Joint Siyum

There is an invitation to daf yomi siyum 2 years away going around … the previous one was very inspiring – and very disappointing – at the same time…
Thousands of people at a stadium who spent 7.5 years learning every word of tannaim and amoraim… Talmidei Chachamim merabim shalom b’olam …

At the same time, this was clearly a partisan event. No Talmidei Chachamim from other shitot were speaking… I had to point this out to my very inspired children. My naive kids could not believe that it is not possible to have a partisan Torah event… This is especially poignant for a daf yomi event. We are not talking about a fight for or against Israeli government or secular education or government subsidies. We are talking about a full stadium of people who learned all great stories of Talmidei Chachamim who would acknowledge opposite opinions and try to reconcile differences … What is the point of learning for 7.5 years and not learn these middos.

When I talk with simple folks in person, most find this sad. Maybe if those who agree with the idea of having a joint siyum with Talmidei Chachamim speakers from several shitot (from YU, for example – R Schachter, R Willig, R Lebovitz, maybe also Chabad, Israeli groups…), I suggest talk to your local groups, write to the organizers, publish articles about this topic, maybe we can show all Jews that at least those who learn Gemorah can stand together for the hadran.