A Year and a Half to Complete the Talmud

The "Mishnah for the Soul" organization provides supportive and rewarding framework for consistent study of Mishnah, fostering motivation and perseverance, and ultimately leading to proficiency in the six orders of Mishnah. The founder, Rabbi Shimon Eliyahu, recounts his surprise at how his initiative gained momentum. "It started about five years ago when I approached four yeshiva students," he says. "I needed something to oblige me to study Mishnah consistently, as it was very important to me to study a chapter of Mishnah daily. I recruited them to the initiative, offering scholarships based on their grades, and this bound me to study with them as well. Whoever perseveres can complete the entire corpus of Mishnah in a year and a half."

It should be noted that the first to celebrate the method of studying one Mishnah daily wasthe "Daily Chapter" organization, led by Rabbi Eliyahu Kadosh. "The Daily Chapter" was founded in 2002 and continues to promote and enhance the study of Mishnah in the Holy Land and abroad. "Mishnah for the Soul" was based on the "Daily Chapter" initiative but implemented a system of rewards and exams.

Rabbi Shimon Eliyahu's reward initiative blossomed beautifully, and over time, he and other students completed the corpus in the synagogue, yet this did not entirely satisfy Rabbi Shimon Eliyahu. "At some point, I felt it could turn into something bigger, and for me, having 30 yeshiva students would be a significant achievement. That was my goal. As a participant in "Dirshu," I was familiar with learning structured by exams, and I attempted to implement this ourselves."

True to his words, Rabbi Eliyahu decided to distribute a prospectus, disseminating 60,000 copies nationwide. "We invited anyone interested in joining a daily study framework," he explains. "Weekly exams, in American-style, are sent to the learners on the material they've studied, and at month's end, they return a consolidated answer sheet to us. We assess and grade the learners." He continues, "More than 200 people nationwide registered in this enrollment." However, Rabbi Eliyahu realized daily chapter study is not for everyone and decided to broaden the study options. "Not everyone can commit to it," he explains, "so we chose to open several tracks: one Mishnah a day, two Mishnahs a day, allowing each person to find what suits them based on their ability and time."

As of now, registration is underway for the third cycle. "Twice we've completed the corpus, and recently, we sent nearly 500 envelopes, indicating that besides the 200 registered, an additional 300 have joined. May it continue to grow," Rabbi Eliyahu excitedly shares.

How are learners rewarded based on exams?

"We offer scholarships through a lottery. Participants who average above 60 on exams enter the scholarship draw. All organizational funds come from donations by Jews wanting to donate in memory of their relatives. We request learners mention at least once a month that their study is in memory of the deceased whose relatives contributed. Those wishing the entire corpus of Mishnah studied in a year and a half in memory of their loved one pay a one-time fee of 1200 NIS, with the funds financing the activities. The organization is supported only by the generosity of donors, with no government funding."

To download the detailed program guide and learning tracks of "Mishnah for the Soul," click here.

To register for "Mishnah for the Soul," contact Rabbi Shimon Eliyahu at: 0527154840