A Tribute to Rav Guy Avihod

How Five Minutes Can Change a Life.

Fifteen years ago, during a sabbatical in Israel, I wandered into a Shai Agnon Synagogue in Jerusalem for evening prayers. It was a late service, 9:00 PM on a weeknight. I arrived a few minutes early, and as I passed the lower-level chapel, I noticed a study hall off to the side.

Inside sat a young rabbi — Rav Guy Avihod — at the head of several long tables. Gathered around him were an extraordinary mix of people: businessmen, seniors, and even children as young as eight years old. On the table were bottles of soda and beer, bowls of nuts and chips, and a bit of arak. I asked Rav Guy what they were doing. With a warm smile, he told me: “We are learning Daf Yomi.”

I laughed and said, “No, this looks more like a party!” He gently insisted that indeed it was Daf Yomi — and that this gathering took place every night. Curious, I invited myself to join. That evening was the beginning of a journey and of a treasured friendship with a truly dedicated and kindhearted teacher.

For the next nine months, I sat beside Rav Guy as we delved into the ancient Talmudic texts. Because he taught in Hebrew, and made sure I understood every word, I not only learned the depth of the Gemara but also became fairly fluent in Hebrew. Those five extra minutes of arriving early one night turned into a lifetime transformation.

Since then, I have continued on this path he set me on. With G-d’s help, I have completed Shas twice,  and am now well into my third cycle. Learning Talmud daily has strengthened my spirituality and changed me profoundly as a person. So many passages from so many tractates now live within me and guide my everyday life.

To celebrate this milestone, and to honor all that Rav Guy has given me, I can only offer words — a small token compared to the enormous gift he has shared: bringing me closer to the Almighty with each page, each word, and each lesson. It has been nothing less than a partnership between the Lord above, Rav Guy, and myself.

Thank you, Rav Guy, for changing my life.