Rabbi Eyal Greiner Discusses Challenges and Vision Amid War and IDF Integration
Rabbi Eyal Greiner, head of the Hesder Yeshiva in Tefahot and a member of the Hesder Yeshivot Union leadership, shared a detailed interview on Channel 7's podcast about the difficult weeks marked by the deaths of his student Oshri Butzhak and son-in-law Yehonatan Luber during the recent conflict. He also spoke about his daughter's remarriage, his meeting with the IDF Chief of Staff, and his ongoing efforts to integrate Torah study with military service.
Rabbi Greiner emphasized the significance of recent agreements with the IDF regarding the enlistment of Hesder Yeshiva students into combat units, particularly the armored corps, starting this August. He described a rare and impactful meeting with the Chief of Staff that set operational guidelines for religious soldiers to maintain their observance during service. While acknowledging challenges in enforcement, he cited examples of cooperation between rabbis and military commanders to resolve issues, even during wartime.
The yeshiva has operated under exceptional conditions for three years, with many students and staff serving in active duty or reserves. Despite this, Torah study has continued uninterrupted. Rabbi Greiner recounted the emotional impact of losing Oshri Butzhak, a devoted student who served as a combat officer, and later his son-in-law Yehonatan Luber, describing their dedication and the legacy they left. He also reflected on his daughter's recovery and remarriage, highlighting the broader phenomenon of war widows remarrying as a sign of life’s resilience.
Addressing the mental health needs of returning soldiers, Rabbi Greiner noted ongoing cooperation with professionals to support students coping with trauma. He also announced the establishment of a new Hesder Yeshiva branch in Ramat Arbel, responding to community demand.
Rabbi Greiner shared his personal background, including his studies under Rabbi Yehoshua Weitzman and his openness to diverse Torah traditions, which he fosters at the yeshiva. He stressed the importance of unity between the national-religious and Haredi communities, describing gradual rapprochement through dialogue despite differences. He concluded that this unity is essential for the future and continues to develop.
Throughout the interview, Rabbi Greiner highlighted the balance between maintaining strict religious identity, supporting soldiers in combat, and engaging with the broader society and land, including agricultural projects and youth movements in the Galilee region.
