OP-ED: The Potential Drawbacks of Chabad Bochurim Studying in a Yeshiva in Israel
by Anonymous
For many Chabad bochurim (young men studying in a Chabad yeshiva), the opportunity to study in a yeshiva in Israel is a dream come true. The chance to immerse oneself in Jewish study and tradition, to connect with other Jewish young people from around the world, and to be in the land of the Jewish people is an experience that is unparalleled in its richness and depth.
However, while studying in a yeshiva in Israel has many benefits, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. One of the main concerns for Chabad bochurim studying in Israel is the distractions and temptations that may be present in a more modern and secular society. These distractions and temptations can come in many forms, from the allure of technology and social media to the temptations of the nightlife and entertainment scene.
For Chabad bochurim who are focused on spiritual growth and development, these distractions and temptations can be a major obstacle. The constant pull of the outside world can be a constant distraction, making it difficult to stay focused on one’s studies and spiritual practice. And even if a Chabad bochur does manage to stay on track, the temptations of the outside world can still have a negative impact on his spiritual growth and development, as he may be exposed to ideas and influences that are not in line with the values and teachings of the Chabad movement.
This is not to say that Chabad bochurim should not study in a yeshiva in Israel. However, it is important for them to be aware of the potential drawbacks and to carefully consider whether this is the right choice for them. For some Chabad bochurim, studying in a yeshiva in a more insular or traditional community may be a better option, as it can provide a more focused and sheltered environment for spiritual growth and development.
Ultimately, the decision of whether to study in a yeshiva in Israel is a personal one that each Chabad bochur must make for himself. But it is important for him to keep in mind the importance of spiritual growth and development and to carefully consider the potential drawbacks of studying in a more modern and secular society. By being mindful of these potential drawbacks, Chabad bochurim can ensure that their time in yeshiva is a truly meaningful and transformative experience.
meyer chein
No need to go to Israel, the Beit -Hamikdash was not built yet. Better still the Israelis should not come here we need a break
Grateful we left
Okay. Let’s wrap our bochurim in a pillow case and smother them
If we can’t bring up our children with values and teach them how to withstand temptation they will never function in the world and certainly can’t affect others.
meyer chein
Hey, he did not put a gun to your head he merely expressed caution.
Bad take
Just a horrible take. Eretz yisroel is the land for all yidden. And the greatest amount of growth is gained within the land. So to say not to go bc of distractions, is another way of saying “im a parent and I can’t afford it”
Anonymous
It says Chabad about a dozen times what the difference to any Bochur? It the same issues the exist for any sector of Chassidim or litvish
Moshe nachman cohen
Terrible take
Anonymous
This is the most ridiculous think I’ve ever heard. If anything learning in israel away from home matures a Bucher and gives him a real feeling of yiddeshkiet when he sees so many yidden together. Now of course there are challenges but not דווקה in israel are they harder then anywhere else. And surely not enough to stop a Bucher from having the opportunity to experience of eretz yiroel hakodesh
Anonymous
Terrible take. In fact tosfos in meseches shobbos says that a Bucher should go far away from home
Yossi g
I agree 100 percent
The fact is that on off shabossim in eretz yisroel the yeshivas tell the bochurim go find a place to stay but if u go to yerusholyim it will be a knas
If a bochur is in eretz yisroel he probably doesn’t care to spend some of his allowance on a 100 dollar knas to be with his friends in the shuk and to be involved in pritzut
Anonymous
Then that’s a problem with the punishment system of yeshiva. With that logic we should never go to any yeshiva because a Bucher doesn’t mind paying 100 dollar knas an do drugs or talk to girls which could be available near any yeahiva
Bochur who's learned ther
As a bochur who’s learned in Eretz Yisrael, I don’t completely agree. While a few yeshivas in א”י have some distractions around them, most yeshivas are in quieter or more sheltered places, without distractions.
While it is true that there are some distractions near yeshivas in Israel, there are also some near American Yeshivas.
Girls in Seminary
80% of Lubavitch girls go to Israel for seminary and the vast majority avail themselves to the surrounding “entertainment”. If the bochurim don’t involve themselves in the entertainment scene while they are in yeshiva in Israel, it can chas vasholom lead to sholom bayis issues down the road.