Hundreds Join First Historic “Ihud Bnei HaYeshivot” Convention in Jerusalem

Hundreds of rabbis and coordinators from Ihud Bnei HaYeshivot across Israel took part last weekend in the organization’s first, historic convention, held at the Dan Jerusalem Hotel from Thursday through Saturday night. In the days before the event, the hotel was prepared under the strict supervision of the She’erit Yisrael kashrut authority, including food preparation, supervision teams, and even Shabbat water meters, alongside arrangements for the participants’ spiritual needs during Shabbat.

The convention was held with the blessing and guidance of the organization’s presidents and leading rabbis. It included words of encouragement, professional panels, content sessions, training, and one-on-one consultations with major Torah scholars about issues affecting yeshiva students and the challenges they face today. Among the rabbis present were Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, one of the leaders of the Torah world and a president of the organization, Rabbi Dov Cohen, also a president of the organization, Rabbi Chaim Pinchas Berman, Rabbi Shmuel Galai, and Rabbi Yitzhak Tolidano, head of Hazon Baruch Yeshiva and president of Ihud France.

A central highlight was Rabbi Hirsch’s main address before the hundreds of attendees, in which he strengthened the rabbis and coordinators who work year-round to support and encourage yeshiva students. Before that, a special blessing from Rabbi Dov Landau was screened, in which he praised the participants and the organization’s work on behalf of Torah learners.

Throughout the convention, professional sessions focused on education, personal contact with yeshiva students, preventing burnout, dealing with current challenges, and strengthening students’ sense of belonging to the Torah world. A special exhibition showcased the group’s programs, including Masilot, Netuim, Lev Banim, and Merkaz Maaneh. The organization also unveiled a new initiative, “L’Chaim,” a counseling hotline for shidduchim for yeshiva students, parents, and matchmakers, created following Rabbi Hirsch’s instruction in response to needs raised in the field.

Before Shabbat, the wives of the rabbis and coordinators joined a special program recognizing their role in the year-round work. The organization said it was pleased with the inaugural convention, saying the combination of leading rabbis, coordinators, professional training, and educational content gave participants renewed strength for their continued work across Israel.