Head of Bnei Torah Yeshiva Absent from Camp, Participants Pray for his Health
This year, the Bnei Torah camp took place in Katsrin in a slightly different format, as its founder and revered head of the Yeshiva, Rabbi Baruch Mordechai, was unable to participate due to his medical condition. The camp, which is close to his heart as he founded it sixty years ago, aims to bring high schoolers into the world of yeshivot and combines Torah study with fun activities.
One of the highlights of the camp is the performance of the camp anthem, “Bnei Torah we are.” This year, the participants showcased their unique voices in a special rendition of the anthem. At the conclusion of the performance, the camp participants prayed for the health and well-being of Rabbi Baruch Mordechai.
In previous years, the camp has hosted guest speakers including rabbis, politicians, and singers to inspire and motivate the participants. However, due to the absence of the Yeshiva’s head this year, the regular speech by the Civilian Rabbi, Yitzhak Elhanan, was not delivered. Instead, a video from last year’s speech was shown to the camp attendees.
The decision to continue with the camp despite Rabbi Baruch Mordechai’s absence was influenced by his strong opposition to its cancellation. When Maran Shalita, the overseer of the High Court, was hospitalized, there were discussions about whether to proceed with the camp. However, Maran Shalita insisted that it should go on, stating that the camp was founded in the Holy Mountains by his father-in-law, Rabbi Meir Khads Zzukal, and it must not be canceled.
Maran Shalita emphasized the importance of the camp as a means for spreading the Torah amongst Clal Israel and expressed his belief that canceling it goes against the ideals of the yeshiva.
Despite the absence of its respected leader, the Bnei Torah camp was still able to continue in a slightly altered format. The unique voices of the participants echoed through the camp as they performed the camp anthem, and their prayers for Rabbi Baruch Mordechai’s health served as a testament to their deep respect for him and his contributions to their spiritual growth.