In a continuing program of information among Israeli academics our horizons expanded this week to a group of security experts fromthe Israel National Defense College headed by instructor Col Gidon Mor. This vital Ayelet Hashachar Program is held in conjuction with Professor Oz Almog.

 

heir destination - the streets, alleyways and buildings of the chareidi city of  Bnei Brak. Professor Oz Almog addressed the group explaining the idea behind the trip and giving them some background. They were soon welcomed into the warm atmosphere of a local boys school, Talmud Torah Carlin, where many were visibly moved by the boys and their Rebbe. Boys in a religious study environment start learning at the age of three in order to expand their minds for their future studies. Not a sound can be heard among the 600 students during study hours as their teachers fill their hearts and minds with the holy and practical.

 

No doubt, the highlight of the men's experience was a unique chavrutah study session with bochurim of the Ponevitch yeshiva where the security personel had the opportunity to actually look into the Torah and it's sources, most for the first time. They were ushered into the presence of the Rosh Yeshiva, HaRav Berel Povarsky where they participated fully in the Rosh Yeshiva's shiur. Lunch with the yeshiva in their dining room once again allowed the group to meet and talk. Again a warm and close atmosphere prevailed.

 

Next stop - Irox, an Israeli high tech office, providing work for over 80 chareidi women in Bneir Brak. In 2010, when the then President of Israel, Shimon Peres visited Irox, the Arutz Sheva news quoted him as saying , "I would say half-jokingly that if I really had the ability to do so, I would have all the Jews keep the Sabbath and have the opportunity to work only six days a week, as the Torah commands."

 

The female section of the group enjoyed their own incredible experience visiting the 'Wolf' Seminar, a local girls school and the the mother and baby convalescent home after which they joined up at the Posen Family a chareidi home with ten children, where the wife (the daughter of the late kollel of the Chazon Ish yeshiva) graciously. Mrs Posen spoke about the wonders of Torah family life and how she juggles her position as the Principal of a school with 1000 girls. Rabbi Posen shared his experience of life with a woman of this calibre.

 

 

Their visit also included the Achiyah offices where religious teachers take courses enabling them to better serve children in the community with learning disabilities. This includes enhancing children's physical coordination utilizing various methods including excercises in a swimming pool.

 

Participants from both sides left with a new understanding of Jewish life in Bnei Brak, the richness and the responsibility.

 

Ayelet Hashachar's Director, Rabbi Shlomo Raanan described it as one of the most moving experiences he has ever had.