DRS MIZRACHI MISSION UPDATE #5

Our second day in Israel commenced with Shachsris and a delicious and varied Israeli-style breakfast at Kiryat Moriah. 

Afterward, we headed to the World Mizrachi headquarters to listen to Rav Doron Perez, the Executive Chairman of Mizrachi.

Rav Perez's son, Daniel, went missing in action on October 7th, and his fate remains uncertain. His other son, Yonatan, was wounded in battle. Rav Doron spoke about the remarkable unity demonstrated by the Jewish people following October 7th, emphasizing that our enemies consistently underestimate the consequences of attacking us, which ultimately leads to their downfall.
During the session, one of our students, Benaya Aryeh, inquired how Rav Perez copes with the uncertainty surrounding his son's status. Rav Perez, with deep emotion, expressed that it's especially challenging for his wife, who constantly worries about their son's well-being. Rav Doron emphasized the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and urged us to take pride in our Jewish identity. With tears in his eyes, he implored us to engage with local representatives, urging them to work towards bringing our hostages home and continuing support for Israel.

We were then privileged to visit with HaRav HaGaon Rav Asher Weiss at his home in Ramot. HaRav Asher Weiss is a unique gadol and posek whose halachic rulings are revered across all Jewish communities.

Rav Asher serves as the posek for Tzahal, addressing intriguing questions that have come across his desk, some of which are unprecedented.

Here are two scenarios Rav Asher shared with us:

A soldier had three days off during his service and, during this break, got married! This unusual circumstance led him to inquire whether he could recite the Sheva Brachot without his bride present. Rav Asher noted that in his 50 years of deciding halacha, he had never encountered such a query.

Another soldier, whose wife had given birth to a baby boy, was permitted to return home for the bris. However, there was a dilemma—the bris fell on Shabbat, and he wouldn't make it in time if he adhered to Shabbat travel restrictions. Despite Rav Asher finding a heter to allow the soldier to go home, he opted to stay behind, exemplifying dedication to Shabbat observance and setting an example for his son. He wanted his son to grow up knowing of the mesiras nefesh his father showed for shemiras shabbos. 

Rav Asher reflected on the resilience and unique dedication of the Jewish people, particularly in times of war. He said the Jewish people are "uniquely insane" to be visiting a war one just to be with our people in Israel which makes us so special. When asked what we could do for Klal Yisrael, he urged us to strive to be better Jews, better friends, and to show kindness to one another.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

DRS MIZRACHI MISSION UPDATE #13

Image
From joyful and inspiring to solemn and somber.  After distributing sandwiches to soldiers as an expression of hakaras hatov for putting their lives on the line defending Medinat Yisroel, we journeyed to Har Herzl to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice. Visiting Har Herzl is undeniably a moving experience. We witnessed a soldier mourning at the graveside of his recently fallen older brother, and a mother grieving over her son's fresh grave. Connecting with strangers who have passed away isn't always easy, but during our trip, we formed a bond with one particular מת. We visited the grave of the soldier whose piano we heard played atop Mitzpe Yericho just two days prior. After learning about him and experiencing his music, we felt as though we were paying respects to a beloved friend. Additionally, we paid our respects at the grave of Binyamin Airley, whose mother recently addressed us at yeshiva.
Read more

DRS MIZRACHI MISSION UPDATE #11

Image
Even after visiting Sderot, נתיב העשרה, and חוזר הגלגל, the most intense and meaningful moments were yet to unfold. Our next stop was Tekumah, where the burnt-out cars from October 7th were gathered, each bearing the remnants of lives lost on that tragic day. I remarked to the boys that while our religion celebrates life, our enemies glorify death. We chant “Am Yisroel CHAI!” while they bellow only calls for our death and destruction.  The chilling sight of hundreds of charred vehicles stacked upon one another was a frightening reminder of what happenned on Simchat Torah. I shared with the boys the sanctity our religion places on every aspect of a Jewish body, emphasizing that death doesn't negate life but rather informs the fragility of it. When we encounter death, it is used as a vehicle to inspire us to use our lives wisely and productively, inspiring us to be better. As the boys walked silently amidst the wreckage, they certainly absorbed the gravity of the moment. Following th...
Read more

DRS MIZRACHI MISSION UPDATE #4

Image
Today was a day filled with profound and meaningful moments, and after a very early start following a long flight, we finally reached Yerushalayim and the Kotel. As we approached this sacred site, we guided the boys in performing kriah, tearing their shirts as a sign of mourning for the destruction of the Beis HaMikdash, followed by a special prayer. Our Maariv service at the Kotel was a moving one, allowing each boy to connect with the Hashem in their own personal way during the individual davening time that followed. To conclude the day on a lighter and relaxing note, each boy received a card for dinner at one of the many food establishments in the Rova HaYehudi. It was heartwarming to see many of our alumni studying in various yeshivot, and several boys enjoyed spending time with siblings and family members. Now, we have settled into our lodgings at Kiryat Moriah, where the boys had the opportunity to unwind, get a hot shower, and play some ball. We hope they will have a restful nig...
Read more