The Untold Story of Last Year’s Siyum – Bigger & Better
In the midst of Yud Shevat, the International Rambam Celebration Committee has announced that this year they will be renting a new, additional large section of the Bedford Union Armory – even putting down special flooring – to ensure that there is ample room for the huge crowds expected at the upcoming 45th Grand Siyum HaRambam.
“Last year, when we chose the armory, we were unsure until the last minute if we would get people to come,” says Rabbi Yossi Butman, event organizer. “However, within a few short minutes, the entire huge room was completely packed with only standing room remaining.”
Rabbi Butman relates that following the untimely passing of his father – Rabbi Shmuel Butman, the legendary chairman of the International Rambam Celebration Committee – the year before, there was much uncertainty about the continuity of the Siyum, with many raising doubts about how to proceed.
“We knew that our father, with his absolute commitment to the Rebbe’s request for a large, respectable Siyum, would not have backed down but would have said to go even bigger and better”, said Rabbi Velvel Butman, coordinator of the Siyum outreach efforts and master of ceremonies at the event”.
It was then that the decision was made to go for the armory.
This did not come without struggle. The Bedford Union Armory, while prestigious and extremely large, was also unlike what most people were used to right outside 770 or at Oholei Torah. It was a small distance away. Additionally, the expenses to rent the prestigious venue for the Siyum would add significantly to the already large budget needed.
Many tried discouraging the committee from the idea, suggesting they downscale to something small and simple.
Thankfully, the organizers were unfazed and trudged ahead, true to the Rebbe’s request to arrange the large Siyum “b’rov peer v’hadar” – with much splendor and magnitude.
“Ultimately, the Siyum was a huge, unbelievable success,” says Butman. “No one could have predicted the incredible outcome when thousands upon thousands kept piling into the large room – men, women, and children.”
The magnitude of the moment was not lost on anyone. Everyone felt that they were a part of history, and the sense of giving the Rebbe tremendous nachas was clearly sensed.
“Also, financially, the Rebbe’s brachos kept pouring in,” he adds. “Despite our uncertainty, many stepped up to the plate to fulfill the Rebbe’s request, and there were even those that saw incredible and even miraculous brachos.”
In light of the unprecedented success last year, this year the organizers are going bigger and better, with the new addition of the armory expected to grant thousands more the ability to attend the grand Siyum.
The historic triple Siyum HaRambam, marking the triple completion of the Rambam study cycles, will take place on Wednesday, 17 Shevat 5786 – February 4, 2026, at the Bedford Union Armory in Crown Heights.
“Every Jew, men, women, and children will certainly participate in the Siyum,” the Rebbe said at the farbrengen of Shabbos Parshas Va’eira 5748 (1988). “For it to be in a way of ‘b’rov am hadras Melech,’ we need the participation of every Jew! Don’t think that if so many people are coming, why do I need to go…”
In line with the Rebbe’s heartfelt request, the public is encouraged to participate, to invite friends and acquaintances, and, wherever possible, to become partners in this monumental international event.
Doors will open at 6:45 PM, with the formal program running from 7:15 to 9:30 PM, followed by dancing.
Further details about the program and speakers will be announced in the coming days.
For more information, or to participate as a partner, please contact the International Rambam Celebration Committee at 718-778-6000.
