Israeli Lottery Closes Submissions for Annual Torah Essay Contest on Blessings Law

The Israeli national lottery, Mifal HaPais, is nearing the deadline for submissions to its annual Torah essay competition, focusing this year on the complex topic of "Laws of Blessings and Their Boundaries." Torah scholars and yeshiva students across Israel have been preparing detailed halachic essays exploring various aspects of blessings, including foundational principles, unnecessary blessings, blessings over commandments, and specific blessings such as Birkat Hamazon and Shehecheyanu.

The competition encourages deep scholarly work by requiring participants to thoroughly analyze sources, clarify issues, and present their insights in a structured manner. Hundreds of high-quality essays are submitted annually, making this contest a respected platform for Torah study and writing. The deadline for this year’s submissions is the 21st of Elul 5784 (September 4, 2024).

Mifal HaPais CEO Benny Dreyfus emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting spiritual and Torah culture in Israel, highlighting the contest’s role in fostering Torah creativity and scholarship. A distinguished rabbinical panel, including Rabbi Hillel Mann, Rabbi Moshe Pinchasi, Rabbi Shalom Spitzer, Rabbi Yaakov Israel Yaakovzon, Rabbi Yosef Manat, and Rabbi Avraham Kalmanovitz, will judge the essays, with Rabbi Rafael Manat leading the committee.

Significant cash prizes await the top contributors: 25,000 shekels for first place, 15,000 for second, and 10,000 for third, with seven additional honorable mentions. Participants must submit typed essays via an online form or email. Mifal HaPais urges scholars to finalize and submit their work promptly before the deadline. Additional information and submission guidelines are available through the "Or Hachaim" bookstores and a dedicated phone line and email.