Israeli Navy Hosts Torah Lesson as Jewish Music Stars Unite at National Event
Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, head of the Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva and member of the Chief Rabbinate Council, visited the Israeli Navy base in Eilat, led by Rabbi Oz Kapach of Brigade 80. During his visit, Rabbi Shapira delivered a Torah lesson and words of encouragement to commanders and soldiers ahead of the High Holy Days, praising the military rabbinate's spiritual support and kosher provisions for troops in the field.
At the "3rd of Elul - Saluting the Path" event held at Binyanei HaUma, over 8,000 attendees witnessed a special musical summit featuring leading Jewish singers including Avraham Fried, Avia Sherman, Aharon Razel, Biny Landau, Yoni Ganot, and Eili Avidan. The performers energized the crowd with songs and dances celebrating Religious Zionism.
In other community news, Uzi Baruch, CEO and editor-in-chief of Channel 7, and his wife Orly celebrated the birth of their grandchild to their daughter Osnat and son-in-law Binyamin Gabirz. The number of female youth counselors (komunariyot) joining the Bnei Akiva movement increased by 14% this year to 314, with 83 continuing for a second service year, reflecting strong dedication to educational work.
A festive appreciation evening for Bnei Akiva counselors was attended by Settlement and National Missions Minister Orit Strook, who encouraged the young women before their service year. Meanwhile, Rabbis Isser Klonsky and David Chai Cohen are set to join the leadership of the "Rabbis of the Good Land Torah" organization, succeeding Rabbi Dov Lior due to health reasons.
Additional highlights include a memorial evening for Rabbi Zvi Yehuda Kook at Yavne, a farewell event for Rabbi Yuval Sharlo ahead of his overseas mission attended by MK Michal Waldiger, and the engagement announcement of Hallel Shachnezi, widow of Lt. Eitan Shachnezi who fell in Gaza, to Netanel Folk. Deputy Knesset Speaker Limor Son Har-Melech toured security sites along the Jordan River to oversee youth safety efforts.
The new yeshiva preparatory academy in Shdema Mechola opened with 12 first-year students, while Pardes Hanna Yeshiva and its Jaffa branch started the year with 23 students. In education leadership, Zvi Lustig was appointed head of pedagogy for the Bnei Akiva yeshiva and ulpana network, succeeding Reut Giat after 15 years as high school principal in Modi'in.