Rabbi Tamir Granot’s Call to Defend and Unite

Rabbi Tamir Granot, esteemed Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshivat Orot Shaul in Tel Aviv, recently issued an emotional and impassioned call to action. In his address, Rabbi Granot mourns the loss of his son, Tzvi, who fell in the line of duty while serving in the IDF. His words, spoken with both a father’s grief and a leader’s resolve, urge the ultra-Orthodox yeshiva community to consider a broader understanding of Torah observance—one that combines study with an active role in the defense of the Jewish people.

Delivered at a time when Israel faces increased threats, Rabbi Granot’s speech resonates deeply, challenging young Torah scholars and rabbinic leaders to confront the pressing need for collective defense. He calls for a unified response from the community, based on the shared values of compassion, faith, and a commitment to the survival of the Jewish people. This address, now available to view on YouTube here, is both a tribute to his son and a rallying cry for the unity and resilience of the Jewish nation.

A Father’s Heartfelt Appeal: Mourning and Mission

“My dear and revered members of the holy yeshivot, both Lithuanian and Chassidic, Sephardi and Ashkenazi… I do not ask you to listen because I am a yeshiva head or rabbi. Instead, listen to a heart that is boiling, to tearful eyes fueled by the sacrifice of my precious son, Tzvi, a yeshiva student who gave his life for the sanctification of God’s name this past week…”

With these opening words, Rabbi Granot reveals the depth of his personal loss, speaking not from a place of authority, but as a father mourning his son. He implores his audience to listen to his plea, not as a rabbinic directive, but as a heartfelt call for unity. He recalls the devotion of his son, Tzvi, a young man whose love for Torah and commitment to his people led him to sacrifice his life in defense of Israel.

Rabbi Granot’s speech highlights Tzvi’s memory as a symbol of true Torah observance, encompassing both study and action. His sacrifice, he explains, was not separate from his identity as a yeshiva student; it was a fulfillment of it. Through his son’s example, Rabbi Granot illustrates the seamless connection between learning Torah and serving in Israel’s defense. This message is central to his address, and he presents it as an urgent call for the yeshiva community to recognize that Torah study and the preservation of life are not only compatible but inseparable in times of crisis.

“If not for the students of these yeshivot, there would be no army, no one to hold back Hezbollah and Hamas…”

In these words, Rabbi Granot challenges the common perception that yeshiva students cannot contribute to the defense of the nation. Many young Torah scholars, he emphasizes, are already risking their lives at Israel’s borders, and more than half of the recent casualties are yeshiva students. This reality, he argues, speaks to the vital role that young scholars play in protecting the Jewish people. His words challenge each listener to consider how they, too, might contribute to the physical and spiritual defense of Israel.

The Role of Torah in Times of Crisis: Halachic Foundations for Action

Rabbi Granot draws on key halachic sources to support his call, emphasizing that the mitzvah of saving lives takes precedence over other commandments. He references the Rambam’s rulings on pikuach nefesh (the obligation to preserve life) in times of existential threat, stating that “all Israel must join the fight” when the Jewish people are in danger.

“Rambam teaches that in times of imminent danger, all Israel must join the fight. This is not merely a choice but a commandment—a mitzvah of life.”

Rabbi Granot’s words underline a significant perspective: defending Israel’s existence is as much a part of Torah observance as studying the texts. This shift in perspective, he explains, does not undermine the sanctity of the beit midrash; rather, it elevates it by aligning Torah principles with the needs of the Jewish people. He reminds his audience that fulfilling the Torah in times of crisis means adapting to the circumstances and looking beyond conventional study. This practical halachic approach calls for a shared responsibility, both in study and in action.

In a powerful proposal, Rabbi Granot advocates a rotational model of service that would allow yeshiva students to continue their studies while also supporting Israel’s defense efforts. By rotating groups of students into service, he suggests a system that respects both the sanctity of Torah study and the mitzvah of safeguarding lives.

“Each draft, send 10,000 students… After four months, another 10,000…”

This system, Rabbi Granot argues, provides a balanced way for the yeshiva community to contribute to Israel’s defense without detracting from its primary mission of Torah study. This approach, he suggests, offers a model for every yeshiva and every student to fulfill both their spiritual and national duties. By participating in this rotation, yeshiva students can embody a complete Torah life that serves both God and the Jewish people.

Compassion and Collective Responsibility: Supporting Widows, Orphans, and Soldiers

“This is not merely a call from a rabbi, but a cry from a broken heart seeing the suffering of our people… You can still save tens of thousands.”

Rabbi Granot’s message highlights the heavy burden borne by the families of fallen soldiers—widows, orphans, and parents who have lost their sons. He urges the community to open their hearts and lend their support, not only through prayer but through active help. Compassion, he explains, is not an abstract ideal; it is a fundamental aspect of Torah observance, especially in times of communal distress.

“Remember, behind every soldier is a family. Behind every sacrifice, there are loved ones bearing the cost.”

In his appeal, Rabbi Granot calls for a community that supports its own, where every family of a fallen or active-duty soldier knows that they are not alone. He reminds the yeshiva world that every moment of Torah study and every act of kindness uplifts these families and strengthens Israel’s collective spirit. Compassion and responsibility, he argues, must be the guiding principles of the community, as they reflect the highest values of Torah and the Jewish tradition.

A Vision for Unity: Torah and Defense as One

As he closes, Rabbi Granot envisions a community where Torah and defense are harmonized, where every yeshiva and every student is a part of Israel’s strength. This is not a departure from the values of Torah, he asserts; rather, it is a fulfillment of them. He calls on each yeshiva to view itself as part of the defense of the Jewish people and to actively engage in both spiritual and physical protection.

“This is not simply a philosophical stance; this is the living, breathing Torah…”

Rabbi Granot believes that the role of Torah must evolve to meet the needs of the Jewish people. His message is a call to embrace both study and action as essential components of a Torah life. In times of crisis, defending lives and upholding Torah are not separate; they are two sides of the same coin. His plea is for each student, rabbi, and yeshiva leader to recognize the role they can play in uniting Israel through Torah and defense.

Through this address, Rabbi Granot calls upon every Jew to honor Torah by taking up the collective burden of defense. He speaks not only to yeshiva students but to the entire Jewish community, encouraging everyone to participate in the mitzvah of saving lives and sustaining the Jewish people.

“We have the chance to sanctify God’s name in a way that unites our people… This is the way to uplift the Jewish nation and honor Torah.”

Footnote and YouTube Link

This blog reflects the urgent message of Rabbi Tamir Granot, Rosh Yeshiva at Yeshivat Orot Shaul in Tel Aviv. Delivered on the eve of a new yeshiva term, his address calls for a profound commitment to both Torah and national defense, emphasizing that in times of crisis, the mitzvah of saving lives is a sacred expression of faith. To hear Rabbi Granot’s full message, you can view the original talk on YouTube here.