Atime Shas-a-thon - Lomdim Guide

‫ב"ה‬

THE LOMEID’S

GUIDE

FEBRUARY 14, 2016 |

‫ה‘ אדר א‘ תשע“ו‬

‫ותנו כבוד לתורה‬...‫ שישו ושמחו‬. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Your Role in the Shas-a-Thon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Learning Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Fundraising Commitment. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Chavrusah Option . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 We’re In This Together . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Chazara & Fundraising . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Preparing Your Dafim . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fundraising Essentials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Complimentary Toolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Navigating Your Webpage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 The Big Day: Itinerary and Instructions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 Schedule (Lomdim and Spouses) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Entry Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .40 Siyum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hotel Stay . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44 Watch Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 The First Shas-a-Thon . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

THE LOMEID’S

GUIDE 5776 | 2016

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14, 2016

‫יום א' פרשת תצוה | ה' אדר א‘ תשע"ו‬ Ocean Place Resort One Ocean Boulevard, Long Branch, NJ 07740

SHASATHON.ORG

“One of the greatest experiences and hands down one of the greatest days of my life.”

—JOSEPH SAFDIEH Lomeid 5774, 5775

‫ותנו‬...‫שישו ושמחו‬ ‫כ‬ ‫ב‬ ‫ו‬ ‫ד‬ ‫ל‬ ‫ת‬ ‫ו‬ ‫ר‬ ‫ה‬

Dear Lomeid On Sunday, ‫( ה' אדר א‬February 14), you will be one of 291 dedicated Lomdim who gather to bring hope, awareness and support to couples struggling with infertility.

You will study the entire Shas in one day under one roof.

You will feel the energy, see the impact and grow like never before. Most significantly, you will give tremendous chizuk to thousands of couples yearning for a child of their own.

Simply by signing up, you have already shown your commitment to supporting our deserving couples along their often private and always lonely journeys. Just as important, you’ve committed to study 10 dafim and fundraise at least $2,600 for their cause.

Please familiarize yourself with the excellent resources ahead including reflections of past Lomdim and tips from the pros on achieving your goals.

As you undertake this worthy mission, we are happy to be your partners. At any time, email or call Shas-a-Thon HQ with your questions, requests or comments.

With the admiration of Klal Yisroel and blessings for success!

Rabbi Shaul Rosen

Mr. Moshe Fisher

Founder and CEO

President

ATIME Shas-A-Thon • 1310 48th Street, Suite 406 • Brooklyn NY 11219 Tel: 718-972-SHAS (7427) • Fax: 718-FAX-1234 • Email: shas@atime.org

“For people who don’t have children… yomim tovim are very hard.

My hardest Yom Tov is Simchas Torah. I want to thank you for making this my Simchas Torah.”

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Section 1 • Your Role in the Shas-a-Thon

—Sholem Kushner, sharing his personal journey at Shasathon 5774

‫שלום בן רבקה יהודית‬ ‫שפרה רבקה בת הענשה‬

SECTION 1

Your Role in the Shas-a-Thon Learning Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Fundraising Commitment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10 Chavrusah Option. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 We’re In This Together. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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‫טוב לי יום‬ ‫אחד שאתה‬ ‫עוסק בתורה‬ ‫לפני מאלף‬ ‫עולות‬ .‫מכות י‬

Learning Commitment Goal: You have chosen your 10 dafim to learn on the big day as one of 291 Lomdim, bringing awareness and Chizuk to thousands of couples yearning for a child of their own.

What to prepare: The Siyum is on the entire Shas with Rashi. You are required to prepare the dafim thoroughly with Rashi and really “own” them, understanding them well.

Although you’re not required to go deeper, there is no end to the depth of the Yam Hatalmud and it is definitely commendable to add some mefarshim.

It is important to arrive on time and remain focused, so all 291 Lomdim complete Shas together in time for the evening Siyum.

A full spread of coffee, snacks and a gourmet lunch will support you through the day.

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We strongly recommend that you study your allotted dafim at least 4 times before the big day.

On the day: You will arrive at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch, NJ early on Sunday. After a gourmet breakfast, you will join with 290 of your peers to march toward an historic achievement in Limmud Hatorah and Ahavas Yisroel.

