Last Thursday evening, under the warm glow of the second Hanukkah candle, soldiers of the Netzah Yehuda Battalion gathered at the Kfir Military Academy for a spirited and intellectually charged event: a quiz on the laws and traditions of Hanukkah. The initiative, spearheaded by Rabbi Adir Almoshenino of the Netzah Yehuda Association, brought together members of the Haredi battalion for a moment of learning, camaraderie, and celebration.
The culmination of an intensive six-week study program, the quiz served as both a test of knowledge and a showcase of dedication. Sixty soldiers embarked on an in-depth exploration of Hanukkah’s laws and customs, with six exceptional participants advancing to the final round. The concluding stage of the quiz was held in the presence of battalion rabbis, company commanders, and dozens of fellow soldiers.
In a competitive yet collegial atmosphere, Adir Chahim secured first place, followed by Itai Rasad in second. Eliav Avizihar claimed third, and Assaf Ben Zvi rounded out the top four.
Rabbi Almoshenino, who both organized and led the initiative, reflected on the event’s significance: “This quiz is living proof that Torah study and military service can coexist harmoniously. The dedication and perseverance displayed by these soldiers exemplify the spirit of Netzah Yehuda, a battalion built on the integration of tradition and duty.”
Events like these, held regularly within the battalion, aim to deepen soldiers’ connection to their cultural and religious heritage while reinforcing their commitment to their military responsibilities. In the words of Rabbi Almoshenino, it is a balance that forms the foundation of the battalion’s enduring ethos: faith and service, side by side.
