Rabbi Mordechai Tzadka Urges Mandatory Yeshiva Study Amid Security Challenges in Jerusalem

A Siyum HaShas ceremony was held at the Lev Eliyahu Yeshiva in Jerusalem's Ramat Shlomo neighborhood to mark 11 months since the passing of the yeshiva's late head, Rabbi Yitzchak Zecharia. The event, which coincided with the conclusion of the Bein Hazmanim period and the start of the Elul season, was led by student Moshe Amar Halevi and attended by prominent Haredi rabbis including Rabbi Mordechai Tzadka, Rabbi Yitzchak Chaim Sofer, Rabbi Mattityahu Deutsch, current yeshiva head Rabbi Ovadia Hazan, and others.

During the ceremony, several rabbis delivered strengthening messages addressing pressing public issues. Rabbi Sofer emphasized the importance of persistent Torah study in current times. Rabbi Tzadka focused on the status of Torah learners, calling for intensified Torah study as a spiritual response to Israel's security and societal challenges. He controversially stated that those not attending yeshivas should face imprisonment, asserting that Torah study is essential for protection against enemies. He criticized those who view yeshiva attendance as a form of incarceration, calling them "fools," and argued that everyone should be required to study Torah, especially in this era of messianic birth pangs.

Rabbi Tzadka further suggested that soldiers should recognize the power of Torah study as a source of salvation and even plead to enter yeshivas during their breaks to pray for continued learning. The ceremony concluded with Rabbi Hazan honoring the legacy and dedication of his late father-in-law, Rabbi Yitzchak Zecharia, in teaching Torah and leading the community over many years.