Bnei Brak Visit Gives Modi'in Illit Pupils a Lesson in Torah and Kindness
Fourth-grade students from Aheli Sefer Torah school in Modi'in Illit traveled to Bnei Brak to receive a blessing from Rabbi Shimon Galai at the start of their Talmud studies, a milestone in their religious education. During the trip, the boys sang together and arrived at the rabbi’s home with their teachers, including Rabbi Gedaliah Appeldorfer, Rabbi Yehuda Shper, Rabbi Yaakov Friedlander, Rabbi Avraham Grossman, and school principal Rabbi Yair Ginzburg.
The gathering began with the song “Avinu HaRachaman.” Rabbi Galai then tested the students on the chapter “Eilu Metziot” and the Mishnahs they had learned, and expressed admiration for their knowledge and progress in Torah study. He encouraged them, telling them they were part of the chain of generations that transmits the holy Torah, and blessed them to grow in Torah and pure fear of Heaven, and to bring satisfaction to their parents.
He also praised the school leadership and staff for their significant investment in the boys, both academically and emotionally, with personal and devoted attention to each child. But the visit turned into a practical lesson in good character when Rabbi Galai rose to dance with the students in honor of the Torah. As the children tried to get close and hold his hand, he repeatedly changed whom he was holding so that every boy could enjoy a personal moment of closeness and joy.
The gesture became part of the school’s “Ve’ahavta” campaign, which focuses on respect for others, compromise, and consideration. The boys saw a leading Torah scholar making sure no child was left outside the circle and that each felt important, wanted, and included. Afterward, each student received a personal blessing, and the educators spoke with Rabbi Galai and sought his guidance on educational issues.
When one teacher asked how he manages to give time, patience, and a warm face to everyone who approaches him, Rabbi Galai replied, “Does the Holy One, blessed be He, owe me anything? Absolutely not. And yet He gave me life and the strength to get up in the morning and even stand and speak. So everything belongs to God, and it is my moral and human duty.”
