The yeshiva in Katzrin (Mor Dror) was established 5 years ago and has been growing steadily ever since. In establishing the yeshiva, its founders aimed to continue in the spirit of Moshe Rabbeinu, who spoke all of Devarim to the Children of Israel in Transjordan, and to build on the work of half the tribe of Manasseh, whom Moses decided to settle here in Bashan, in the Golan Heights, so that they would engage in Torah study and connect Transjordan to Jerusalem.
We came to continue the Beit Midrash (study hall) of Rabbi Elazar HaKappar, where the upper lintel stone was found right here by archaeologists with the inscription "Beit Midrash of Rabbi Elazar HaKappar" - the only remnant left of a Beit Midrash from the Second Temple period.
After millennia of exile, we returned to the Land of Israel, and to the Golan, where the Torah of the Land of Israel has been hidden for ages in the basalt stones, and we come, G-d willing, to redeem it.
The yeshiva sees the expansion of Torah as a national mission of the first order at this time. Firstly, residents of Katzrin are among the Northern-most citizens not evacuated in the wake of the current war. We have seen open miracles in Katzrin and the Golan Heights, which have been under constant missile barrages for the entirety of this challenging period. We see making the North thrive by bringing students and staff to build a strong Torah community as an important affirmation of life, and of our values.
Yeshiva graduates serve full service in the IDF, often in elite units, and have been serving on all fronts in this year's ongoing war. Our study of Torah gives us courage, and we believe also strengthens and protects our local community, as well as the national and Jewish spirit.
Even before the conflict began, we were committed to nurture among us Torah scholars and G-d-fearing Torah students with a clear identity, capable of standing upright through all the storms of Israel's revival in its land, with strong opinions and values.These include the belief in freedom and liberty rooted in Judaism, without foreign influences, with complete faith in the people of Israel and its Torah, through study, depth, and dedication to their learning.
In Katzrin, there is a warm community interested in building a Torah center and adopting the yeshiva into the local fabric. The people of Katzrin are from all shades of Israeli society, connected to settling the land, to simplicity, and to the surrounding nature. All these expand the heart and allow, G-d willing, study in purity and spiritual freedom.
The study and belonging to the yeshiva are based on proper conduct between individuals, and learning in a united and warm group in a family atmosphere. We see great value in spiritual building through the personal connection between the students and the rabbis and the Rosh Yeshiva. A relationship of care, involvement, and concern; a connection of learning, growth, and development; and jointly bearing the yoke of Torah. An emotional connection that will continue for years, G-d willing, throughout all the different stages of life. This year, some 70 young men and married scholars are studying in the yeshiva - a nearly twofold increase since last year - and the sound of Torah is heard powerfully in the study hall!