This past Motzei Shabbos, The Chasidishe Kollel made a siyum in Hilchos Shabbos. The siyum was graciously hosted by Rabbi and Mrs. Elli Leibenstein in their home, who put in a lot of effort to set up in such a nice, befitting way. The siyum was joined by many of the Kollel members’ chavrusas as well.
Rav Avrohom Lipschutz, Mashgiach of Telshe Yeshiva, captivated the yungerleit with his powerful drasha. Rav Lipschutz emphasized the importance of the wives in the success of the Kollel, and how it is only possible for the Kollel to reach such a milestone because of their devotion and excitement towards the men’s learning. Rav Lipschutz then talked about how fortunate we are to have the Chassidishe Kollel in Chicago, and how much hakaras hatov we must have towards the Kollel yungerleit. Having a Chassidishe Kollel in a community brings a special feeling of excitement to Torah and Mitzvos. Rav Lipschutz related a story from when he was a young bochur- One day he was walking in Monsey, holding his Tefillin, when an elderly Chassidishe man stopped him and said- “bachur, Tefillin you hold close to your heart, not like a lunchbox”. Rav Lipschitz said that he has carried this line through his entire life. Chassidim truly adds to the world of Torah in Chicago. Rav Lipschutz ended off by explaining the importance of learning like the style of the Kollel, which combines learning in depth and also learning the practical applications of Halacha.
At the siyum, Rabbi Zev Friedlander made a siyum on Masechos Shabbos. Rabbi Friedlander thanked the Rosh Kollel for all the effort that he puts into motivating the yungerleit to succeed, and pushing them to succeed. R’ Friedlander also thanked the hanhalah of the Kollel and said that he feels a special connection because when his grandfather first came to Chicago, he met R’ Shmuel Yaakov Meystel’s father– R’ Yitzchok Zev, whom the Kollel is named after- who gave him fabric so that he was able to start his own business.
After Rabbi Friedlander spoke, R’ Shmuel Yaakov Meystel said Kaddish, in memory of his father R’ Yitzchok Zev.
Rabbi Elli Leibenstein gave a beautiful dvar Torah and expressed his hakaras hatov to the Rebbe shlita for his constant guidance, and who brought the Rosh Kollel to Chicago. He also thanked the Rosh Kollel for everything that he has brought to Chicago. He said that when he was asked to host the siyum he had no hesitation, and was so happy to be able to give back to the Kollel in such a way.
The mesibah concluded with leibedik dancing, with a real sense of excitement over their accomplishments.
