MAYOR GIULIANI HOSTS RECEPTION CELEBRATING THE COMPLETION OF THE READING OF THE TALMUD
Mayor Rudolph W. Giuliani today joined with Rabbi Morris Sherer, President of Agudath Israel, in celebrating the completion of the tenth cycle of Siyum Hashas, a religious celebration followed by tens of thousands of Jews worldwide, in which participants simultaneously study one page of the Talmud every day. Completing the work's 2,711 double pages takes seven and one-half years.
In honor of the completion of the tenth cycle which will occur at events celebrated worldwide, including at Madison Square Garden and the Nassau Coliseum, the Mayor declared September 28 as Siyum Hashas Day in New York City.
"The realities and pressures of modern life make mastery of the entire Talmud a difficult and sometimes elusive goal. Yet the Daf Yomi provides the structure, guidance and support that makes this achievement possible," said Mayor Giuliani. "Siyum Hashas unites Jewish communities all around the world. This magnificent accomplishment helps the community achieve a better knowledge not only of the Talmud, but of themselves and the more than 3300 years of Jewish tradition that guide their daily lives."
"This Sunday," Mayor Giuliani continued, "a total of 70,000 people will gather around the world to commemorate this important occasion. The Garden is sold out. The Nassau Coliseum is expected to be full. And 35 other venues throughout North America will band together with New York City. It's a celebration of Jewish culture, and the spirit of togetherness that has allowed Judaism to survive and thrive throughout its history."
The "Daf Yomi" (literally, Page a Day) program, seeks to overcome the barriers of mastering the entire Talmud, a rare achievement even for those trained from childhood in its study. Once an adult completes his Yeshiva studies, the goal becomes even more difficult due to the lack of a set curriculum and formal structure. "Daf Yomi" was introduced at the First International Congress of Agudath Israel in 1923.
Agudath Israel of America, founded in 1922, is a broad-based Orthodox Jewish movement with chapters in major communities throughout the United States and Canada. It sponsors a wide range of programs in religion, education, welfare and social action.
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