"From Bavel To Yisrael" - Exploring Unity And Dialogue At Beit Hanasi Study Group (Photo Essay)

By BJLIfe/Sharon Altshul
Posted on 06/19/23

Jerusalem, Israel - June 19, 2023  - The latest session of the Bible Study Project 929 took place at the Beit Hanasi, in Jerusalem, Israel, on Sunday early evening, June 18/ 28 Sivan hosted by President Isaac Herzog. The study group has been meeting at the Israeli President's residence since it was initiated when Reuven Rivlin was President along with his wife Nechama z"l sitting at the head of the table.

Each session of the 929 Project explores a new chapter of the Tanakh daily, with the aim of completing the entire Tanakh within a period of approximately three and a half years (929 days).

The chosen theme for the session at the President's residence on Sunday focused on the specific topic of Kibbutz Galiot, under the title of From Bavel to Yisrael. A source sheet on each of the guest chairs had various pesukim, including from Sefer Malachi, and Daniel.

In past sessions, former Supreme Court Judges and Rav Adin Evan Chen (Steinsaltz), z'l were among the honored participants. The invited guests for this meeting included international youth leaders and young Olim from the Ulpan Etzion.

The President opened the session as the first speaker, followed by the Chairman of the Executive of The Jewish Agency for Israel Doron Almog. Both spoke of Am Yisrael, the importance of aliyah, and the Unity of the people in Israel and the Diaspora.

The Bible study project 929, spearheaded by Rabbi Benny Lau, has worked in fostering unity and dialog by bringing together people from various backgrounds and perspectives. The project encourages open-minded discussions and exchanges of ideas based on shared values and a common interest in studying the Tanakh and is accessible online in Hebrew and English.

The session at the Israeli President's residence serves as a symbol of this inclusive approach, highlighting the importance of engaging in respectful and meaningful conversations around the biblical text as a means of fostering understanding, cooperation, and mutual respect among different segments of Israeli society.