Section 1 • Your Role in the Shas-a-Thon

A SHAS-ATHON BLESSING

“After last year’s Shas-a-Thon, I approached Rabbi Rosen on an emotional high. I told him we’d been waiting eight and a half years and have not lost hope. He answered in his characteristic humility that we should be blessed and hear good. Boruch Hashem, our son was born three weeks ago. We thank Hashem for all of the kindness and we thank this Kahal Hakadosh not only for your study of Shas but the Chesed within your study.”

—Rabbi Yizhak Abayei, Lomeid, Shas-a-thon 5774, 5775

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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:‫אמר רב אסי‬ ‫שקולה צדקה‬ ‫כנגד כל‬ ‫המצוות‬ .‫בבא בתרא ט‬

NOTE: If you increase your goal above $2,600 but only reach $2,600, you will still qualify to participate fully.

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Fundraising Commitment Goal: When you joined as a Lomeid, you committed to raise at least $2,600 to support ATIME couples and the vital services we provide.

To ensure the entire goal is reached in time, you must raise $2,600 by Sunday, Feb. 7, one week before the Shas-a-Thon. Any portion of this sum not raised will be charged to the credit card you provided when you joined. If you added a chavrusah, you will also be responsible for his $2,600 by Feb. 7.

Section 1 • Your Role in the Shas-a-Thon

Chavrusah Option Many Lomdim find the Shas-a-Thon experience most geshmak when shared with a partner and we encourage you to consider this option too. Each Lomeid is eligible to register only one chavrusah. By adding a chavrusah, you commit to raise/donate an additional $2,600.

To register a chavrusah, login to your Shas-aThon account, go to “Edit my info” and check the box: “I’d like to bring my chavrusah”.

—‫משיבי מלחמה‬ ‫שנושאין ונותנין‬ ‫במלחמתה‬ ‫של תורה‬ :‫מגילה ט"ו‬

Choose one of these options:

1

2

3

Just Learning

Shared Goal

Separate Goals

My chavrusah would like to participate anonymously.

My chavrusah and I will share a web page, listing both of our names.

I agree to increase my fundraising commitment to at least $5,200.

I agree to take the responsibility to raise or donate at least $5,200.

We will sign up for the same dafim with separate fundraising goals and webpages.

We each commit to raise or donate at least $2,600.

Please contact us if you need help setting up your chavrusah.

Registered chavrusahs are invited to the full Shas-a-thon and their spouses are invited to the siyum.

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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Personal Experience

WE’RE IN THIS TOGETHER

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W

e’re doing it again.

We’re dropping out of life for several weeks, offering no explanations and no excuses.

My parents live overseas, so our comings and goings don’t even register on their radar. But Rochi’s parents live just three blocks away from us. We meet at the grocery store, at the dry cleaners, and at the bakery. We bump into each other on the way to simchos and usually walk home from shul together Shabbos morning.

Rochi insisted that our Boston trip should be kept secret. “There’s no reason to involve the entire city in our attempts to build a family,” she maintained.

“Your parents are not exactly the entire city,” I countered, resting my fingertips on the polished tabletop.

Rochi shrugged. And when Rochi shrugs without saying another word, I know that there is nothing further to discuss. We would not be telling her parents about our treatment in Boston.

arena, we were doing this on our own; alone as only a childless couple can be nearly a decade after their wedding day. On the professional front, however, we had a fount of support that never seemed to dry up.

Rabbi Chaim Aron Unger was there for us, from the plan’s inception

They didn’t say that after Boston, there weren’t too many other places to try.

They didn’t say it, but after ten years of fruitless attempts, I sort of knew it intuitively.

is their winter colder than ours?”

Rochi didn’t even blink in reply. She was thumbing through one of her ubiquitous baby-gear catalogues.

Those little catalogues littered every surface in our home. They haunted me in my dreams and taunted me when I was awake.

Bassinets. Cribs. Changing tables. Strollers. High-chairs.

Bouncers. Baby gyms. Baby toys.

Rochi was obsessed with them.

