by Mendy Rimler
Chabad representatives in communities around the world launched a worldwide Talmud study program in memory of Leiby Kletzky.
The 8 year-old Brooklyn boy was brutally murdered on July 13 after he was kidnapped when he asked someone to help him find his way home. The tragedy left the local Jewish and broader community devastated, with many reaching out to do something to offset the darkness of this tragedy.
The Leiby Kletzky Memorial Foundation, established by Leiby’s parents, which has succeeded in raising $247,983 in the two weeks since its establishment in Leiby’s memory, is one example of the prevalent goodwill by anyone who has learned of this tragedy. And now, thousands are expected to dedicate Talmud study in his memory as well.
Chabad representative in Cape Town, SA Rabbi Asher Deren first floated the idea on an internal forum for Chabad Shluchim.
“While studying the entire Mishna in memory of the deceased is widespread, rarely is the entire Talmud covered in the individual’s memory,” explained Rabbi Deren.
“But rarely was the international Jewish community united in this way, when Leiby’s shining face captured the hearts of every Jewish person.”
The idea was developed by representatives of Shluchim Exchange – the Chabad Shluchim’s Intranet — and approved by Rabbi Moshe Kotlarsky, Vice Chairman of Chabad’s educational division and will be implemented in cities around the world At the site www.LeibyMemorial.comparticipants will have the option to study a page, a section or an entire tractate of the Talmud.
The site will serve as a 24-hour online support system for an international base of Talmud learners. Without necessitating an account or login, visitors can choose a portion of the Talmud, access links to Talmud lessons and record their achievements. Periodical emails will remind participants about their commitments.
For the uninitiated, the site offers the option to learn just one page. In this manner, “anyone can be a part of this program,” said Rabbi Simcha Backman, a key coordinator in this project.
“This program will unify all segments of communities all around the world, in memory of Leiby Kletzky,” said Backman, director of Chabad in Glendale, CA.
A full cycle of Talmud study will be completed at least once before the “Shloshim” the 30th day of mourning for Leiby is over.
The goal of this project it to complete the entire shas by the 10 Av – August 10th.
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