Rabbi Ben-Zion Algazi, head of the Ramat Gan Hesder Yeshiva and an IDF reserve major, reunited with his students serving on the frontlines this past Sunday evening. The rabbi entered the Gaza Strip to join his students in marking the beginning of the academic year for Hesder Yeshivas and delivered a Torah lesson to the soldiers.
"It was something extraordinary, truly remarkable," he said with a smile. The lesson, which focused on Talmudic discussions from Tractate Bava Kamma and laws of damages, was attended by students from various yeshivas and streams within the Religious Zionist community. "A 90-minute session of in-depth Torah study, and everyone was captivated," he added.
A non-religious platoon commander who participated in the session was deeply moved and expressed amazement at the experience, saying, "Why don’t all yeshiva heads come here? This is such a wonderful thing." He also mentioned that he struggles to keep the soldiers engaged for extended periods. Algazi responded, "When there is Torah, it shines its light. It illuminates (a Hebrew play on words) and awakens. The Torah must begin with them."
IDF troops dancing in Gaza
(Video: Ramat Gan Yeshiva)
The month of Elul, which began on Monday, marks the end of the "Bein Hazmanim" vacation period in yeshivas and the start of "Zman Elul," an intensive study period leading up to Yom Kippur. As part of the Hesder Yeshiva program, students combine religious study with military service, enlisting for a shortened period of active duty. Many students continue to take on significant roles in the army, including officer training and combat positions, and their contribution to the IDF is substantial.