More than 150 students from the Satmar Kibbutz Yeshiva, a new institution founded this year in Monsey to serve older graduates of the Satmar Yeshiva in Queens, traveled to Kerestir, Hungary this week to mark the completion of Shas with a festive Siyum HaShas. The Satmar Rebbe has made the yeshiva a priority, viewing it as especially close to his heart.
The delegation was led by Harav Yaakov Ber Teitelbaum, Av Beis Din of Sighet-Boro Park and a son of the Satmar Rebbe. During their stay in Kerestir, the students held regular study sessions in the recently restored bais medrash of Rav Yeshaya'le of Kerestir, which is nearing completion of restoration work led by descendants of the tzaddik.
The Siyum HaShas took place in the "Heichal Avraham Shmuel Samet," A hall donated by philanthropist Reb Yechezkel Dovid Berkowitz. The event demonstrated unity between different Chassidic communities and the Satmar movement.
On the evening before the siyum, the Toldos Aharon Rebbe visited the "Reb Yeshaya'le's House" Complex, operated by descendants of Rav Yeshaya'le. During his tour, he reviewed a display of the masechtos learned by the yeshiva's students, inquired about the new yeshiva's focus on older bochurim and its learning schedule, and expressed admiration for the scope of Torah learning and the vision behind the initiative.
The following day, the Toldos Aharon Rebbe made an unexpected appearance at the Siyum HaShas, speaking with Harav Yaakov Ber Teitelbaum and joining him in a joyous dance to orchestral music, delighting the hundreds gathered for the celebration.