She stuck little Post-it© notes on the models she fancied. She scribbled comments near the prices she deemed excessive. She drew an ‘x’ over anything she considered nonsensical or garish.

And I didn’t say anything. I didn’t hide those catalogues.

I didn’t beg her to cancel her subscription. I didn’t even express a hint of displeasure.

k

“Mmm…” Rochi nodded.

Because I had catalogues, too.

My catalogues looked like little upsherin bags. Whenever I was invited to a nephew’s first haircut (four times a year, on average), I scrutinized the upsherin bags like a true connoisseur. I already knew what kind of packaging appealed to little boys. I had already identified precisely which treats the little ones preferred and which they turned up their pert noses at. I even knew which brand of chips they gravitated to!

“We should be landing very soon,” I tried again.

So I had my ‘catalogues’ and Rochi had hers.

hat’s how we found ourselves sitting aboard a domestic flight on our way to Boston. No one had come to see us off. In the family

“Mmm…” was the noncommittal response.

On our flight to Boston, I let her drown her apprehension in a fuzzy mound of baby paraphernalia. There would be

If the treatment would succeed, they would be the first ones to hear the good news. And if it would fail, we would be spared the pity and they would be spared the heartbreak.

Or, as Rochi so aptly put it, “For us, secrecy is the responsible course of action.”

T

until its actualization. Without his constant encouragement, I honestly believe I would have backed out mid-way.

“It’s a short flight,” I told Rochi.

“Uh…Do you think we’re dressed appropriately for Boston? I mean,

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time enough to face the facts.

The Dr. in Boston came highly recommended. The A TIME staff had only positive experiences with the middle-aged specialist, and they felt that our case required his expertise.

They didn’t say that after Boston, there weren’t too many other places to try. They didn’t say it, but after ten years of fruitless attempts, I sort of knew it intuitively. We had methodically sifted through our options, trying and trying until the very thought of trying again was almost too much to bear.

But here we were, on our way to another treatment.

This time, it would be a Treatment, with a capital T.

k

I

’ll spare you the details of the next few days. When Rochi had to put aside her catalogues in favor of sterile medical wards and grimfaced doctors, I sensed her fragility.

“Do you think…” she tentatively started to ask, before biting her lips firmly.

We had discussed this question so many times.

Do you think that this is it? Do you think that this is the moment we’ve been waiting for? Do you think that our home will actually become a child’s paradise? Do you think…Do you think?

This time, I didn’t want to think.

Rabbi Unger helped me channel my thoughts into

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more practical directions. He shouldered the burden along with us, becoming the pivotal figure in our unfolding drama. The forbidding hospital bureaucracy seemed to melt away, unraveling gently in his capable hands.

Each night, Rochi and I sat together in our little bikur cholim apartment, looking at the strange walls that were our closest companions. For once, the baby-gear catalogues were nowhere to be seen.

There would be time enough to face the facts k

B

ut tonight was different.

Tonight, Motzei Shabbos Mishpatim, February 14th 2015 was our last night in Boston. Tomorrow would be Judgment Day. Tomorrow, the results would come in.

Yes, tomorrow we would be boarding an airplane that would take us back to our warm community back home. We would board the aircraft…either on a cloud of euphoria, or in the grips of bitter disappointment.

“What happens if this… this fails?” Rochi asked.

She was standing at the window, looking out onto the

snow-bedecked streets.

“Do you think we will be capable of trying again?” she continued.

“How many times can a heart break before it is permanently shattered?”

I rummaged in the refrigerator.

I fiddled with the tablecloth. I poured myself a cup of juice and promptly emptied it in the sink.

And then I admitted, “I don’t know, Rochi. All I know is that each time a heart breaks, it is stitched back together with Hashem’s love.”

k

W

hen the new day dawns, I am wide-awake to welcome its arrival. I know that Rochi is also watching the pre-dawn darkness blushing slowly into its morning glory.

We trek through the snow, leaving our footprints as transient souvenirs. When we walk through the imposing hospital entrance-way, I feel my innards clench in apprehension.

