Thousands of Religious Students Celebrate Torah Study Initiative in Jerusalem

Thousands of students from religious state education institutions (HIMAD) across Israel gathered at the Sultan's Pool in Jerusalem on Tuesday, September 12, to celebrate the opening of the school year and the "Daily Rambam" program. This event is part of a two-day initiative, with one day dedicated to girls and the next to boys, bringing together over 13,000 participants for a celebration of Torah completion.

The "Daily Rambam" program is based on voluntary participation by students and teachers. Students dedicate their breaks, Sabbaths, and holidays to studying "Masa Mitzvah" booklets, which cover all the Torah's commandments. During the ceremony, held during the Ten Days of Repentance, participants offered prayers for the success of IDF soldiers and accepted the yoke of Heaven.

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Chief Rabbi of Safed, addressed the crowd, contrasting Jerusalem's past under foreign rule with its present as a Jewish city awaiting the Temple's rebuilding, and urged attendees to crown God. The event's host, singer Avia Sherman, highlighted the program as the only one covering the entire Torah from the first to the last commandment.

Rabbi Gad Bartov, National Supervisor for Post-Primary Education in HIMAD, also congratulated the students, stating the gathering represents a desire for Israel's redemption, achievable through study and prayer. The event featured performances by Ishay Ribo and Eliצור, hosted by musician Naor Karmi, and included prize-winning quizzes related to the study material.