A most important 20 Year Anniversary

Our shul just marked a most extraordinary milestone this week on March 13, 2025. While this date does not appear to have any extra significance, it was the 20th anniversary of our Daf Yomi class at Etz Chaim Synagogue. On March 13, 2005, I began (my first year here in my previous position as Youth Rabbi) to deliver the daily class on the timeless wisdom in the Talmud. The idea for this class germinated in conversation with Robbie Roth of blessed memory. Robbie was a leader and visionary in our community. (Although he passed away in 2010, the dividends of his dedication are still felt in many ways, most notable as he was the Founder and President of Torah Academy.) Robbie and I were part of a group from Jacksonville that traveled up to Continental Airlines Arena in New Jersey on March 1, 2005 (now called the Meadowlands Arena) for the Siyum Hashas of the Daf Yomi. The Siyum Hashas is the great celebration to mark the conclusion of studying the entire Talmud Bavli. During the festive music and dancing, the arena was filled with palpable energy with the excitement of Torah Study. Over the loud music, I heard Robbie's voice asking me if I would commit to teaching the Daf Yomi class, and I excitedly responded in the affirmative. For the last 20 years, men in our community have gathered for seven days a week during the pre-dawn hours to study this ancient wisdom. Over the years, I have been inspired by the many people who showed up to listen to me as I taught the hallowed passages that hydrate our thirsting souls. I am grateful to Robbie Roth and David Mizrahi of blessed memory for being part of the inaugural group. I have fond memories of Noberto Voloschin of blessed memory (passed away in 2015). Noberto did not ever study Talmud until the age of 80. He joined the year he turned 80 and never missed a day until his passing at the age of 84. In those four years, he managed to study over half of the entire Talmud. In our current group, I would like to pay tribute to Meir Cohen, who has been studying daily with us since 2007 and prepared so many special Siyumim over the years. I am also grateful to Rabbi Green, who now teaches the class on the weekends. The participants' wives and children deserve due recognition for their support and sacrifice as their husbands/fathers attended this early morning class. I am reflecting on the privilege of being able to deliver the class for 20 years. It has been a great run, and with the help of G-d, I look forward to many more years of connecting with community members to study this ancient wisdom. The more one studies, the more one realizes how much more there is to study and learn. The statement from the Talmud in Bava Kamma 92 reminds us, "When we were younger, we were considered to be men; now that we are older, we are considered to be children." I will be forever grateful for the opportunity to teach this class in our community! Have a Peaceful Shabbos, Rabbi Yaakov Fisch