Community Magazine January 2016

FEBRUARY 14, 2016 | ה‘ אדר א‘ תשע“ו TEVET - SHEVAT 5776 JANUARY 2016 27 In addition to individuals sponsoring lomdim, there are also opportunities for corporate sponsorships. There are six major sponsorships corresponding to the six sedarim (orders) of the Mishnah. (All tractates of the Gemara fall under one of the six sedarim of the Mishnah.) This year's corporate sponsor for Seder Mo'ed is a generous team of individuals initiated by Mr. David Jemal, Shas-A-Thon lomeid and congregant at Yad Yosef Torah Center. Mr. Jemal will be learning as a merit for his son Baruch Gabriel Aryeh ben Adina. A few days before the Shas-A-Thon, participants receive two tickets: one for themselves and one for their spouses, who are invited to join in the festivities following the giant learning seder (shift). THE BIG DAY On the morning of the actual event, the lomdim gather together, ready to learn their ten dapim . Doors open at 9:00 am. A lavish breakfast is followed by the first learning shift, which lasts for three hours. Keeping in mind the names of childless couples, or anyone awaiting salvation from a personal issue, the lomdim plug away at their learning with dedication and strength. Afterwards, a gourmet lunch and minha are followed by the second learning shift, lasting 3.5 hours. By 5:30 pm, the entire Shas is completed! It is incredible to imagine how much nahat and simha Hakadosh Baruch Hu has from so mammoth an accomplishment. The women then join in for a gala celebration marking the momentous occasion. After all, as Frieda, one community lomeid's spouse comments, "We were the women behind the men who did something so colossal." "It's a really cool thing sitting in the room and thinking how all of Torah sheba’al peh is being learned right now," says lomeid Rabbi Falack. "The learning is unbelievable. It's groundbreaking; no one knew you could do it in one day!" REASON TO CELEBRATE The Siyum Hashas and its accompanying festivities are poignant aspects of the ATIME Shas-A-Thon. First and foremost is the actual siyum hashas, where the " Hadran alach " (which is said upon completing a Gemara tractate or more) is recited by the mesayem (one making the actual siyum ) with the audience at close attention . Rabbi Ozeri has been honored with the tremendous zechut of being the mesayem this year. He will deliver a special keynote address at the upcoming Shas-A-Thon as well. The s iyum ceremony is punctuated with a prayer composed by ATIME, and a list is read aloud with the names of childless men and women who all are praying for. The program continues with a gala dinner for the men and women. A band, a choir, and spirited singing and dancing all lend to the festivities celebrating the gargantuan accomplishment. At last year's Shas-A-Thon, renowned entertainer and lomeid Avraham Fried was in attendance. "In 35 years, I have had my name on big posters in the biggest cities around the world. But this is the first time I've had my name on the cover of a Gemara," he said, referring to the monogrammed sefarim provided at the Shas-A-Thon. "A singer, a caterer, fancy businessmen; all walks of life; all different backgrounds; everyone was participatinginthe siyumhashas ,united for one cause," Frieda, a community member at the siyum enthuses. With all the diversity, she had been glad to enter the siyum and see a "Syrian table" with acquaintances from Brooklyn, Deal, and Lakewood. "We were wined and dined,” she says. “It was so cozy…so uplifting. We were overwhelmed with gratitude. It was a mutual gratitude, though. We were giving back while we were taking." Having benefited fromATIME's services, Frieda and her husband felt fortunate to be a part of such a special event. Many couples from out of town receive a complimentary stay overnight in the hotel where the excitement of a beautiful event lingers a while longer. Rabbi Falack echoes the sentiment of many when he says, "We're very excited for what is next. Every year there is another surprise... Always a new twist." “As I drove home with my wife, I could see that she was so proud of me. I want to be part of this again so badly and I hope that there will be room for me to sign up again. I never felt about anything like this before.” —Joseph Safdieh, Lomeid The special feeling of lear ing 7 ho r without interruption when I work crazy hours… it was as if I were in Eretz Yisroel learning full time. Thank you for allowing me to still remain connected to the Atime family ev n thoug w B"H h ve oved on. — Leiby Zupnik, Lom id Section 2 • Chazara & Fu 22 SPOTLIGHT ON: ATIME ATIME (ATorah Infertility Medium of Exchange) is the premier, internationally acclaimed organization that offers advocacy, education, guidance, research and support through our many programs to Jewish men, women, and couples struggling with reproductive health and infertility. Twenty-six years ago, founders Rabbi and Mrs. Shaul Rosen were a young couple struggling through the maze of infertility completely on their own. No one was there to hear their desperate plea for help. From the depths of their hearts they pledged to do something tangible to ensure that no one else would have to face such a struggle alone. The organization consists of a board with Mr. Moshe isher as its president. A businessman and philanthropist whose involvement with ATIME was established several years ago, Mr. Fisher has brought the organization to a new level. ATIME maintains a staff of rabbanim and medical experts who are up-to-date on medical advancements and breaking technology. ATIME received the blessing of Rav Avraham Pam, zt"l, given at the time of its inception. Presently, it is strongly endorsed by leading rabbanim and physicians. It is widely recognized as an organization that is sensitive to the privacy of each couple, while providing a wide array of essential services in a caring and professional manner.