Dr. Eli Ben Eliezer: "When Studying the Talmud, Every Comma Has Meaning"

Dr. Eli Ben Eliezer is a man with an impressive resume: he has held numerous senior management positions and is currently working as an organizational consultant and a personal and business coach. Yet, there is a particular aspect of his career that he is especially proud of, which is not widely known: Ben Eliezer defines himself as someone who dedicates regular time to the study of Torah.

"This journey began about seven years ago, when I took a coaching course," he shares. "At a certain point, we were all asked to write our vision for the upcoming years. I included in my vision the statement: 'I want to regularly study Torah.' Why? Because I come from a traditional Sephardic family and was aware that until that stage in my life, I had never closely engaged with the world of Jewish learning."

In coaching, says Ben Eliezer, a vision quickly translates into an action plan. When asked what he intended to do to realize this vision, Ben Eliezer went online and started searching for information. "I discovered something called Daf Yomi but quickly realized that it was too challenging for me to study it without an organized class or teacher. I consulted with friends, and that's how I heard about the 'Veten Chelek' booklets by Rabbi Kowalsky. I subscribed and began receiving the booklets, which were structured so that each day included a Mishnah, a few lines of Gemara, and one Halacha. It took me about fifteen minutes to learn them each day."

After about two years, Dr. Ben Eliezer found himself coaching a senior manager at the Bnei Brak Municipality. "During a study session, I told him about my learning attempts. I loved the 'Veten Chelek' booklets, but it was clear to me that I was merely wading in the shallow waters of a vast ocean. I wanted more." The Bnei Brak manager had an idea for him: "There are Chabad booklets called 'Dvar Malchut,'" he told Ben Eliezer. "Most of it is Tanya, but at the end, there are three pages, one of Gemara with punctuation and two of explanations."

Dr. Eli Ben Eliezer

"I started traveling to Kfar Chabad to buy booklets. Each time, I purchased for three weeks in advance. One day when I reached the sales point, I was given booklets for only two weeks ahead. The next time I got booklets for just one week, and they told me, 'There are issues, there are difficulties, the booklet will no longer be available.' I told the seller: This is like driving on a highway, and you're telling me, 'The road is over'! I'm not leaving here until you find me a solution! The seller looked at me and said: 'You know, there's something called the Schottenstein Talmud...'"

Ben Eliezer promptly went to a religious bookstore and purchased 73 volumes of the Schottenstein Talmud. "I opened myself a library. It was wonderful not to depend on anyone: now I could study Gemara independently and continuously."

After some time, Ben Eliezer advanced another level: he found that a daily Daf Yomi class was held every morning at the synagogue near his home in Tel Aviv. "Every day at twenty past seven, a brilliant Gur Chassid from Bnei Brak comes to deliver a lesson. Most days, I manage to attend this class."

How do you describe the difference between studying alone and learning in a class with someone?<\/strong><\/p>

"Let's say that if studying Talmud alone is like first grade, then learning with the Schottenstein is like eighth grade, and learning with a rabbi – is like a university," asserts Ben Eliezer. "It's a completely different experience."

Despite his familiarity with studies, Ben Eliezer describes Talmud study as an entirely novel experience. "You read a text where every word, every syllable, every comma has meaning. The way they construct and refute logic – is fascinating. Beyond that, you learn about the Talmudic world and understand, between the lines, the life atmosphere of that time. The uncensored debates between the sages intrigue me."

Ben-Eliezer currently leads the President's Program, aimed at identifying Israel's 'scientific and inventive future.' Each year, about 2000 gifted individuals from across the country apply to the program, but only 200 are accepted after rigorous screening tests. Those selected study sciences at a university level one day a week and typically proceed to military service in the Talpiot, 8200, or other elite units.

Is Ben Eliezer, in his role as a nurturer of elite talents in society, supportive of Talmud teaching in public schools?<\/p>

"Absolutely yes," he says without hesitation. "It's an experiential and profound study that can only contribute to the system. South Korea understood this long ago: they conducted research to discover how such a small area in the Middle East produced so many successful start-ups, and one of the conclusions was that it was due to the conceptual and broad thinking Israelis have. Hoping to develop similar traits, they began studying Talmud. Their universities now offer courses in Bava Metzia and Bava Kamma."

What is your next goal in Torah study?<\/strong><\/p>

"To study one-on-one with someone who can teach me. I'm sure that this will eventually happen."