“Rochi, whatever will be…”

Rochi nods, a small smile playing on her lips. This has become a ritual, repeated one time too many in the past decade. It was my last-ditch effort to strengthen ourselves before the axe would fall, crushing our dreams with its brutal finality.

“Whatever will be is for the best,” Rochi whispers, turning the handle to the private room we had been assigned.

Our results would not be in for several hours.

“Elimelech,” Rabbi Unger greets me on the other end of the receiver, a mere few moments after we had settled into the room. “You know, the A TIME Shas-a-thon is being conducted right now, as we speak.” “I snuck out for a moment to check up on you.

We are having you in mind…”

I nod. I had heard all about the Shas-a-thon program, wherein hundreds of lomdim were learning together, completing all of Shas in one day, under one roof. And now I can hear the roar of the Beis Medrash in the background.

Rabbi Unger had arranged for us to watch the Shasathon as it was taking place, via live streaming. I don’t know whether Rochi will have the presence of mind to actually follow what was going on, but I am exhilarated at the opportunity.

“Elimelech, is this for real?!” Rochi asks, her eyes opened wide in wonder and curiosity. “These people are all sitting there…because of us!”

She stares at the screen, watching hundreds of people swaying diligently over their gemoros.

There is a charge in the room; a positive energy that emanates from the flickering screen and engulfs everything in its warm embrace.

Now, a confession is in order.

Elimelech Trenk is not an emotional young man. I have weathered many storms in my IF journey, and I have always managed to maintain my equilibrium (at least in public).

watching a Shasathon of mammoth proportions. I don’t just see a huge gathering of people, dedicated to a singular cause. I see individuals.

I see every one of those lomdim, who has dedicated hours of his time for me – Elimelech Trenk.

I see their wives; their families; their supporters – every single one of them expressing his or her support in thought and in action.

Watching them, I sense the Heavens opening in response to their selfless devotion. My defenses come crumbling down, melting in the

‘Do you think we will be capable of trying again?’ she continued.

‘How many times can a heart break before it is permanently shattered?’

guard. She is riding on the waves of inspiration that the Shas-a-thon has created. Her tefillos and her tears are the most fitting backdrop to a drama of otherworldly proportions.

The learning continues for hours on end. As the minute-hand ticks its leisurely way around the clock, I feel safe. Protected.

All of Klal Yisroel is rooting for us.

They are storming the Heavens with the power of Torah and unity. And Rochi’s tehillim continues on…verse after verse, chapter after chapter.

Torah and tehillim. Klal Yisroel and a hopeful couple in a Boston hospital. Gemara learning and mounds of merits.

The clock is ticking onwards.

The men are still learning.

“Rochi,” I say, though the tears are strangling my vocal chords. “Rochi, whatever will be is for the best.”

And this time, we both believe.

warmth that pervades the room. I let the tears flow; I let the saltwater of pain drain out of my soul.

Today is different.

I suddenly become aware of a soft murmuring that seems to meld with the melodious learning emanating from the screen. Rochi is sitting in front of the screen, reciting Tehillim fervently.

I sit there in front of the screen,

Her raw emotion catches me off-

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“I would like to introduce you to our son, Yisroel Dov Simcha. He was born this year, thirteen years after our Chasuna. I thank the entire ATIME family for what you have done for us.”

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

—Avi Moeller Lomeid 5774, 5775

SECTION 2

Chazara & Fundraising Preparing Your Dafim. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Fundraising Essentials. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Complimentary Toolbox . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Navigating Your Webpage. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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Preparing Your Dafim ‫אינו דומה‬ ‫שונה פרקו‬ ‫מאה פעמים‬ ‫לשונה פרקו‬ ‫מאה ואחד‬

Even for a masmid, learning 10 dafim in-depth in one day is a big feat. That’s why it is so important to plan well and stick to your plan. When you shteig through your dafim on Shas-a-Thon Sunday, you’ll be thankful for those late night reviews!

:‫חגיגה ט‬

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

Lomdim share what helped them prepare.

What I Saw I am 60 years old.

I have seen charity events, charity dinners and other events, I have yet to witness what I saw and felt here.

