Israeli President Reuven Rivlin with a child on the first day of school
Israeli President Reuven Rivlin with a child on the first day of schoolMark Neiman, GPO

Like every other year, Israeli President Reuven Rivlin opened the haredi school system's new school year on the first day of the Hebrew month of Elul. This year, Rivlin visited the "Boston Talmud Torah" in Bnei Brak.

During his visit, Rivlin met with the school's staff and school principal Rabbi Natan Fuchsbrumer before entering a first-grade classroom and spending time with the young students.

Joining Rivlin was MK Yakov Asher (UTJ) and the Education Ministry's Haredi School Superviser Menachem Deutsch.

The Boston Talmud Torah opened 25 years ago, and excels both in Torah studies and academic studies. It was one of the first schools to offer early diagnosis of developmental delays.

The school's campus also includes preschool classrooms.

"We are here because of the children," Fuchsbrumer told Rivlin.

"The children have been blessed with excellent educators," Rivlin responded. "There is nothing greater than what you are doing now."

Walking into a classroom, Rivlin told the students that "not only are you excited today, your parents and grandparents are excited as well. The most excited of all are your rabbis."

"I want you to know that you will remember this day when you are older, when you are prime ministers, presidents, mayors, yeshiva deans - this is a day you will never forget."

Rivlin then asked them what they had managed to learn so far, and what they knew about the weekly Torah portion.

"I am so happy to meet you, sweet children," he said. "Continue your upwards journey, increase your wisdom and understanding, and may you merit an amazing school year, with G-d's help."

Later, Rivlin visited Kupat Ha'ir - the haredi world's largest charity organization. Kupat Ha'ir receives donations of more than 100 million shekels each year, from donors around the world. These donations are then distributed to poor families, orphans, and widows. The organization also provides food vouchers and aid to sick people and their families, as well as to children with severe physical disabilities or who are recovering after car accidents or mental illnesses.

Rivlin heard about Kupat Ha'ir's activities from Yaakov Kulitz, one of the organization's leaders. Later, he toured Kupat Ha'ir's offices, where he met the operators who receive calls from donors. The staff briefed Rivlin on where and how the organization operates, how money is collected in emergencies, and more. Rivlin was very impressed with Kupat Ha'ir's activities, and praised the organization as "a factory of kindness worthy of every possible praise."

Rivlin also visited the treasury room, where Kupat Ha'ir staff counts donated funds. He saw how money was sorted, and how charity boxes spread throughout the city bring in money. As he left, Rivlin presented the fund with a modest personal donation.

"All of those who serve the public's needs faithfully, G-d will provide their reward," he said, quoting from Shabbat (Sabbath) prayers. "I am sure you feel the fulfillment of this promise every day, in a physical sense."

"A holy place is one in which we feel responsible for each other. It means providing aid to helpless people who do not have access to help, who, without this aid, would find themselves without anything. This is an unusual organization which is an example for all of society.

The tour was provided by Kupat Ha'ir senior volunteer Kobu Kulitz, accountant Yaakov Virzavinsky, PR coordinator Natan Yaffeh, and special events and studies coordinator Yaakov Cohen.

Before Rivlin left Bnei Brak, he paid condolences to Bnei Brak Mayor Hanoch Zeibert, who lost his mother last week.