Mifal HaPais has opened its annual Torah essay program and is inviting yeshiva students and kollel scholars to submit in-depth religious papers on this year’s theme, "Laws of blessings and their boundaries." The contest is intended to encourage creative Torah writing and deep analysis, and it has long been regarded favorably in the Torah and Jewish scholarship world.
Participants are being asked to research and write on topics including the foundations of blessings over enjoyment, unnecessary blessings, blessings on commandments, "shomea ke-oneh", and the rules governing specific blessings such as Grace After Meals and Shehecheyanu. The competition is open to men writing Torah essays.
The judging panel includes Rabbi Hillel Mann, Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi, Rabbi Shalom Spitzer, Rabbi Yaakov Yisrael Yaakovzon, Rabbi Yosef Mintz, Rabbi Avraham Klmanovitz, and Rabbi Raphael Mintz, who heads the track. Prizes for the top entries are 25,000 shekels for first place, 15,000 shekels for second, and 10,000 shekels for third, with seven additional essays receiving honorable mention.
Mifal HaPais said it is pleased with the project’s popularity and noted that hundreds of quality submissions arrive every year from leading Torah scholars. CEO Benny Dreifus said, "Mifal HaPais places broad emphasis on the world of spirit and continues to lead this special initiative that encourages writing of thought and Torah innovations at the highest level."
Entries must be submitted by 3 September 2026, corresponding to 21 Elul 5786, typed only, through the online form on the Mifal HaPais website or by email to chiburim2026@gmail.com. Application forms and the rules are available at Or HaChaim bookstores in Haredi population centers, and a dedicated phone line, 03-3135722, is also available for inquiries.