—Yosef “Yoshi” Wolhendler, Lomeid

Slow and Steady Makes the Siyum It may be tempting to sit right down and learn your first five dafim as soon as this package arrives. Your cheshek is contagious! But, we recommend pacing yourself so you not only “cover your quota”, but also make your learning schedule part of your life. Live your dafim. Learn a little bit every night at a set time. Review a piece every morning.

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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Become a True Expert It takes an average Lomeid four times to become an expert in his dafim. Your goal must be to easily complete all 10 dafim in the 6.5 hours of learning at the Shas-a-Thon.

Remember: Finishing everything in the first week is no guarantee that you’ll remember it easily at the Shas-a-Thon. On the other hand, waiting until the last week leaves you with “unfinished business” that will take valuable space in your head. Why wait?

Identify Your Motivation For many Lomdim, the personal challenge of mastering 10 dafim of unfamiliar Gemara is a big motivator. Many others are in it as a special zechus for one or more couples.

Use this focus to your advantage. In your mind, dedicate a specific Amud or Daf to one couple’s Zechus. Keep their names nearby and think of them when you study,

!‫לברכה לבני חיי ומזוני וכולם ברוויחי‬

Every Lomeid will have access to the Artscroll app covering his dafim.

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

“Join” a Daf Shiur for Chazara Riding the train, boarding the bus or mopping the floor Lichvod Shabbos—plug in and soar with one of the amazing Daf Yomi Shiurim available online, on CD and on the phone. Here are a few popular options to consider:

LANGUAGE

SERVICE

MAGGID SHIUR

DafHachaim.org

Rabbi Friedman

RealClearDaf.com

Rabbi Shmuel Wise

Entry to Expert

This highly-acclaimed app presents a crystal-clear and interactive Tzuras Hadaf as well as audio Shiurim. Highlight, underline, scribble notes, search translations and discuss with other users.

English

DafYomi.org

Rabbi Dovid Grossman

Daf Learners

One of the first and still beloved online Daf shiurim, Rabbi Grossman teaches at a steady pace and includes most Rashis. Best for Yeshiva graduates familiar with Gemara language.

Yiddish

KolAvrohom.com On the phone: 718-467-5469

Rabbi Avrohom Karp, Z”L

Entry to Expert

A proficient Talmid Chacham, Rabbi Karp gave a Daf HaYomi shiur in Yiddish for close to 30 years in the Lubavitcher shul in Montreal, Canada.

Originally recorded on over 2,500 cassettes.

MyShiur.net

Rabbi Yehuda Eliyahu

Daf Learners

Rabbi Eliyahu has led the Sephardic communities in Hong Kong and Great Neck, and is currently Rav of the TOV synagogue of Staten Island and Rosh Kollel of Shaare Zion in Brooklyn.

English

English

Hebrew

BEST FOR

Entry

‫הערות‬ This powerhouse resource guides Lomdim through the daf in clear video shiurim with high-end visual aids. Each shiur is delivered in 3 stages: a 1 minute intro, a shiur and a review.

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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“As I drove home with my wife, I could see that she was so proud of me. I want to be part of this again so badly and I hope that there will be room for me to sign up again. I never felt about anything like this before.”

—Joseph Safdieh, Lomeid

The special feeling of learning 7 hours without interruption when I work crazy hours… it was as if I were in Eretz Yisroel learning full time.

Thank you for allowing me to still remain connected to the Atime family even though we B"H have moved on.

— Leiby Zupnik, Lomeid

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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Fundraising Essentials ‫מה אור מגין‬ ‫ אף‬,‫לעולם‬ ‫תורה מגינה‬ ‫לעולם‬ .‫סוטה כ"א‬

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From your personal Limmud Hatorah experience to the pride of family and friends, your journey to the Shas-a-Thon will ‫ בעז"ה‬be filled with many remarkable milestones. Remember this as you fundraise for this special cause. Those who believe in you will be happy to support your passion and follow your progress.

Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

4 Rules of Fundraising 1

Start Early

2

Be Proud

It usually takes more than one reminder before you actually have someone’s donation.

The sooner you begin fundraising, the more people you can ask and the easier it will be to follow-up and reach your goal.

