Mir Yeshiva Students Continue Torah Study Amid Rabbi Arieli’s Shiva Mourning Period

This week at the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem, hundreds of students maintained intense Torah study despite the absence of their renowned lecturer, Rabbi Asher Arieli. Rabbi Arieli is currently sitting shiva in Bnei Brak following the passing of his sister, Mrs. Miriam Stern, wife of Rabbi David Asher Stern. Although he paused his daily lessons during this mourning period, he left clear instructions for his students to continue their studies uninterrupted, coordinating closely with the yeshiva head, Rabbi Eliezer Yehuda Finkel.

The students resumed learning precisely where they left off in the tractate Pesachim, with Rabbi Arieli monitoring and updating their daily study goals remotely. At the conclusion of each study session, hundreds gathered in various corners of the study hall to hear special group lessons delivered by senior students and questioners, who conveyed Rabbi Arieli’s unique approach and deep foundations.

In line with Rabbi Arieli’s well-known modesty and to prevent disruption of the yeshiva’s schedule, he instructed his students not to travel to Bnei Brak to offer condolences during the weekdays. Instead, he arranged to visit Jerusalem briefly on Friday to receive their condolences before returning to Bnei Brak for Shabbat. It is expected that Rabbi Arieli will resume his regular lessons on Sunday at the exact point where the students paused.

To compensate for the missed week, additional lessons are planned during the upcoming Bein Hazmanim (interim vacation period), likely extending the usual study schedule to cover the material and satisfy the students’ eagerness. This continuation underscores the resilience and dedication of the Mir Yeshiva community during a time of personal loss for their leading teacher.