Halikut, the flagship program for Bochurim worldwide learning the Rebbe’s Torah, launched its ninth year this past Sunday. Organized by the Vaad Talmidei Hatmimim, the program has made mastering an entire Chelek of Likkutei Sichos a shared goal for Bochurim across the globe.
Last year, more than 1,000 Bochurim from over 25 Yeshivos participated, bringing an enthusiasm for Sichos that was felt throughout their Yeshivos.
This year, participants will work toward mastering Chelek Lamed. A structured schedule, regular tests and plenty of Chazara help them understand the Sichos thoroughly and retain what they have learned. The annual Halikut Siyum brings Bochurim together to celebrate the achievement earned through months of effort.
Behind the program is a substantial investment by the Vaad, from developing the learning materials and coordinating with Yeshivos to arranging the Siyum and providing generous prizes that Bochurim earn through their learning and test results. Across the participating Yeshivos, those rewards represent a major commitment to making serious learning something Bochurim are excited to take on and motivated to sustain.
Publications, questions encouraging deeper analysis, and opportunities to submit and discuss Ha’aros add to that excitement. A question raised during Seder becomes a discussion in the hallway, and Bochurim in different Yeshivos find themselves occupied with the same Sicha.
Reflecting on last year’s program, Rabbi Amram Farkash, Menahel of Yeshiva Ohr Elchonon Chabad in Los Angeles, said Halikut had “changed the entire atmosphere of the Yeshiva.” Rabbi Levi Najar of Baltimore Zal described it as “what Bochurim are breathing these days.”
For a Bochur who may never have imagined himself knowing an entire Chelek, reaching that goal can change his approach to learning. With each test and round of Chazara, he sees what he can accomplish and gains the confidence to take his learning further.
The specially produced video shown at Sunday’s launch offered a taste of this year’s learning through the opening Sicha of Chelek Lamed. Rabbi Sender Lustig, Rabbi Chaim Schapiro, Rabbi Yossi Klein and Rabbi Moshe Gourarie explored how the Rebbe uncovers a remarkable message in the Mishnah of Asarah Maamaros: the power of a Yid, through Teshuvah, to reach beyond the limitations of the world and transform darkness into light.
Rabbi Gourarie brought the Sicha’s message home: just as Torah is the blueprint of creation, the Rebbe’s Torah should guide our own lives. Rabbi Leima Wilhelm spoke about how learning Sichos shapes the way we understand a Rashi or a Rambam, look at the world around us and approach our Avodas Hashem.
That learning is already reaching beyond the walls of Yeshiva. In an account shared by the Vaad, a Bochur began calling his father to review a Sicha. Before long, his father was opening Likkutei Sichos to learn along, and his younger siblings were taking notice of their brother’s excitement.
Through the Bochurim, the Sichos become part of conversations at home, discussions among friends and the Torah shared with others. The enthusiasm in one Yeshiva reaches families and communities, bringing more of Lubavitch into the learning.
For a Bochur ready to commit, Halikut offers an opportunity to finish the coming months with an entire Chelek he knows, a stronger connection to the Rebbe’s Torah and the satisfaction of having worked for both. The Vaad has put the support, resources and rewards in place. Now is the time to take part.
Registration closes this coming Tuesday, Tes Cheshvan, October 20. Bochurim can register through the new Vaad Hatmimim portal, or parents can sign up on their behalf.
Join Halikut at portal.vaadhatmimim.org