Many new parents have seen miracles that they attribute to the Achdus, Tefilla and Simcha at the Shas-a-Thon. Be proud of what you are achieving and let your donors know that a small $100 donation will build generations!

3

Follow-Up

Think Big! Remember to make it valuable.

If you ask for pennies, you will get pennies.

If someone promises to donate, put a reminder in your calendar and follow up within two weeks if they have not contributed. If they pledged, they may just need a few reminders.

4

Say Thank You Thank everyone who donates. Make them feel a part of your fundraising campaign.

If you do it well, they may donate again or even tell their friends about your mission.

What made you join the Shas-a-Thon?

That’s the reason your donors want to hear for supporting you.

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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8 Tools to Use Tell everyone you’ve ever met— family, co-workers, associates, mechutanim, teachers—what you are doing and ask for support. You never know who will donate or why!

This past Erev Shabbos I received a call from a couple... they just came from the doctor with very grim news, that there's very little hope. “But as a yid I believe that there's lots of hope!

I believe that this coming Sunday can do for me what all the doctors in the world can't. Please have us in mind at the Shasathon.”

Rabboisai, the couples are counting on us!

1

Webpage.

2

Email.

Send at least 3 messages to all of your contacts. Your first email should simply explain the goal and ask them to donate. In the next two, update them on your progress and include a link to donate. You can also add an email signature and link to all outgoing messages.

3

Rabbi Shaul Rosen, Founder and CEO

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Your friends and family will donate if they can relate to your cause. Get personal in your webpage message. Upload a picture of yourself. Mention the names of couples in whose Zechus you are learning.

Update your page with your progress.

Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

Call.

One of the best ways to engage family and friends is over the phone. They will hear your excitement and ask questions.

Even if they don’t donate right away, you will have a better chance when you follow up with an email or text.

@

4

Text.

Text or WhatsApp your entire cellphone list. Keep it short and relevant and include a link to your webpage.

Did you know?

5

Post or Tweet.

Share your progress, thoughts and feelings on Facebook and Twitter to get people excited and engaged.

6

The #1 reason people do not donate— is because they weren’t asked!

Mail.

Still one of the most proven fundraising methods, mail personalized letters to your wedding, simcha and community lists. Write your own personal letter or customize one of our pre-written letters.

7

Face it.

Whenever possible, in person conversation is the very best way to make your pitch interesting and important. Speak to friends after Shul, on the bus or Subway, on the street. Explain how proud you are, solicit a donation and hand them a personal card.

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Be creative.

Consider organizing a wine tasting or Kumzitz to gather your friends and light a spark. Ask a local musician, lecturer or other professional to donate his services. Your friends will be happy to pay for a good time if it’s for a good cause.

Sample WhatsApp Ask: We all know couples hoping to have a child. To support them, I’ve joined the incredible ATIME Shas-a-Thon and committed to raise $2,600. Can I count you in for $50 (or more)? My page: Shasathon.com/ MosheShmuel

The Lomeid’s Guide 5776 • Shasathon.org

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Complimentary Toolbox We encourage you to order any of these complimentary customized cards, posters or brochures. Share them with family, friends and colleagues to raise awareness, build excitement and get donations.

10 Posters (11”x17”).

An attractive ad with your contact info to display in your shul or office.

100 Postcards (4”x6”).

Just address, add a stamp and drop it in the mail.

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

50 Brochures.

About ATIME, the Shasa-Thon and how your donation helps.

Email or Hard copy?

Some people you know will respond better to a letter stuck to their fridge as a reminder. Others prefer clicking on an email link and donating online. Many people need more than one request to donate, so it’s okay to send your invitation in both email and letter.

To order please email shas@atime.org

250 Business Cards.

Personalized with your information and webpage to handout anywhere.

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Navigating Your Webpage As you prepare for Shas-a-Thon Sunday, you’ll have the grateful support of family, friends and the entire ATIME team. You’ll also have an advanced personal assistant: a private webpage with which to send emails, set fundraising goals, accept donations and share progress.

