The International Convention Center in Jerusalem was packed to the rafters Wednesday night (Jan. 1 2020) as Talmud scholars and regular Jews alike joined to celebrate the conclusion of daily study of the Talmud at the Siyum HaShas for English Speakers. There are 2,711 pages in the entire set of tractates of Talmud, and the Daf Yomi program focuses on learning one “daf” or page, per day.
Participants joined together in prayer, celebration and song not only in Jerusalem, but also with similar celebrations taking place simultaneously in a selection of cities in the United States as well, periodically simul-cast via satellite back and forth so participants could truly celebrate together.
Cantors, choirs and singers were led in Jerusalem by top international Jewish vocalist Yosef Chaim Schweky.