A Joyous Mitzvah Celebration – Completion of the Mishnah During the Nine Days

A moving event took place in the holy city of Jerusalem, as members of the Mishnah Study Society of the Colel Chabad charity organization celebrated the completion of the entire Mishnah during the Nine Days.

The event was held on the night of the yahrzeit of the holy Arizal, in a modest and emotional gathering. The learning takes place daily at the Ba’al HaTanya Shul, the oldest Chabad shul in the world. For over 130 years, continuously, this special place has preserved its authentic atmosphere and unwavering routine of daily prayers and Torah study.

With a trembling voice, the teacher of the class proclaimed: “Hadran alach – We shall return to you, Six Orders of the Mishnah” on behalf of his fellow members, part of the longest-running Mishnah group in the world. The very walls of the Ba’al HaTanya Shul seemed to echo the reply: “Ve’hadrach alan – and you shall return to us,” as this sacred place continues to host the group that studies the Mishnah daily, consistently and devotedly.

Each session is dedicated to elevating the souls of Colel Chabad’s supporters and partners, whose names are recorded in the organization’s memorial ledgers. The study is done in order, with deep understanding, and upon completion, the names of the souls are mentioned: first, those who passed in the current year and are commemorated daily, and then others whose yahrzeit falls on that particular day.

Over the years, many ledgers have accumulated, preserving the names of supporters going back to the Alter Rebbe’s founding of Colel Chabad over 230 years ago. The Colel Chabad administration adds new names regularly and sends them to Jerusalem. Each name is carefully matched to its date, and the group ensures every soul is honored with study and Kaddish on their yahrzeit and throughout their first year.

Following the regular lesson and the evening prayer, the group gathered for a celebratory meal, a seudat mitzvah, in the Eshel Jerusalem dining hall, part of Colel Chabad’s soup kitchen network. This dignified hall is located next to the study hall, at the corner of Ba’al HaTanya and Hachnasat Orchim Streets, and serves nourishing meals daily, free of charge.

The participants in the seudat mitzvah were the regular study group members. Each took turns sharing words of Torah and completing the final mishnayot in the Order of Taharot (Purity). True to tradition, the completion led straight into a new beginning; they immediately began the first mishnayot of Tractate Berachot.

The class was led by the devoted and long-standing teacher, Rabbi Shmuel Sheinberger, who completed the entire Mishnah and spoke passionately about the honor of the location and the privilege of maintaining such a sacred tradition. This daily, consistent study is a source of merit for all of Klal Yisrael and especially for those whose souls are being elevated by it. He also noted the significance of the Arizal’s yahrzeit that very day.

Special thanks were given to Rabbi Avraham Alter Haber, a member of Colel Chabad’s leadership, who came especially from Kiryat Malachi to join the celebration and witness the fruit of his year-round efforts to support the study group. Also honored was Rabbi Moshe Shmuel Deutsch, who lovingly oversees the entire Mishnah Society, including tracking names and ensuring that every yahrzeit is observed precisely. A heartfelt appreciation was extended to Rabbi Natan Meir Cheshin, the group’s dedicated supervisor, who ensures that everything runs exactly as it should: always on time, always with care.

Rabbi Avraham Alter Haber brought greetings from the Colel Chabad administration and recalled the Rebbe’s instruction to hold Siyumim during the Three Weeks. He expressed his excitement at the special merit of completing all six orders of the Mishnah during this meaningful time, a merit that surely hastens the redemption and brings blessing to all.

Rabbi Yitzchak Blank, a respected member of the group and a renowned author, captivated the audience with his unique charm. He offered words of Torah and blessing and emphasized the greatness of finishing Torah study and making a Siyum during the Nine Days, in accordance with the Rebbe’s guidance.

As the special evening concluded, the participants left uplifted and inspired. One thing was clear to everyone: the eternal flame of this decades-long tradition will soon pierce through the darkness of exile. In its merit, may we all soon bask in the light of Moshiach, thanks to the Torah learning, consistency, and sacred tradition so carefully preserved.

Photo: Shimon Kahan