Prominent Rabbi Opposes Political Party Activity Within Yeshiva
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Rabbi Yaakov Levnon, a co-founder of the Har HaMor Yeshiva, has been recorded opposing the political party Noam's activities within the institution. He argued that the yeshiva should remain separate from partisan politics and questioned the party's ability to effect change. While complimenting MK Avi Maoz's stances, Rabbi Levnon stressed the importance of yeshiva students focusing on their studies rather than political engagement.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Rabbi Yaakov Levnon opposes the political party Noam's activities within the Har HaMor Yeshiva.
- He stated the yeshiva should not be identified with establishing or hosting political parties.
- Rabbi Levnon questioned the party's ability to significantly impact areas like education.
- He complimented MK Avi Maoz on his stated positions and anti-progress views.
- The rabbi urged students to focus on their studies rather than political involvement.
Rabbi Yaakov Levnon, a co-founder of the Har HaMor Yeshiva, has been recorded expressing strong opposition to the political party Noam holding events within the institution. In leaked recordings, Rabbi Levnon rejected the idea of the yeshiva being associated with the establishment of a political party, stating, "That's how it should be!" He questioned the presence of Noam's activities at the yeshiva, asking, "So what? Who said it needs to be here?" He suggested that such activities should occur elsewhere, like in Be'er Sheva, to recruit new supporters rather than "squeezing the lemon" at the yeshiva.
Rabbi Levnon differentiated between ideological stances and turning the yeshiva into a platform for partisan activity. He argued that the yeshiva had always been a place of Torah study, free from political entanglement. When questioned about the involvement of other rabbis in party-related events, he countered that those rabbis did not establish a new party but joined an existing one, emphasizing that "the yeshiva establishes a party? Has anyone ever heard of such a thing?"
He also expressed skepticism about the party's ability to effect real change, particularly in education, asking, "Do you think he will move anything in education?" However, Rabbi Levnon did compliment Knesset Member Avi Maoz, the party chairman, on his stances, stating, "He speaks wonderfully, and says correct things, and against progress, all good and fine."
The discussion arose from students' questions about Noam's role in the yeshiva's life and the possibility of students participating in its political activities. Rabbi Levnon recalled past instances where religious Zionist rabbis promoted national values, but this was not necessarily through party formation or mobilizing students. He noted that while students were sometimes called upon for advocacy regarding settlement, they were expected to return to their studies afterward. He also commented positively on the current government's actions concerning the Land of Israel.