Here’s a quick review of your dashboard:

1. Edit My Info

Add a chavrusah: Many Lomdim choose to prepare and study with a chavrusah to greatly enhance their experience. On top of your Edit page, you can add a chavrusah and choose how you will fundraise for or with him.

Upload a photo: Your personality is what will make your donors give.

Adding a smiling headshot—maybe shteiging over a shtender?—can really bump up donations!

Edit your details: Your participation will be recognized in personal letters and at the event. Confirm your mailing and email address and be sure to put the correct spelling of your name in Hebrew and English.

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

Set your fundraising goal. While every Lomeid is required to raise at least $2,600, many choose to aim higher or increase the goal as the donations come in. You can always change your amount up or down to a minimum of $2,600. Increasing your goal does not obligate you to pay the difference.

Personalize your webpage message. Speak directly to family, friends and colleagues from your your webpage.

Write a personal message on why you joined and what you hope to achieve.

Change your password.

2. My Page View your page as others see it.

3. Email Friends “Plagiarize” one of our many email templates written for different audiences. Just edit in your details and send, or use them as a starting point to write your own.

4. Sponsors List See your entire list of sponsors and any messages they’ve included.

5. Logout

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I would like to personally thank all lomdim, it gives me chizuk to continue...

Moshe Fischer —ATIME President

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Section 2 • Chazara & Fundraising

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“ATIME is more than an organization. It is a movement.

This is not an ordinary Siyum Hashas. It is a demonstration of our Emunah in the potency of Torah.”

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Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

—Mashgiach, Hagaon, R’ Matisyahu Solomon at Shas-a-Thon 5774

SECTION 3

The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions Schedule (Lomdim & Spouses). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Entry Tickets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Transportation. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Siyum. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Hotel Stay. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Watch Live . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46

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Schedule (Lomdim & Spouses)

‫כל המוסיף‬ ‫נפש אחת‬ ‫בישראל‬ ‫כאילו בנה‬ ‫עולם‬ ‫רמב”ם הל’ סנהדרין‬ ‫פי”ב‬

9:00AM

Doors open for Lomdim

9:15AM

Lavish Breakfast

10:00AM

Haschalas HaShas - 1st Seder

1:00PM

Gourmet Lunch

1:45PM Mincha 2:00PM

2nd Seder

5:30PM

End of 2nd Seder - Light Refreshments

5:45PM

Doors open for spouses

6:30PM Maariv

Spouses: please arrive after 5pm as there will be no accommodations before then. Thank you.

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6:45PM

Siyum Hashas Dinner

9:45PM

Birkas Hamazon

10:00PM

Rikudim shel mitzvah - Viennese buffet

Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

THE POWER OF JOY

“The first Jewish couple—Avrohom and Sara—was supposed to be the last Jewish couple. The world heard that Sara was barren and wrote the Jewish people off forever. But Vatitzchak Sara Bikirba!

She showed an element of joy that breaks through Teva.”

—Rabbi YY Jacobson, Lomid and Keynote Address, Shas-a-Thon 5775

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Entry Tickets A few days before the event, you will receive 2 entry tickets in the mail for yourself and your spouse. Please bring these with you and show them at the security entrance when you arrive.

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Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

HEAVENLY JOY

“‫—ברוך שהחיינו וקיימנו והגיענו לזמן הזה‬Rabotai can we imagine the simcha that Hakodosh Baruch Hu has tonight that his beloved Torah she be’al peh was completed in one day!”

—Rabbi David Ozeri, Yad Yosef Torah Center, Lomeid and speaker, Shasathon 5774

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Transportation Transportation will be provided to and from the Siyum.

If you would like to book transportation (men or women), please let us know shas@atime.org, 718-972-SHAS. Please make sure to be on time as we need each and every one of you to make this Siyum a reality!

“Ba lilameid, vinimtza lomeid! I came because I felt I had something to give, but I gained a lot more today.”

You will have about 6.5 hours to finish your dafim, excluding breaks for lunch and Mincha. For your convenience and enjoyment, coffee and light refreshments will be served throughout the day.

Rabbi Mendel Werdyger —Aderet

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Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

GET YOUR NAME OUT

“In 35 years, I have had my name on big posters in the biggest cities around the world. But this is the first time I’ve had my name on the cover of a Gemara.”

