Baltimore, Md - July 11, 2022 - The voices rang out in unison to a heartfelt and passionate melody, each verse repeated with increased intensity. Ki karov eleicha hadavar meod, b'ficha uvil'vavcha la'asoso (Devarim 30:14). This verse, which expresses the fervent hope that Hashem's mitzvos remain close to us, on our lips  and in our hearts, so that we may fulfill them, epitomized the overarching message of the evening. It was the Suburban Orthodox siyyum to celebrate the completion of maseches Yevamos, a tractate of Gemara in the Daf Yomi cycle, held on Thursday evening, July 7, 2022.

Kumzitzing


The evening then transitioned into a fabrengin-style jam session, with R’ Eitan Katz’s passionate and pitch-perfect performing,interspersed with pearls of meaning and kedusha from R’ Katz and R’ Silber.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        

As the voices of nearly ninety men - fathers, sons, brothers, and friends - melded together in a harmonic rhapsody, the sweet and melodious voice of honored guest R' Eitan Katz reverberated around the room. Tables were positioned side by side to create one unbroken table, which zigzagged around the room and came to a head at the center, where Rabbi Shmuel Silber and R' Eitan Katz were seated to orchestrate the celebration. Everyone felt as if they were sitting around the Rabbi's table. Elegant tablecloths adorned with glass stemware, and dim overhead lights offset by candlelight, created an atmosphere of warmth and connection. The setting was a reflection of the sincere unity that was palpable among those present.

After an introductory song to set the mood, the siyyum began with words of congratulations and chizuk from R' Silber. The last few lines of the masechta discuss the concept that when a witness testifies in a Jewish court, there is a process of investigation and cross-examination to ensure the testimony is reliable. But there is an exception - in matters of monetary law, the investigation and cross-examination are limited so as not to deter people from lending money. R' Silber challenged everyone to look at the blessings they have in life as loans from Hashem, the ultimate lender. If we are concerned that Hashem may cross-examine us, and ask what we have done with the bracha he bestowed upon us, recall the principle from monetary law. “Just ask Hashem,” Rabbi Silber urged. “More than we even want the brachos, HaShem wants to give them to us.” Hashem will not cross-examine us and withhold Brachos even if we fail to maximize them.

The Entire Evening
 
These inspiring words were followed by more rousing melodies, acoustic accompaniment, and drumming from Suburban’s own Matt Schoenfeld who was accompanied by Eli Cohen on guitar. Attendees were graced with encouraging words from Yanky Statman, a member of R’ Silber’s Daf Yomi shiur, who, in addition to celebrating his completion of Yevamos, was also celebrating the momentous occasion of his completion of ShaS as part of R’ Silber’s shiur. Between humorous quips, Yanky spoke about the unique camaraderie of the shiur and the motivating impact it has had in his life.

A culinary experience complimented the soul-lifting evening. An array of pass-around appetizers whetted everyone’s appetite’s, followed by a buffet dinner, which boasted slow-smoked pastrami. The menu was curated and cooked with the expertise of Jon Kaplan and Suburban members Zevi Daniel and Howied Friedman. Dinner concluded with a tasting of delicious cakes.


The Actual Siyum
                                                                                     

The evening then transitioned into a fabrengin-style jam session, with R’ Eitan Katz’s passionate and pitch-perfect performing, interspersed with pearls of meaning and kedusha from R’ Katz and R’ Silber. Although R’ Katz came to inspire others, he paused his singing to highlight his own feeling of inspiration from the dedication of the members of Suburban’s large Daf Yomi shiur who completed Yevamos. Yevamos, he said, is known to be a complex and lengthy masechta, one that many people can’t finish or skip altogether. The love of Torah and desire to become closer to Hashem despite the sacrifices are exemplified by those attendees who completed Yevamos.

It was a memorable evening to celebrate limmud HaTorah, and will serve to strengthen and encourage those who wish to continue learning the next masechta, Kesuvos.