New Rabbi Appointed to Historic "Kibbutz Galuyot" Synagogue in Nof HaGalil

Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Dror, head of the Kollel at the Ono Academic College Yeshiva in Nof HaGalil, has been appointed the new rabbi of the "Kibbutz Galuyot" synagogue in the city. The appointment ceremony took place on Tuesday evening and was attended by the city's Chief Rabbi, Mendy Nachshon, former Chief Rabbi Yeshayahu Herzl, and Rabbi Dani Segalis, head of the Ono Academic College Yeshiva.

"Kibbutz Galuyot" is one of the city's oldest synagogues. For years, a small group of dedicated congregants, including veteran cantor Yankele Markowitz, maintained prayer services. In recent years, the synagogue has experienced a revival, with many families from the "Torani" (religious Zionist) core and the yeshiva community joining the long-time members. The synagogue is now reportedly full of worshippers of all ages.

Rabbi Dani Segalis praised the appointment, describing the synagogue as a "moving story of renewal." He noted the transition from a handful of devoted members to a thriving community filled with families from the religious Zionist core and the yeshiva. Segalis stated that it is natural for Rabbi Dror, who leads dozens of the yeshiva's scholars, to serve as the synagogue's rabbi, calling it a "blessed connection between the yeshiva and the community, and between the founding generation and the continuation generation."

Rabbi Dror, affectionately known as "Hertzi'd" at the yeshiva, is a student of Rabbis Avraham Shapira, Aharon Lichtenstein, and Elisha Vishlitzky. He also serves as the head of the Kollel at the Ono Academic College Yeshiva and is the author of the books "Mizbeach Chadash" and "Siman, Siba VeHavdala."

The Ono Academic College Yeshiva published a congratulatory announcement, wishing Rabbi Dror success in "increasing and glorifying Torah, in physical health and elevated spirit."