Thousands Study on Hoshanah Rabbah Night for Fallen Soldiers

The Bnei Akiva Yeshivot and Ulpanot Center held a series of Torah study and prayer events across its institutions nationwide on the night of Hoshanah Rabbah. The main event took place at the Southern Bnei Akiva Yeshiva in Rehovot and was dedicated to the memory of six alumni who fell in the Swords of Iron War. The event was attended by students, alumni, bereaved families, rabbis, and public figures.

During the event, Chief Rabbi of Israel, Kalman Bar, expressed his emotion at seeing the study hall filled with students. "Is there any other nation like this that sits and studies Torah at such hours? There is nothing like it!" he exclaimed. Rabbi Bar also referenced the outbreak of the war, noting the proximity to the Nova music festival and how, in moments of crisis, people cry out "Shema Yisrael."

Also present at the Rehovot event were former Chief Rabbi David Lau, Rabbi of Safed Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Michael Yemer of the Hesder Yeshiva in Sha'alvim, Rabbi David Pandel of the Hesder Yeshiva in Sderot, Rabbi Dr. Yona Goodman, the educational director of the Bnei Akiva Yeshivot and Ulpanot Center, Rabbi David Tversky, the head of the yeshiva, and Matan Dih, the Mayor of Rehovot.

Similar events were held at other Bnei Akiva institutions, including in Eilat, Pisgat Ze'ev, Be'er Sheva, and Shiloh, where students, staff, and community members gathered for all-night study and prayer.

Elchanan Glatt, CEO of the Bnei Akiva Yeshivot and Ulpanot Center, stated that Hoshanah Rabbah is a special time when the joy of the Sukkot festival combines with the joy of Torah for the Jewish people. He noted the significance of the institutions opening their doors during vacation time for study and prayer, emphasizing the educational philosophy of connecting the people of Israel with the Torah of Israel.