redeemed through justice, and those who return to her through righteousness”), with Chazal explaining that “mishpat” refers to the study and observance of halacha. The daily learning was embraced as a spiritual merit and expression of hope for the redemption of those held captive.
Under the leadership of Rabbi Lipe Kosofsky, the group maintained its commitment day after day, at precisely 12:58 pm, and completed Chelek Alef of the Shulchan Aruch in just two years and ten months.
The Siyum was held in honor of Chof Av, the yahrtzeit of Harav Levi Yitzchak Schneerson, the Rebbe‘s father. In keeping with the Rebbe’s longstanding custom to mark a yahrtzeit by making a siyum, the occasion served as a fitting tribute while celebrating the group’s remarkable achievement.
Addressing the gathering were Rabbi Levi Garelik, rav of Bais Shmuel, and Rabbi Tuvia Kasimov, rav of Empire Shtiebel, who spoke about the importance of limud halacha, the impact that a commitment to Halacha has on the family as a whole, and inspired them to a life of real Ahavas Hatorah.
The evening concluded with renewed inspiration and a commitment to continue the daily learning, as participants embarked on the next section of the Shulchan Aruch, strengthening their dedication to Torah and their ongoing tefillos for the geula shleima.
The Siyum was hosted at the newly opened The BH – Bespoke Hospitality, a 7-room boutique hotel-style short-term rental in Crown Heights just a block from 770, designed to provide truly upscale accommodations for the discerning visitor to the Rebbe’s shechuna.
For more information, visit bespokehospitalitych.com
