Hundreds of rabbis and coordinators from Union of Yeshiva Students gathered last weekend for the organization’s first historic convention, held in Jerusalem from Thursday through Motzaei Shabbat. The event was conducted with the guidance and blessing of the union’s presidents, major Torah scholars, and combined inspirational talks, professional panels, training sessions, and private consultations on issues facing yeshiva students today.
Among the leading figures present were Yeshiva world leader Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, the union’s president; Rabbi Dov Cohen; Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Berman; Rabbi Shmuel Galai; and Rabbi Yaakov Toledano, head of Hazon Baruch Yeshiva. A highlight of the convention was a special address by Rabbi Hirsch to the hundreds in attendance, in which he strengthened the rabbis and coordinators who support and guide yeshiva students throughout the year. Earlier, a special recorded blessing from Rabbi Dov Lando was shown, praising the participants and the union’s work on behalf of Torah students.
During the convention, professional sessions addressed education, personal connection with yeshiva students, burnout prevention, coping with current challenges, and strengthening students’ sense of belonging to the world of Torah. An exhibition presented the organization’s programs, including Masilot, Netuim, Lev Banim, and Merkaz Me'ana, among others operating nationwide.
The convention also unveiled a new project called L’Chaim, a counseling line for shidduchim issues aimed at yeshiva students, parents, and matchmakers, established following Rabbi Hirsch’s instruction in response to needs from the field. Before Shabbat, the rabbis’ and coordinators’ wives joined a special program honoring their role and partnership in the year-round work. The union said it drew great satisfaction from the event and that the connection between Torah leaders, rabbis, and coordinators, together with the training and educational content, renewed participants’ strength for continued work across Israel.
