Bein Hazmanim 2025: How Yeshiva Bochrim can build the Bais Hamikdash, one brick at a time

In the rhythm of yeshiva life, Bein Hazmanim (the intersession break) offers a rare pause from intense Torah study. Yet, amid Israel's ongoing challenges, from the front lines of conflict to the hospitals filled with our brave wounded, many voices argue that this time shouldn't be squandered on leisure alone. Haredi students hold a unique power to bridge divides and contribute tangibly. If breaks must happen, let's transform them into acts of chesed: visiting wounded soldiers to lift their spirits, firing up BBQs to fuel our troops' morale, or crafting hearty jerky packs to sustain them in the field. It's not just volunteering, it's embodying achdus, the unity that strengthens Am Yisrael against all odds.

Visiting Wounded Soldiers: A Direct Line of Compassion

Nothing cuts through isolation like a genuine visit. For soldiers recovering from the scars of battle, a kind word or shared story can reignite hope. Organizations across Israel facilitate these encounters, ensuring volunteers bring joy without overwhelming medical routines. Belev Echad, for instance, coordinates visits to hospitals and rehab centers, where staff and volunteers deliver cheer to those in vulnerable moments. Dror For The Wounded Foundation invites advocates to cheer up IDF heroes directly, emphasizing the impact of a simple smile. Brothers For Life, run by injured veterans themselves, offers profound peer support, helping the wounded reclaim their lives through shared experiences. And Restart provides holistic aid for physical and emotional recovery, welcoming volunteers to join their mission.

To get involved:

- Sign up with Belev Echad

- Volunteer via Dror Foundation

- Connect with Brothers For Life

- Join Restart's efforts

These programs often run year-round, with flexible slots during Bein Hazmanim—perfect for groups of bochurim seeking meaningful engagement.

Firing Up BBQs: Fueling Morale One Grill at a Time

What's more Israeli than a smoky BBQ under the stars? For soldiers grinding through long shifts, a hot meal isn't just sustenance, it's a morale booster that says, "We're with you." Volunteer-led initiatives turn this into action, organizing full-scale grills for hundreds, even thousands, of troops. Or Lachayal specializes in massive BBQs that do wonders for unit spirit, blending food with fellowship. Grilling for Israel, a nonprofit firing up kosher feasts anytime, anywhere, invites volunteers to join their teams in prepping and serving. Binyamin's BBQ Brigade focuses on comraderie, delivering great food to lift spirits on bases nationwide. Jeff Seidel's IDF BBQs add live music to the mix, creating unforgettable gatherings sponsored by supporters.

Ready to grill?

- Volunteer with Or Lachayal

- Join Grilling for Israel

- Sign up for Binyamin's Brigade

- Sponsor or participate via Jeff Seidel

These hands-on roles are ideal for Haredi groups, fostering connections while serving those who safeguard our freedoms.

Crafting Jerky and Care Packages: Sustaining Strength from Afar

When soldiers are deep in the field, portable protein like beef jerky becomes a lifesaver—quick energy without the need for refrigeration. Volunteer efforts turn this into a community powerhouse, with groups producing and packing thousands of kosher snacks. Beef Up Our Boys, born post-October 7th, has delivered over 60,000 jerky packages, uniting volunteers in funding, bagging, and distribution. Beefli aims to send 25,000+ pouches, matching donations to feed troops directly. Broader care packages, including jerky alongside ramen, hot sauce, and drink mixes, are assembled through outfits like Thank Israeli Soldiers, where volunteers pack, write letters, and load deliveries. Sar-El and Volunteers for Israel (VFI) expand this to meal prep and farm work, ensuring soldiers get nourished.

Get packing:

- Contribute to Beef Up Our Boys

- Support Beefli's campaign

Volunteer with Thank Israeli Soldiers

These initiatives welcome all, including yeshiva students, for sessions that fit Bein Hazmanim schedules.

Haredi students, by channeling Bein Hazmanim into service, don't just help—they heal divides, counter sinat chinam, and embody the Torah's call to love one's fellow. As one volunteer put it, it's about showing up for family. Dive in today; the impact echoes eternally.