Israeli Torah Scholars Finalize Submissions for Annual Lottery-Funded Halacha Writing Contest
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Torah scholars across Israel are finalizing submissions for Mifal HaPais's annual Torah writing contest on halachic laws of blessings, with significant cash prizes and a rabbinical judging panel. The deadline is the 21st of Elul 5786, and the contest promotes deep Torah study and original insights.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Mifal HaPais's annual Torah writing contest focuses on halachic laws of blessings this year.
- Hundreds of Torah scholars submit detailed halachic essays for the contest annually.
- A rabbinical panel of six judges will evaluate the submissions.
- Top prizes are 25,000, 15,000, and 10,000 shekels, with additional honorable mentions.
- The submission deadline is the 21st of Elul 5786, with entries accepted online or by email.
- Mifal HaPais emphasizes supporting Torah culture, especially in the Haredi community.
In synagogues and study halls across Israel, Torah scholars and yeshiva students are completing their submissions for the annual Torah writing contest sponsored by Mifal HaPais, Israel's national lottery. This year’s theme focuses on the complex halachic laws of blessings and their boundaries, covering practical daily issues such as the fundamentals of blessings over enjoyment, unnecessary blessings, blessings over commandments, and specific blessings like Birkat Hamazon and Shehecheyanu.
The initiative encourages deep study and original halachic insights, requiring participants to thoroughly analyze sources and present their findings clearly. Hundreds of high-quality submissions are received annually, making the contest a respected platform for Torah scholarship and creativity. Benny Dreyfus, CEO of Mifal HaPais, emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting spiritual and Torah culture within the broader Israeli public, particularly the Haredi community.
A distinguished rabbinical panel will judge the entries, including Rabbi Hillel Mann, Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi, Rabbi Shalom Spitzer, Rabbi Yaakov Israel Yakovzon, Rabbi Yosef Manet, and Rabbi Avraham Kalmanovitz, with Rabbi Rafael Manet heading the committee. Significant cash prizes await the top contributors: 25,000 shekels for first place, 15,000 for second, and 10,000 for third, alongside honorable mentions for seven additional works.
Mifal HaPais urges participants to finalize and submit their works by the deadline of the 21st of Elul 5786 (Jewish calendar), via an online form or email. Entry forms and contest rules are available at the Or Hachaim bookstore chain in Haredi centers. A dedicated phone line and email support are provided for inquiries.
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