Israeli Youth Movement 'Or Israeli' Holds Halacha Exam on Honoring Parents in Jerusalem
In Jerusalem, six teenagers from secular and traditional homes took the final halacha exam on the laws of honoring parents, organized by the youth movement 'Or Israeli' under the leadership of Rabbi Yitzchak David Grossman. The event, held for the fifth consecutive year at the Jerusalem Culture Hall, featured dozens of participants who had studied complex Talmudic topics over several months. This year’s focus was on the stringent halachic laws of honoring father and mother, chosen by Rabbi Grossman as the subject for the 5786 (2025-2026) exam cycle.
The youth movement 'Or Israeli' was founded about two decades ago by philanthropist Ze'ev Wolfson and is currently headed by Rabbi Avraham Greenboim, head of the Nehora Yeshiva. Most of the students are not yeshiva students but come from secular or traditional backgrounds. The six finalists who reached the final exam were Dvir Lebanon (Nesher High School), Gal Hefetz (Or High School), Neriya Magor (Shaham High School), Matan Yehoshua (Katzir High School), Shoham Aik (Nesher High School), and Maor Aviad (Braunschweig Traditional High School).
During the exam, the students answered complex questions on the laws of honoring parents, impressing the rabbinic examiners Rabbi Lior Yaakov and Rabbi Michael Yona with their detailed knowledge. Rabbi Grossman praised the students, saying, "Thanks to you, we will rise like lions with the help of God toward the future redemption." Rabbi David Yosef, the Rishon LeZion and president of the organization, expressed his admiration, calling the students "worthy of great Torah scholars" and praised Rabbi Grossman’s global influence on Jewish outreach and repentance.
After a long and intense exam night, Matan Yehoshua from Katzir High School was named the halacha champion for the year 5786, with Shoham Aik from Nesher High School placing second. The event was attended by senior rabbis and leaders of the movement, highlighting the growing success of this unique educational initiative that bridges secular youth with deep Torah learning.
