Siyum Reflections:A Kiddush Hashem with thousands of my closest friends

A Kiddush Hashem. 93,000 joined from all walks of Jewish life. Men, women, children. Religious and not yet religious. FFB and BT. Black hat and kippa seruga. Achdus permeated the air. Festive, spiritual and humbling. As we move further into Meshecta Brachos, the impact of the 12th Siyum Hashas is still very much in the air and in the hearts of people. Although there were major celebrations around the world, the primary focus was East Rutherford, New Jersey and the gathering of 93,000+ Yidden to celebrate the monumental accomplishment of daily study for 2711 days. Organizers’ worst fears, the four letter word RAIN, materialized as dawn broke and heavy thunderstorms crossed the New York-New Jersey metropolitan area. 6:20 AM the skies opened over the stadium. Throughout the morning torrential downpours flooded parts of NYC and, unbeknownst to those planning to take buses to MetLife stadium, roads were closed. However, the decision had been made to celebrate on August 1. There was no turning back.