With Yedidya Blau, of Cleveland

Name

Yedidya Blau,

Shevet

Orot

Galil

Cleveland

Current role in Bnei Akiva

Komonari

What is your first memory of Bnei Akiva?

My first memory of bnei Akiva is when I was in second grade, sniff was a scavenger hunt and I won the scavenger hunt and ended up winning a pin that is still on my tilboshet to this very day. 

Why do you think it’s so important to be involved in Bnei Akiva as a High Schooler?

I think it is so important to be involved in bnei Akiva for two reasons. One, it gives students the ability to be leaders in their communities and grow as Jews as they establish programs and events for the future of their own communities. Second, and more importantly, it spreads the ideals and knowledge about the land of Israel, what it means to be a Zionist and how important it is to aid, protect and serve the land of Israel. Bnei Akiva allows each and every highschool to deeper their relationship and the future of their communities to the land of Israel. 

Tell us your favourite Bnei Akiva experience?

My favorite bnei Akiva experience was running a round robin peula for all of our snif, breaking down the bnei Akiva semel and teaching all the chanichim 

what it means to be part of bnei Akiva. Seeing the peula all come together and seeing the excitement on close to 100 children’s faces to be part of Bnei Akiva is unforgettable.

Where is your dream place to live in Israel?

My dream place to live in Israel is Alon Shvut

What does Torah V Avodah mean to you?

Torah V’Avodah to me means that we must serve Israel in two types of ways. The first is that we have a responsibility to live Torah lives and spread the word of Torah to our communities and all of klal Israel. Torah has to be the heart of everything that we do. Second, we must help build and support that land of Israel in any way possible. The way we serve may be different. For some it may be physical service whole for others may be economic service or social  service – but either way we have a responsibility to ensure the growth of our home land eretz Israel. 

Who would you rather be David Ben Gurion or Golda Meir?

I would rather be Golda Meir. 

What one item is a must to pack for a Bnei Akiva Shabbaton?

One thing that you must pack on a bnei Akiva shabbaton is home town Bnei Akiva swag. There is nothing better than being able to represent your own sniffim and galil on a bnei Akiva shabbaton.