MetLife Stadium was transformed into what organizers called the world's largest synagogue Wednesday, as tens of thousands of people gathered to celebrate the completion of the reading of the Talmud, the book of Jewish laws and traditions.

The faithful streamed into the stadium for hours Wednesday night, many carrying umbrellas to shield themselves from a light rain. Audio of the program, which included speeches, prayers and videos in Hebrew and English, streamed throughout the stadium's concourses.

"Tonight is a night of inspiration and opportunity," Rabbi Elly Kleimnan told the gathering.

Organizers transformed the playing field, laying down white plastic flooring, setting up thousands of folding chairs and building a dais for about 500 rabbis.

A massive mechitzah, or divider that separates men and women during prayers, encircled the upper deck of the stadium, where women were seated. The green curtains were drawn on two-and-a-half miles of pipe during prayers and opened when they were over.