Hundreds of students at Ohel Torah Yeshiva in Jerusalem received a special visit from Rabbi Avi Ezriel Piltz, head of the Tifrach Yeshiva and one of the senior rosh yeshivas. He delivered an approximately 30-minute strengthening talk in the packed study hall, with the yeshiva’s students and rabbinic staff present. Rabbi Shimon Moualem, the yeshiva’s head, welcomed him at the start.
Piltz spoke about the need for each student to constantly strive upward in Torah study and personal growth. He said that a person can sit in yeshiva and still remain only average unless he pays attention to his prayer, learning, conduct toward others, and overall service of God. He stressed that a determined desire to rise spiritually can, with divine help, lead to high levels.
He also highlighted the importance of review, saying it strengthens not only memory and knowledge but also sharpens the mind. Citing rabbinic sources and the Maharal’s explanation of “being accustomed in one’s learning,” he said this refers to repeated study of material already learned.
Turning to current events, Piltz said the present pressure on Torah learners should be understood as an opportunity unique to the Land of Israel, where it is possible to continue learning under hardship. He said the opposition to Torah study comes “from jealousy only,” comparing it to a poor man who cannot become rich and therefore burns down the house of the rich. He argued that the attack on the Torah world is rooted in envy, but “will not succeed.” At the end, he expressed great joy and amazement at the growth of the yeshiva world and of Ohel Torah in particular. Moualem thanked him for his effort and encouragement, especially during a time when the Torah world is under heavy pressure, and students then came forward to receive his blessing.
