Mifalei Limud HaMishnah – 'HaPerek HaYomi' – was founded on the 15th of Shevat, 5762 (2002), by Rabbi Eliyahu Kadosh, shlit"a, in order to increase and elevate the study of the Mishnah in the Holy Land and in the Diaspora, with the help of the generous benefactor and president of HaPerek HaYomi abroad, Mr. David Kadosh, from the distinguished community of Panama.
This practice of studying one chapter of Mishnah daily with the commentary of Rabbeinu Ovadiah of Bartenura was instituted nearly 400 years ago by the Maharal of Prague, and was renewed on the 15th of Shevat, 5762 (2002), by Rabbi Eliyahu Kadosh, shlit"a.
Rabbi Yom Tov Lipmann Heller, of blessed memory, author of the 'Tosfot Yom Tov' commentary and a student of the Maharal of Prague, cites this practice at the beginning of his introduction to his commentary on the Mishnah, adding that it is even more significant than the enactment of "Rabbi" (Yehuda HaNasi), the redactor of the Mishnah – since "Rabbi" instituted reciting the Mishnayot as they are, whereas the Maharal instituted studying them with the Bartenura commentary, which is, as is well known, "the essence of the Talmud," in order to understand them.
From the outset, we have been engaged in opening Mishnah lessons throughout the country, producing audio and video learning materials, distributing Torah pamphlets, and printing and distributing daily study calendars. At first, about 6,000 calendars were distributed; following the great enthusiasm and public demand, the organization grew until it now distributes about 60,000 calendars in the current cycle. The importance of studying the Mishnah, and the great joy of completing the entire Mishnah in an organized and comprehensive way, need no further elaboration.
Many moving stories have reached the offices of HaPerek HaYomi – among them, an 85-year-old man who called to express thanks that, thanks to the calendar, he completed the entire Mishnah for the first time in his life; a father and son who completed it through joint study; a soldier in the Second Lebanon War who was saved from death thanks to his learning; and more. Many call to dedicate the organization's various activities in memory of their loved ones, as it is well known that there is great merit for the elevation of the soul specifically through the study and dissemination of the Mishnah.
The Admor Rabbi Shlomo Busu, shlit"a, a great-great-grandson of the holy elder Rabbeinu Yisrael Abuhatzeira, Sidna Baba Sali, zya"a, and fifth generation from Rabbeinu Yaakov Abuhatzeira, the 'Abir Yaakov,' is one of the most beloved rabbis among the communities of Israel, and we at the Mishnah organization 'HaPerek HaYomi' frequently receive his advice and counsel.
The Rabbi is known for his immense love of Mishnah study; as far as we know, he is one of the select few of our generation who, for over twenty years, has merited to complete the entire Mishnah every single month, at a magnificent Rosh Chodesh feast held at the Admor's study hall in honor of the Torah, attended by a large crowd of the Rabbi's students and followers – and open to the holy public who wish to take part in this great occasion (those interested in being notified of the next completion ceremony, or in attending the Rabbi's audience, may contact by text message only: 052-866-1616).
"From Asher his bread shall be rich, and he shall yield royal delicacies" (Genesis, Vayechi, on Asher) – Asher the son of Jacob saves from Gehinnom anyone who studies Mishnah, since the Hebrew letters of "shmenah" (rich) are the same as the letters of "Mishnah" (Midrash). It is also said that Joseph is called "Avir Yaakov" (the Mighty One of Jacob). The image of Rabbeinu Yaakov Abuhatzeira, zya"a, the 'Avir Yaakov,' is held in great esteem – anyone who studies his books merits pure fear of Heaven, as well as sharing his immense love for Mishnah study: he would recite chapters of Mishnah by heart every single day (see the introduction of his son, Rabbi Aharon, to Pituchei Chotam). It is no coincidence that this is alluded to in his name, since in gematria (Hebrew numerology), "Mishnah" = "Parnasah" (livelihood) = "Avir Yaakov" (395) – meaning that anyone who studies Mishnah merits a livelihood (the Chida, Imrei Pinchas) and merits fear of Heaven and rectification of the covenant (the Arizal, the Ramak of Fano,
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