Posted to Crown Heights News on

Siyum HaShas at 79!

by Yonit Tanenbaum

CROWN HEIGHTS, Brooklyn [CHI] — After nineteen long years of taking it one “Amud” at a time, “Zaidy” Wilansky, 78, celebrated the commendable undertaking of learning the entire Shas in depth.

On Sunday afternoon, the Kolel Tiferes Zekenim met in 770 for a Siyum in honor of Reb Yehoshua Wilansky’s completion of the Shas. “This is something that does not happen very often,” said his 23-year-old grandson, Eli Wilansky. The Siyum was dedicated to Wilansky’s mother, Sara bas Yehoshua, whose Yahrtzeit was on the 23rd of Iyar.

At the age of 59, Wilansky wondered what he would respond to the heavenly inquiry after 120, “‘Shea, what did you learn in this world?’” Since he could not think of what his response would be, he decided that he would try to “get through Shas, even though I didn’t know if I would be able to do it.” He was determined and committed. “I said I am still going to try.”

The members of the Kolel listened intently as Wilansky shared stories and insights about his life.

A longtime resident of Crown Heights, Wilansky first began his journey with Chabad-Lubavitch at the young age of eleven. At thirteen, Rebbetzin Chana Gurary, wife of the RaShag, hosted a lavish Bar Mitzvah for him in 770. He then enrolled in a Yeshiva and went on to become a Shochet.

While a Bochur in Yeshiva, Wilansky would deliver meat on behalf of local butchers to Crown Heights residents. One of his customers was Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, prior to his Nesiyus. The Bochur accepted a generous one-dollar tip, which the Rebbe gave him each week. With this special dollar, Wilansky purchased food for Shabbos, realizing only years later the great value of those bills.

When Wilansky found that he required a steady source of income, he opened a car service, having the occasional honor of being the Lubavitcher Rebbe’s chauffeur.

The endeavor that Wilansky undertook required much self-discipline, concentration, devotion, and commitment.

From a tape library in Boro Park, Brooklyn, Wilansky picked up audio Daf Yomi Shiurim by multiple rabbis, including his favorite, Rabbi Leibel Shapiro, and plowed through page after page of Gemara every single day for nineteen years.

Family from all across North America joined their father and grandfather in his celebration. Having already begun his second round of in-depth study of the Shas, he invites everyone to join him for a second Siyum to take place in nineteen years from now.

Stay tuned for an exclusive video interview with “Zaidy” Wilansky by Crownheights.info.

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23 Comments

  • izzy

    wow! you have inspired one of your next door neighbors.
    i still remember getting a ride in your taxi at age 3
    may hashem give you a brocha to make many more siyumem and may the next one be in yerusholayim in the beis hamigdosh

  • The Elishevitz-s

    Mazal Tov! What a wonderful celebration! A real inspiration to what can be accomplished with Hasmada and determination. May Hashem Bentch you to go M’Chayil el Choyil and be Zoche to make the next Siyum in Yerushalayim and have Bonim and Bnei Bonim Oiskim BaTorah.

  • L-kovod Mattan Torah

    L’kovod Mattan Torah – a great Hachana for Shavuos!
    MeMenu Yiru V’chein Yaasu

  • Go Zaidy Go!!!!!!!!

    We’ve got a Zaidy like no one’s got, Zaidy Wilansky!
    He works hard and hit the spot, Zaidy Wilansky!

    We are so proud of you!

  • Remsan Ave

    Anyone who grew up in Crown Heights and East Flatbush, knows what a true Chossid Shea Wilansky is. May Hashem bless you with Areechas Shanim Tovim, and Nachas from all your family.

  • Moshe

    As a Child I was always in awe of Reb Shea Wilanskis temimus bitul and Edelkeit!Much mAzel and nachas always. Mazel tov!

    an old member of oneg shabbos shul east flatbush

  • a friend

    Mazel tov! WOW! may you celebrate many simchos including the ultimate one, the coming of Moshiach Tzidkainu!

  • Yehuda Weg

    Mazel Tov Reb Shea and family! Great accomplishment. We are looking forward to similar siyumim from the children and ayniklach, bla’h…

    Alle brochos, including MayChayil el Choyil, Gezunte hayt un Frayliche hayt!

  • deep blue

    Mazal tov!!!!

    I share in your simcha (and determination), as I recently began my own journey through Shas…

    Folks listen! This is a great accomplishment! and its so doable!

    Let’s see more!!!!

  • ZALMAN BUKIET

    FOR OLD TIME SAKES MAZAL TOV TO RABBI WILLANSKY WHOME I GREW UP WITH IN EAST FLATBUSH.
    MANY MORE YEARS OF GEZUNT AND NACHAS
    ZALMAN BUKIET BOCA RATON FLORIDA

  • old east flatbush member

    The nicest person that I have ever known in my life. Never in a machlokos with anyone, always ready to do a favor even b4 the person asked. If only there would be more peoplelike this we would surley see moshiach!!!!!!!Keep going

  • a yid

    Rabbi Wilansky, not many people like you today! I’ve learned a lot from you 1) how much you care for each person as if they were your own child!2) No matter what your going through your always Mekabel another yid b’sever panim yafos,with a smile and a good word! You make Carroll St.a special block!

  • A Kollel Member

    Reb Shea, you have really made a great difference since you have joined the Kollel Zekainim! We are so happy and proud to have you with us!

  • Hinda Faiga, and Family

    Woe Zaidy! We All Love You! We all wait eagerly to hear a wonderful great story from you! From all my years in school, no one has ever told a story as inspiring and as interesting as you do! The way you care for each of your children, grandchildren, and as a matter of fact anyone that you ever came in contact with! Who else took Zalman and Uzi in for meals, not too many. Keep inspiring everyone!

  • Great role model

    May we have many such articles with 100% only positive feedback and comments about news in and aroud Crown Heights. A great relief from the most recent days stories. R’ Shea is the prime example of someone not only staying away from anything which smells of machloikes but also is constantly looking for ways to help others.
    Amongst other things he is constantly visiting the sick in hospitals and making phone calls to yesomim and Almanos. His children and einiklach are such good people and it all no doubt comes from receiving such a chinuch at home.

  • Michoel Chazan

    Mazel Tov, Reb Shea
    You are an insperation to the community. IY”H you should go from stenth to strenth and have more nachas from your children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

  • Yehoshua Wilansky-ZAIDY

    I would like to wish everyone well in return and a gezunta zumer!!!!!!!!!!!! It makes me feel good that people have warm wishes for me andmt family.