The Chavruta of the Meron Victim: "A Unique, Inspiring Memorial in His Honor"

Many memorial projects have been established in memory of the Meron victims, some more general and others more personal, yet one of the most beautiful and moving tributes is that created to elevate the soul of Jonathan Chevrioni, who passed away in the tragedy, leaving behind a wife and three young daughters.

The person behind this initiative is Ohad Hazler, Chevrioni's chavruta, who shares: "Jonathan was my chavruta for almost four years, and we were very close. A unique aspect of our chavruta was that we dedicated a lot of time to reviewing the tractates and Talmuds. Unlike others who prefer to learn new material and less often review, we felt that it helped us build our understanding and mastery of Torah step by step. At the end of each period, we participated in the 'V'Shinantem' project, which is aimed at reviewing Talmudic pages, where we would be tested on the tractate we completed as well as previous ones. This is how we eventually reached a level of reviewing 300 pages of Talmud."

Ohad Hazler

Study as Planting

Ohad notes that even during Jonathan's lifetime, they discussed the lack of a project like 'V'Shinantem' in the national-religious community. "While those who wanted to review material could always join the Haredi project, in practice, only about 5% to 7% from the national-religious sector participated, and we felt this was a huge miss," he recounts. "After Jonathan's death and the nationwide shock, I wanted to create a truly meaningful initiative for his soul, so with my friend Yinon Glazer, we conceptualized a review platform for the national-religious community. Beyond establishing such a project, we felt there was immense value in discussing the issue, and in forming thought patterns and instilling understanding of the importance of mastering Torah."

How is this done in practice?

"From the outset, we understood that this project would require a space for activity, considerable resources, and budgets. We put in efforts and managed to secure all these, along with the support and statements of many rabbis on the matter's importance. Our first exams took place almost a year after the tragedy, where about 100 participants were tested on over 5000 pages of Talmud, with each participant averaging ten pages. Six months later, 140 participants attended, but we felt it was not enough; we wanted to see greater growth."

(Photo: Yair Karl)

Rabbi Yaakov Shapira, Head of Merkaz Harav Yeshiva (Photo: Yair Karl)

"Then, in the last round of examinations, we decided to adopt the crowd-funding model—just as you appoint an 'ambassador' responsible for fundraising, we chose one ambassador from each yeshiva familiar with this study method, acting as a representative for us within the institution. This required significant work to reach every type of yeshiva—high schools, younger ones, Yeshivot Hesder, and higher yeshivot, but ultimately we cracked the code and reached over 600 examinees and nearly 20,000 pages of Talmud."

Ohad sounds emotional when he mentions, "We have reached a stage where there is not a single yeshiva that does not engage in discussions about study and reviews, with yeshiva heads fully committed to the process. What's most special is seeing the students truly connect with the topic and study through repeated revisions with joy and satisfaction. They do receive scholarships for passing exams with certain grades, but we all understand the core issue is far more significant, showing desire to belong to this group committed to elevating Torah study."

Chai Olam Convention (Photo: Yair Karl)

The Most Fitting Tribute

Ohad shares that although he has a demanding job, he insists on dedicating time daily for study and review. "My aspiration is that not only yeshiva and kollel students will connect to this idea, but also many working individuals, and we are certainly reaching out to them as well," he emphasizes, "next time we aim for 1000 participants. We believe that with Hashem's help, we'll succeed."

Chai Olam Convention (Photo: Yair Karl)

When and where will the next exams be conducted?

"We plan to continue holding these tests biannually thanks to Moshe Naaman, Director of the Community Beit Midrash in Givat Shmuel, who provided us the venue, as well as to the Mayor of Givat Shmuel, the city manager, and the chairman of the religious council who consistently support our success. We named the project 'Chai Olam,' reflecting both on 'Chai Olam You Have Planted Within Us,' signifying Torah's planting and internalization in terms of mastery, and because 'Chai' are the initials of Jonathan's name—'Chevrioni Jonathan Yosef', entirely dedicated, of course, in his memory."

On a personal note, Ohad mentions that he named his young son 'Netta Jonathan', with 'Netta' symbolizing the planting of Torah, and 'Jonathan' after his beloved chavruta. "We maintain constant contact with Jonathan's family, and we're moved along with them by the momentum our project has gained. As someone who was his chavruta and remembers his many reviews of studied material, it's clear to me that we've created the most fitting and worthy memorial for his sake. May his memory be blessed."