Tel Aviv, Ashkelon, Kiryat Gat, Beit Shemesh, Ashdod, Beer Sheva, Lod and Jerusalem. These are the cities where Rabbi Yoel Moshe Pinto, son and successor of Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, held Torah talks in recent days.
Rabbi Yoel Pinto came to Israel specifically to strengthen the Shuva Yisrael communities in the country, which number dozens of yeshivot and branches in Israel.
Immediately upon landing, he began a marathon of encouraging Torah talks in which he conveyed the blessing of his father, Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto. In addition, Rabbi Yoel Pinto served as a sandek in circumcision events held by Shuva Yisrael members and received a large crowd who sought his blessing and advice. Those blessed included the mayor of Kiryat Gat Aviram Dehari and the mayor of Lod, Yair Revivo.
In his talks, he referred to the security situation and the war which Israel is fighting. He said that our sages have taught us how to behave in difficult times, and precisely now we need to strengthen ourselves and develop in ourselves a strong and solid spiritual path.
"The soldiers who are on the front lines of the fighting know what their war strategy is, but we who are on the home front also need to know what to do, what we are tasked with doing in this difficult time, and what God really wants from us."
In his talks, Rabbi Yoel Pinto went on to explain an inspiring insight based on the Torah sections read on the last few Shabbats in synagogues. They describe the exile in Egypt, where the Israelites had descended to the lowest place, but precisely there the great salvation began. They left Egypt, miraculously crossed the Reed Sea, received the Torah and finally entered the Land of Israel.
"This is also our role today," he said, "even if it seems that everything is difficult and not going well, to the contrary - it is the time for a personal and general redemption. Therefore, each and every one of the Jewish people should strengthen himself in Torah study, in observing the commandments, in keeping Shabbat, in reading Deuteronomy on Shabbat, and in spreading unconditional love. In this merit, we will soon see the complete Redemption," he added.
Watch the documentation of Rabbi Yoel Pinto's visit to Israel.
This article was written in cooperation with Shuva Israel