—Avraham Fried, Lomeid and Entertainer, Shas-a-Thon 5775

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Siyum The day of learning and completing the entire Shas will be crowned by an exclusive Seudas Mitzvah and Gourmet Dinner befitting such an exceptional occasion. Lomdei Hashas and their spouses are our guests of honor as we celebrate with a special evening of entertainment and inspiration.

B”H I can say that the Shasathon has brought ATIME to a whole new level.

It has enabled us to expand many of the current services as well as adding new services to help the couples.

—Moshe Blum, ATIME Board Member, Top Loimed, Shas-a-Thon 5774

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Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

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Hotel Stay Once you raise $2,600, you are automatically invited to reserve a complimentary hotel room for the night of the Siyum. If you have already raised more than $2,600 and would like a room, please email us so we can accommodate you. As there is a limited number of rooms, they will be assigned on a first-come, first served basis.

OCEAN PLACE RESORT OVERNIGHT STAY Sunday, February 14th: Check-in: 5:00PM Monday, President’s Day, February 15th: Shacharis: 6:25AM 2nd Minyan 7:30AM 3rd Minyan 8:30AM 4th Minyan 9:30AM Gourmet Breakfast: 8:30–11:00AM Checkout: 12:00Noon

Zmanim Monday, February 15, 2016 Netz 6:49:54 Latest Shema—Magen Avraham 8:49:28 Latest Shema—Gra & Baal HaTanya 9:30:08 Latest Shachris—Gra & Baal HaTanya 10:23:32

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Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

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Watch Live ‫ומצוה שעושים‬ ‫אותה הרבה בני אדם‬ ‫בשותפות כל אחד‬ ‫נוטל שכר כאילו‬ ‫עשאה כולה לבדו‬ ‫ומטעם זה נוהגים כל‬ ‫בית ישראל לעשות‬ ‫חברת ש”ס ומחלקים‬ ‫הש”ס בין כמה בני‬ ‫ ושורת הדין‬...‫אדם‬ ‫נותנת שיטול כל אחד‬ ‫שכר טוב כאילו למד‬ ‫כל הש”ס כולה‬

The entire event—from the first learning Seder until the end of the Siyum—will be broadcast live online at Shasathon.org. Email family and friends so they can watch and celebrate with you!

’‫שדי חמד מערכת מ‬ ’‫סוף כלל קצח‬

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Section 3 • The Big Day: Itinerary & Instructions

THE FIRST SHASATHON: A Century Ago Rav Meir Shapiro, founder of Yeshivas Chachmei Lublin, was noted for promoting the daily Daf Yomi program in 1923. The following story was related by Reb Shmuel HaLevi Wosner Z”L, the venerated Av Beis Din of Bnei Brak, about his days as a student in Reb Meir’s yeshiva:

R

av Meir’s every moment was dedicated to the expansion of limud haTorah. It is what he thought about, what he spoke about and what he acted on. Once, as Rav Meir’s birthday approached, one of the Yeshiva bachurim asked him what present he wanted to receive. “‘I would like the entire Shas,’ said Reb Meir. ‘On the seventh of Adar, I would like each of the bachurim to learn a handful of Dafim so that, together, all 250 boys will complete the entire Shas in a day.’”

On 7 Adar, the walls of the yeshiva shook with the sweet sound of Torah. From his usual place at the front of the Beis Medrash, Reb Meir sat watching the boys bent over their shtenders. His eyes shone bright.

Clearly, his heart was brimming

with true nachas. With the approach of nightfall, the end of Reb Meir’s birthday, Shas was concluded.

“The intensity of our joy was beyond description,” Rav Wosner

“‘I would like the entire Shas,’ said Reb Meir.” recalled. “One of the bachurim, an incredible illuy, learned 176 blatt of Gemara that day. His eyes never left the open Gemara.

“From the greatness of the Reb Meir’s students,” concluded Rav Wosner, “it is possible to gain an understanding of his greatness.”

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‫ה‘ אדר א‘ תשע“ו‬

‫| ‪FEBRUARY 14, 2016‬‬