Mystery Solved...Local Bleachers Built for Siyum HaShas

I was wondering what all these massive bleachers I saw today were for, near our neighborhood in Givat Hatachmoshet. Apparently those bleachers being constructed are part of the preparations for one of the many Siyum HaShas events taking place, though I'm not sure which. Yeshiva World has some pics and videos if you have no idea what I'm talking about.

Kashrus of Catered Events

The following is from Yechiel Spira of Jerusalem Kosher News: Regular followers of JKN are aware that on a number of occasions I have addressed the issues that may arise regarding catered affairs. All too often we make the incorrect assumption that an event is “badatz” when in actuality this is not so. In actuality, many affairs lack any kashrus supervision. Simply stated, too many of us lack the awareness that a problem may exist.

Baruch Hashem, a number of English-speaking rabbis in Israel have undertaken to (1) increase awareness, (2) set a standard for their respective congregations, and (3) encourage caterers to comply with the desires of communities towards enjoying catered events with valid kashrut certification.

The letter, which was written, signed and distributed by the Rabbonim, is viewable by clicking the image above.

Neshei Kahal Iyun Tefilah Opening Event

The Neshei Kahal Iyun Tefilah (Rav Baum's Shul), have announced an "Opening Event" for the group. It will take place this Wednesday, July 4th and will start at 8:15. Rav Baum will be speaking at 8:30 sharp. Admission is free, and the event is meant to be a get together of sorts, to bring together the community. 

The address is 8 Mishmar HaGvul, Knissa Aleph, Apartment 5, by the Gordon family. For more info call 02-502-0506 or 02-563-8870.

All-Star Lineup for Kiruv Seminar

Fast of 17 Tammuz: Sunday Afternoon July 8, 2012
At Yeshiva Ohr Somayach - Tanenbaum College
22 Shimon Hatzadik Street, Ma'alot Daphna, Jerusalem

1:00pm Rav Mendel Weinbach
1:45pm Mincha
2:30pm Rav Moshe Shapiro (ivrit)
3:30pm Rav Nota Schiller
4:15pm Rabbi Dovid Kaplan
5:00pm Rav Yitzchak Breitowitz
5:45pm Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb
6:30pm Rabbi Shmuel Bloom
7:00pm Rav Zef Leff
7:45pm Rav Moshe Lazerus
8:11pm Ma’ariv (Followed by Refreshments)

20 nis registration at the door from 12:30pm.

Space is limited. Come early to secure a seat. (Fully air-conditioned)

English Siyum HaShas Controversy

Two organizations, two separate events, two different dates, one venue, one English speaking crowd, and one Siyum HaShas. 

In celebration of the 12th Siyum HaShas, there will a matchup of organizations competing for the English speaking crowd. First up, on Tuesday, 12 Av/July 29th, Dirshu will host an event held in Binyanei Ha’uma. Though, just five days later, another Siyum HaShas is being planned and hosted by Kollel Iyun Hadaf; and where else does it take place if not for Binyanei Ha'uma?

To me it seems rather perplexing that the events weren't combined into one. After all, how many English speakers will be around this summer to attend? More so, it is quite decieving that Dirshu is advertising its Siyum as "the major event for English speakers", forcing the KIH to recently advertise its own Siyum as "The Original English Siyum HaShas in Yerushalayim".