From Struggle to Strength: How One Boy Changed His Mother's Heart

Oded was a charming, sweet boy growing up in a secular home in Israel. Today, he’s a yeshiva student with several tractates of the Talmud already memorized, getting ready to move on to an advanced yeshiva. But this wasn’t always the plan—especially not in the eyes of his mother.

At first, Oded’s mother was completely against anything religious. She couldn’t understand why her husband, Yochai, had suddenly started keeping kosher and going to shul (synagogue) on Shabbat. She hoped it was just a phase. But when he transferred their son to a religious school, she realized it was more serious—and she was furious.

When the time came to choose where Oded would continue his studies, his father wanted to send him to yeshiva. The mother gave an ultimatum: “Either high school—or I’m leaving. No yeshiva.” Rabbi Yosef Barchatz, who had heard about the tension, visited their home to try to help. He explained how Torah learning could bring out the best in a child. But she wouldn't hear of it.

Finally, to keep the family together, she gave in—but with strict conditions: Oded would study at yeshiva during the day but come home every evening. On Shabbat he must stay at home. And absolutely no wearing a black suit and hat like a “religious boy.” That was the deal.

But at home, she made things hard for him. Every Friday night she held parties with loud music, alcohol, and his old friends—hoping he’d give up on yeshiva and rejoin her world. She even offered him the latest smartphone if he would quit. His answer? “I don’t need that. I have a better connection—with Hashem.”

Eventually, the pressure became too much. With tears in his eyes, Oded begged Rabbi Barchatz to move him to a dormitory yeshiva. But Rabbi Barchatz wouldn’t do it without asking a great Torah scholar first. They went to a well-known Rosh Yeshiva (head of a yeshiva), and Oded told him everything.

The rabbi listened carefully and then gave a clear answer: “You are not leaving home. Stay—and show your mother what a Torah student is really like. Show her that a Jewish child can honor his parents—even when it’s hard.”

Oded took those words to heart. He returned home every evening with a smile, showing kindness and respect. Slowly, something amazing happened. His younger siblings began to wait for him at the door. They asked for stories, wanted to talk with him, and saw him as their role model.

His mother noticed. The same woman who once swore she’d never allow her child in a yeshiva came to visit the school—and thank the staff with tears in her eyes. “I thought they’d poison his mind,” she admitted. “But I see they gave him good values, a gentle soul, and a wise heart.”

Today, she proudly tells people she wants all her children to go to yeshiva.

Rabbi Barchatz told her: “He came here knowing very little. In just three years, he became a Torah scholar. I believe one day he will be a leader, teaching others and inspiring communities. And you will be there, watching with pride.”