Sapra V'saifa: The Haredi Martial Artist Who Trains Between Torah Studies

There is a well-known dispute in the Talmudic teachings concerning the physical effects following the study of the Torah. Some ancient sources argue that the Torah strengthens a person, citing: "Those who hope in Hashem will renew their strength," "Great is Torah, for it gives life to those who practice it," "He who has a headache should engage in Torah study." On the other hand, there are sources claiming that the Torah weakens us, as in "Torah weakens a person’s strength." In any case, the remarkable story of Ophir Gal (29) serves as powerful evidence for those who believe the Torah strengthens a person - and we shall tell his story now.

"From a young age, I was engaged in martial arts, participating in competitions and everything that goes with it," says Ophir. "In addition, I was a fitness officer in the platoon command course of Bahad 1, an officer in the special police units, and commander of a recruits division and fighters division in the border police of Eilat. About six years ago, I began the process of returning to Judaism while serving as an officer. After about a year, I decided I wanted to dedicate myself entirely to Torah, resigned from the border police, and started studying at the 'Or HaChaim' Yeshiva in Jerusalem. With Hashem's help, I continue to grow stronger, both spiritually and physically. About two years ago, I was blessed to establish a faithful home in Israel, with a complete separation during matchmaking and wedding, and a year ago, our dear daughter Yael Sarah was born. We live in the Ramat Shlomo neighborhood of Jerusalem, and I am a yeshiva scholar at 'Or HaChaim.' During breaks, I train in martial arts and also coach at Haredi yeshivas for what is called 'youth at risk.'

Let's go back to the beginning, if you don't mind. How did your connection to martial arts start?

"I was always a 'club kid,' participating in nearly every activity possible—swimming, soccer, basketball, organ playing, and more. Also, I ran half-marathons, triathlons, was part of the 'Aharai!' project (pre-military training), and in the border police team. Additionally, I studied Judo, and around the age of 12, my connection to martial arts began. It peaked at age 21 when I was training in MMA, which is a very serious martial art, with the 'Luta Livre' group in Be'er Sheva."

How did you integrate martial arts at the beginning of your return to Judaism, and how did the new environment react?

"Initially, during the return to Judaism process, I didn't maintain my fitness much, and it wasn't really due to the environment but more because I wanted to invest all my energy in Torah. That said, everyone at the yeshiva knew I specialized in martial arts, and they even made a video about my process of returning to Judaism. An especially interesting twist came about two years ago when one day I was offered to coach young men at a yeshiva. I already thought that was behind me, but after initial consultation with my wife and then with rabbinical advice, I found myself back on the mat."

"Is there anything in the world that Hashem and the Torah are not connected to?"

Due to 2,000 years of difficult and prolonged exile experienced by our people, the connection between Torah life and practical life has unraveled and diminished. Mainly for this reason, many find it difficult to see just how natural and positive the connection between the Torah and the human body, exercise, and natural health is. Nevertheless, returning Jews, naturally, can better maintain and realize this positive relationship, and Ophir wants to tell more about this. "People sometimes ask how Hashem and the Torah are related to what I'm doing, but I think the real question is whether there is anything in the world that Hashem and the Torah are not related to?"

"In any case, in everything I do, I don't forget first that I am a Jew, a son of the King, and the duty that I have to behave appropriately according to Jewish law. Interestingly, the instructors in the yeshivas I coach at say the young men training with me improve marvelously in their Torah studies because they see me as a role model and want to be like me, what they call a 'righteous champion.' So aside from all the good things we said so far, I also feel that I have the merit of helping many, thank Hashem."

And yet, how do you maintain Jewish law and the spirit of the Torah in all of this?

"The truth is, it's not so complicated. Martial arts were known among the people of Israel even in the days of our ancestors. It is known that Israel's mighty warriors in biblical times could strike down an enemy with one blow, as it is written: 'Arm also head.' In general, maintaining health and fitness is a positive matter. However, the goal is not to be cruel and injure each other. Quite the opposite, my trainees and I are as close as family. That being said, it's important to emphasize that martial arts may not suit every Torah student, but in certain cases, it is necessary, whether it’s Torah students who are struggling or those who are taking gradual steps in their return to Judaism. In any case, it is crucial that every person consult with their rabbis, who will guide them according to their soul and goals, and, of course, within the framework of halacha."

"I Haven’t Encountered Any Conflict"

More and more studies in recent years reveal that physical activity helps in various ways. One of the areas where this is particularly common is related to concentration and learning ability. In light of this, it's amazing to see how more and more people utilize this helpful matter for sharper and higher-quality Torah study. And, of course, in this matter, Ophir, who invests all his strength and time in Torah learning, has something to say: "Physical training helps me by spending lots of energy on the mat, which fills me with adrenaline and keeps me calm and happy during study. Furthermore, being fit and eating healthily helps a person remain alert and sharp in their studies, and remember their learning. I am happy to say that to this day I haven't encountered any conflict between martial arts and observing the commandments. Nor should there be one. On the contrary. It only complements and enriches each other."

In this regard, do you have a rabbi you consult with?

"My teacher and head, the genius Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, may he live long, is one of the greats of this generation in general, and one of the leading promoters of return to Judaism in our days in particular. Our connection is wonderful and daily, he guides me, and I had the honor of him officiating my wedding."

By the way, Rabbi Elbaz, what can you share about your relationship with the 'Or HaChaim' yeshiva?

I met the 'Or HaChaim' family while serving in the Eilat border police and began my return to Judaism. It was a wonderful time, known among those returning as 'lights' moments. During the time of Selichot, I would bring about ten border policemen to the 'Or HaChaim' synagogue in Eilat at one o'clock in the morning, sleep for about two hours at night, and in the morning get up to function as an officer as usual. I felt like Hashem was really carrying me in His arms.

"In all the synagogues in Eilat, and especially at the 'Or HaChaim' study hall, I was known as the border police officer who returned to Judaism. After nearly a year of strengthening, I first met the head of the yeshiva, Rabbi Reuven Elbaz, in a conference held in Eilat, where I was invited. It was truly 'love at first sight.' Despite the 'high lights' I was in, the rabbi actually told me not to leave the army, but I explained to him that nothing interested me anymore, and I was truly 'addicted' to Torah. He was happy with what I said, and invited me to see the yeshiva in Jerusalem. The rabbi returned to Jerusalem by plane, and I chased after him by bus, full of longing, and after two days I was already standing at the 'Or HaChaim' yeshiva in Jerusalem and discovered paradise on earth. Shortly thereafter, I began the process of resignation from the border police, which went as smoothly as possible with divine intervention, and after about a month, I was a full-fledged yeshiva student."

Today, as a yeshiva scholar, how many hours do you train each day, and how much does an average person in this field train?

"I allow myself to train and coach for about an hour to an hour and a half a day, no more than that, and only during breaks between the yeshiva sessions. Thank Hashem, despite this, I also compete, and I won first place in the Israeli Grappling Championship (a combat competition). Other competitors in this field train about six hours a day, whether it’s martial arts training, gym workouts, and aerobic and anaerobic fitness training."

Just before we finish, do you think more Haredim should follow your path and engage in these fields?

"I am too small to instruct on matters requiring the opinion of the greats of Israel, and everyone should follow their rabbis. But one thing is clear to me, which is that there is nothing in the world like the holy Torah, as the holy 'Or HaChaim' says: 'For the Torah encompasses all the goods in the world.' May we all be capable and devoted entirely to Hashem, in Torah and commandments, 24 hours a day."