With:  Mordechai Wolfson | Toronto, Sgan Zach, Madrich at BAYT Snif

Shevet
Hineni

Current role in Bnei Akiva
Skan Zach, Snif Madrich, Executive Editor of Bnei Akiva Akivaton Toronto

What is your first memory of Bnei Akiva?|
Eidah Gimmel at Moshava Ennismore. The first Friday we were there everyone was in the ח and we were singing Hatikvah and Yad Achim

Why do you think it’s so important to be involved in Bnei Akiva as a High Schooler?
It is important for us as religious teenagers to help other, younger kids grow in their Judaism. We have been in similar positions as the Chanichim and I think we have the power to influence the kids as a friend and a mentor, instead of a teacher. It is important that we use our free time as high schoolers for something productive, and I think there is no better use of time as helping others grow closer to Hashem. I think BA teaches us important leadership skills that will help us as we mature and it is important we learn these skills now when we are still young

Tell us your favourite Bnei Akiva experience?
A slow shirah when I was in Eidah Daled at Moshava Ennismore. Someone told a story about a kid discovering a note from his grandfather who went through the Holocaust and how the note reignited his Judaism. I have always kept that memory in my back pocket because it helps me connect when connecting is difficult

Where is your dream place to live in Israel?
Overlooking the Kotel in the Old City

What does Torah V Avodah mean to you?
Torah V’ Avodah means prioritizing mitzvot, halacha, Torah – my Judaism and the important to build up, protect, and supporting the land of Israel in any way possible. Without Torah, the world is nothing. Without Israel, life as a Torah observant Jew would be much more difficult. I believe Israel is a backbone for Torah and the Jewish people.

Who would you rather be David Ben Gurion or Golda Meir?
David Ben Gurion. He went through immense struggles trying to establish the state, yet he persevered. I want to have that drive for Israel, as well as towards Torah.

What one item is a must to pack for a Bnei Akiva Shabbaton?
A tooth brush?… definately a Tilboshet

Most meaningful Zionist/Jewish quote?
Be the change you want to see in the world – Mohammed Ghandi. Israel, more specifically the Jewish people, want a global positive change – towards Jews, Torah, global peace – and to make that change, Israel and the Jews must create that change

What is your aliyah date?
B”ZH sometime after high school or soon after university