This week, Heichal HaTorah welcomed Rabbi Yosef Mendelevitch, the renowned refusenik from the Soviet Union who risked everything to uphold his faith, inspire others, and eventually fight for the privilege of making aliyah. In his initial attempt to make aliyah, Rabbi Mendelevitch was arrested and imprisoned in a Soviet Union prison for eleven years, where he endured brutal conditions. Against all odds, he remained steadfast in keeping Shabbos, davening and learning Torah. Upon his release, Rabbi Mendelevitch moved to Israel and continued to be a source of inspiration to others. These and many other events were recorded in Rabbi Mendelevitch’s memoir, Unbroken Spirit: A Heroic Story Of Faith, Courage and Survival.

The talmidim expressed admiration for Rabbi Mendelevitch’s tremendous perseverance and Jewish pride and were fascinated to hear how, during these past few weeks, Rav Mendelevitch reached out to the recently freed hostage, Agam Berger, to share his experience of being imprisoned under harsh conditions. He described how his deep faith sustained him throughout those difficult years. Rabbi Mendelevitch expressed how meaningful it was to witness the faith of the returning hostages and told the boys that their emunah is the light that helps the Jewish nation persevere. The talmidim were deeply moved by his message, and it was a truly inspiring morning that left a lasting impact.