Fire Services Shut Ner Zarach Yeshiva Over Safety Violations Ahead of New Term

The Ner Zarach Yeshiva in Otzem received a closure order from fire and rescue services due to safety violations found on its premises, just two weeks before the start of the Elul study period. This order casts serious doubt on the yeshiva's ability to open for the upcoming academic term, particularly affecting the enrollment of new first-year students. The yeshiva operates under the Orhot Torah institutions and is led by Rabbi Yaakov Virzhevinsky.

In response to the closure order, the yeshiva's rabbis, students, and alumni held a special prayer gathering at the gravesite of Rabbi Aharon Leib Shteinman, the yeshiva's late head, seeking divine intervention to overturn the decree and ensure the continuation of studies. The prayers included Psalms, "Avinu Malkeinu," and other supplications for success in resolving the issue.

A critical meeting is scheduled for Sunday between yeshiva representatives and fire service officials to negotiate a possible postponement of the closure order. Fire authorities emphasized that the closure was issued due to violations that could endanger lives. The yeshiva hopes to reach an agreement that will allow it to fix the safety issues while remaining operational, enabling the Elul term to begin on schedule. Without such a resolution, the yeshiva warns that opening the new academic year and accepting new students would be severely compromised.