Yeshiva Student Completes Talmud Study Before IDF Draft
Translated & summarized from Arutz Sheva by baba
A Hesder Yeshiva in Ashkelon celebrated students preparing for IDF enlistment, with a special ceremony marking student Netael Yehuda Rosenberg's completion of the entire Babylonian Talmud. Rabbis spoke about the importance of integrating Torah study with military service and national duty. Rosenberg shared his thoughts on perseverance in learning, and the event concluded with celebrations.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hesder Yeshiva student Netael Yehuda Rosenberg completed the entire Babylonian Talmud before his IDF enlistment.
- The Ashkelon yeshiva event honored students preparing for military service in the IDF.
- Rabbis stressed the importance of combining Torah study with national and military service.
- Rabbi Ben Zion Kofeld, a Yom Kippur War veteran, called military service a religious and national mission.
- The ceremony concluded with dancing, a meal, and a gathering of students, alumni, and friends.
A Hesder Yeshiva in Ashkelon held a special event Wednesday evening to honor students from the second-year class who are preparing to enlist in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The ceremony's highlight was the completion of the entire Babylonian Talmud, known as "Siyum HaShas," by student Netael Yehuda Rosenberg. Rosenberg began his extensive study of the Talmud in the tenth grade and dedicated years to its completion.
Rabbi Avihu Fishfeder, the head of the yeshiva, addressed the graduating students, emphasizing the integration of Torah study with military service. He stated, "We have no doubt that from the Torah and kindness you have absorbed during your studies at the yeshiva, you are leaving with a big head to contribute to the people of Israel in all aspects of life, especially in military service." Rabbi Dvir Tobi, a lecturer at the yeshiva, spoke about the close, familial relationships between the rabbis and students, noting their personal investment in each student's journey.
Rabbi Ben Zion Kofeld, a veteran tank commander from the Yom Kippur War who also studied at a Hesder Yeshiva, shared his experiences. He urged the enlistees to view their military service as a religious and national mission, stating, "You are enlisting in the army as servants of God and must do the best for the people of Israel without any doubt or slackness, because this is a divine commandment." He recounted how this faith provided strength during the difficult battles in the Golan Heights.
Rosenberg, the student who completed the Talmud, spoke about the importance of perseverance in long-term Torah study. He thanked his rabbis and fellow students, including those from the Shefa Yeshiva in Jerusalem where he initially began his studies. The event concluded with dancing, a celebratory meal, and a gathering of family, students, alumni, and friends.