Rabbi Avi Zarviv Urges Reservists to Embrace New Spiritual Mission in Jewish Weddings

At the graduation ceremony for rabbis trained to officiate Jewish weddings organized by "Lema'an Yilmedu," Rabbi Avi Zarviv called on rabbis, especially reservists, to expand their service to include the spiritual and national mission of conducting weddings and kiddushin ceremonies. He emphasized that the encounter between a rabbi and a bride and groom can be a pivotal moment influencing the entire Jewish home. Comparing military service to spiritual service, Zarviv said, "Just as you stood under the stretcher, now it is time to stand under the chuppah," highlighting the importance of bringing the same sense of mission to one of the most significant moments in a Jew's life, the establishment of a new home in Israel.

Rabbi Zarviv noted that for many couples, the wedding ceremony is their only personal meeting with a Torah scholar, occurring at a moment when their hearts are open. This single encounter can profoundly impact their family life. He stressed the public's need for rabbis who combine halachic knowledge with a deep understanding of Israeli reality and human sensitivity. "They need rabbis who know the people of Israel closely, who see beneath the surface, combining sensitivity, responsibility, Torah, and courage," he said.

Concluding his remarks, Zarviv invited more rabbis to join the "Lema'an Yilmedu" training program to participate in building Jewish homes in Israel through officiating weddings and kiddushin. He described this as a mission with deep influence, accompanying couples at the defining moment of creating a Jewish family.