5 years ago

Queens: Chidon in Inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach

For the past two months, the Bochurim in Yeshivas Tomchei Temimim Lubavitch Queens spent every spare second of their days (and many of their nights…) studying topics in Inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach in-depth, from a curriculum created specifically for the Yeshivah by Rabbi Shammai Eidelman, a teacher in the Yeshiva. The Bochurim studied with tremendous dedication and devotion, amassing much knowledge on various general topics, including the long-awaited “Seudas HaLivyasan”, the lifestyle of the Yidden in the times of Moshiach, the implication of various well-known prophecies about Moshiach, and much more.

This was part of an ongoing Mivtza with the purpose of the Bochurim acquiring information and attaining familiarity on this important subject – in accordance with the directive of the Rebbe MH”M, in order to reach the ultimate goal, the coming of Moshiach. The Mivtza was arranged and overseen by the devoted shluchim to the Yeshiva.

The “Chidon Inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach” has been taking place in the Yeshiva for the past 4 years, B”H growing annually by leaps and bounds, however, this year the Mivtza has reached a peak more than ever. “We were amazed by the בקיאות of the Bochurim – we never imagined it possible, that in just two months the Bochurim should acquire so much knowledge in Inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach, and understand it in such a thorough way,” remarked Rabbi Mendel Scharf, Menahel of the Yeshiva. “This was just such a tremendous accomplishment.”

Throughout the Mivtza, three tests took place, and after these three tests came a major test which served as a final to determine the Chidon finalists. The 12 Bochurim who received the highest mark on the final competed a week later in a public Chidon with parents and friends in attendance, where they proved themselves to know by heart – inside out – all the material that they learned.

“I can personally attest to the diligent studying of the 12 finalists,” Rabbi Scharf noted with a smile by the Chidon. “Every night, it was call after call after call – ‘Could I have permission to learn after lights-out’?” By day as well, the Bochurim could be seen almost invariably walking around during their breaks with their nose in one of the three study booklets.

It was not easy to determine the final champion, for each contestant proved to know the information fluently, confidently shooting out answers as they were asked. After hours of testing, the judges were finally able to narrow it down to two final contenders. They fought it out intensely for three full rounds – one of them in which the two asked each other questions on the material – until the judges at last crowned Yanky Rodal as the winner.

The Chidon was followed by Maariv, immediately after which the certificates were presented to the winners. The night then continued with lively Adar dancing accompanied by the renowned musician Yossi Cohen.

The winner received a dollar from the holy hand of the Rebbe MH”M, the two runner-ups received gift certificates to Seforim stores of their choice, and all 12 finalists received an additional monetary reward along with a beautiful newly-published sefer on Hilchos Pesach.

In addition, all those who received an average of 90% on all three tests entered two raffles on valuable sets of Seforim, and those with an 80% average will be participating in a trip which will be taking place IY”H right after Pesach.

The learning does not end here. All the Bochurim will continue to learn Inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach with even more enthusiasm, thanks to the added excitement the Chidon injected into the general atmosphere of the Yeshiva. “We hope that the Temimim of the Rebbe MH”M will serve as a living example to all of us to study Inyonei Geulah U’Moshiach,” says Mendel Spiero, a Shliach in the Yeshiva.

We pray to Hashem that this shall be the “Makeh B’patish” – the final blow to hammer in the coming of Moshiach and the ultimate Hisgalus of Hashem’s glory into this world, and together we will proudly march to Yerushalayim to the Beis HaMikdash, with the Rebbe MH”M in our lead, speedily in our days!

The following is a list of the winners and their prizes:

First place winner: Yanky Rodal – a dollar from the Rebbe MH”M

Second place winner: Shmuli Braun – $200 gift certificate to a Seforim store

Third place winner: Zalmy Engel – $125 gift certificate to a Seforim store

Finalists (in alphabetical order):

Levi Bruchstat

Sholom Ber Baumgarten

Yisroel Cohen

Yossi Hendel

Berke Hendel

Tzemach Hendel

Zalman Liberow