On Sunday evening, March 22, members of the Queens community gathered at Congregation Charm Circle in Flushing for an uplifting and meaningful siyum celebrating the completion of Chazaq’s Summer SCP Zman in Birchot HaNehenin. The event marked months of dedication to mastering practical halachah—learning that directly shapes daily life.
The Semichas Chaver Program (SCP), founded by Rav Elyada Goldwicht, has transformed the way participants engage with Torah learning, emphasizing clarity, retention, and real-world application. Through consistent weekly study and structured testing, participants earn Semichas Chaver certification endorsed by leading gedolei Torah.
The Queens program, led by Rabbi David Rubinoff, Rav at Sephardic Jewish Congregation of the Five Towns, Shaare Emunah, has become a cornerstone of that growth. Each Wednesday night at 9:00 p.m., participants gather at the Chazaq Night Kollel at Charm Circle, committing time and energy to understanding the complexities of brachot.
Rabbi Rubinoff opened the evening by highlighting the significance of that commitment. “A person comes to Shamayim with what he has learned,” he said. “These certificates represent real accomplishment—Torah that is in your hands.”
He shared a powerful perspective on the obligation of making 100 brachot daily, instituted by King David, noting that when including additional praises such as Baruch She’amar, a person says “Baruch” 111 times each day. This, he explained, parallels the 111 pesukim in Sefer Vayikra, teaching that even in the absence of the Beit HaMikdash, our blessings serve as spiritual offerings, turning the table into a mizbeach.
Rabbi Avraham Soleimani, Sgan Mashgiach at Lander College for Men, emphasized how Torah learning creates shalom—both between a person and Hashem and among people themselves. Shared knowledge of halachah, he noted, connects individuals in meaningful and lasting ways.
He underscored the importance of consistency: “Pa’am achar pa’am—again and again. Growth comes from returning, reviewing, and continuing.”
Rabbi Shmuel Marcus, Rav of Young Israel of Queens Valley, reinforced the value of daily limud halachah, citing Chazal’s assurance that one who regularly studies halachot earns a portion in Olam Haba. He framed this discipline as the truest expression of cheirut, particularly in the days leading up to Pesach.
Hosting the evening was Rabbi Yaniv Meirov, Rav of Congregation Charm Circle and CEO of Chazaq, whose leadership has helped establish a strong and growing Torah presence in Queens. The program continues to attract participants seeking both knowledge and connection.
A particularly meaningful moment came with the acknowledgment of the families who support this commitment. The time invested in learning is shared, and the encouragement from home plays a vital role in each participant’s success.
Certificates were then distributed to participants, including Binyamin Yakubov, Nathan Yakubov, Avi Yusupov, Daniel Yusupov, Aaron Kaminas, Rafael Khaimov, Avraham Kulangiyev, and others, each recognized for their dedication and perseverance. The evening concluded with a group photo capturing a tzibbur united through Torah.
Special recognition was given to Aaron Kaminas for coordinating and organizing the program with dedication behind the scenes.
As the program continues with new material and future exams ahead, participants were encouraged to grow the initiative by bringing others into the fold.
The message of the evening was simple and lasting: consistent Torah learning not only builds knowledge—it builds people, homes, and community.
A Night Of Torah, Achievement, And Growth: Chazaq’s Semichas Chaver Siyum At Cong. Charm Circle
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