On Tu BiShvat, February 1, 2026, the ballroom of Young Israel of Forest Hills hosted a siyum celebrating the completion of 1,000 chapters of Mishneh Torah by the Tiffereth Shalom Minyan (TSM). The minyan, named in memory of guest speaker Rabbi Yaniv Meirov’s grandfather, has become a center of daily Rambam study in the Forest Hills neighborhood.
The event featured live music, dancing, and a Chinese buffet catered by Fortune. Attendees included Rabbi David Shushan, who had been assaulted in an antisemitic incident in Forest Hills the previous week.
Rabbi Zalman Mergui, TSM’s rav, thanked Hashem, TSM president Moshe Meirov, and participants who joined the three-year daily learning cycle. He distributed a printed Rambam handout highlighting the Rambam’s emphasis on honesty in speech and commerce. The Rambam prohibits acting in a “smooth-tongued and luring manner,” speaking differently from one’s thoughts, or misrepresenting merchandise, including false flattery. Rabbi Mergui stressed that these standards apply to interactions with Jews and non-Jews alike and form a core aspect of Torah character development.
Rabbi Mergui explained his personal connection to Mishneh Torah, noting its comprehensive organization of halachah, beginning with foundational mitzvos such as knowing Hashem and His oneness. His commitment grew through the global Chabad initiative “All of Torah. All of Us,” which offers three daily study tracks. He discovered Rabbi Mordechai Werdyger’s zt”l Rambam app, adopted one-chapter-a-day study, and later appeared in a Chabad.org video filmed at his home, which was screened at 770 Eastern Parkway. A clip was shown at the siyum to illustrate the impact of this discipline.
TSM member Cohen Binyaminov spoke about his eight-year journey as an oncology patient, including a bone marrow transplant. Diagnosed at 35, he underwent 18 months of observation before treatment began. During a challenging medical episode requiring treatment far from home, he completed the three-year Rambam cycle using the app. He compared his commitment to a chair needing three legs to stand and plans to begin a third cycle with commentary.
Rabbi Mergui addressed the era of Mashiach, describing a future of abundance where financial pressures diminish and humanity focuses on knowing Hashem. Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, CEO of Chazaq, connected the evening to Tu BiShvat, likening consistent Torah learning to nurturing soil for fruit to grow. He noted that holiness emerges from humble beginnings when tended faithfully.
Rabbi Shlomo Nisanov of Kehilat Sephardim shared a story about a Jewish advocate combating antisemitism in connection with Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that Jews remain Hashem’s bechorim (firstborn), whose identity endures.
A framed Certificate of Achievement, dated 15 Shvat 5786 (February 1, 2026), honored Mr. Reuven ben Yona Nassimov for diligent study of Mishneh Torah, covering Jewish law, philosophy, civil and family law, ritual purity, and communal governance. The certificate, signed by Rabbi Schneur Zalman Mergui, included a brachah for continued growth in Torah.
The evening concluded with niggunim. For Tiffereth Shalom Minyan, the siyum marked three years of consistent communal learning. For participants, it reflected the impact of daily study. In a community that has experienced antisemitism, the event underscored the value of steady, faithful commitment to Torah—one chapter at a time.
By Shabsie Saphirstein
