Reflecting On Five Years Since the Siyum Hashas

By Y.M. Lowy

Five years have flown by since the winter of 2020 when Klal Yisroel gathered with immense joy to celebrate the 13th Siyum Hashas. Over 90,000 Yidden filled MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. Simultaneously, another 10,000 Yidden assembled at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, united in their dedication to Limmud HaTorah. Many more people in locations around the world united to celebrate the monumental occasion.

Despite the biting cold winter, the atmosphere was filled with warmth. The event featured divrei chizuk, heartfelt tefillas, inspiring presentations, and mesirus Nefesh of those who learn the Daf Yomi. As the Hadran was recited, a resounding “Mazel tov!” echoed through the stadium, followed by joyous singing and dancing, with multitudes joining hands in celebration.

Little did we know, this gathering would mark the last time we’d be together in such a grand way before the world changed. Just weeks after the Siyum Hashas, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, and we were all sent into quarantine. The unity we felt that day felt all the more precious as the months that followed kept us physically apart, yet spiritually connected.