Minister Discovers the Yeshiva

By Henrique Plattek

This was no ordinary week for the Yeshiva Machane Israel High School. They received the visit of Yaakov Margi, Israel’s Minister of Religious Services.

Israel’s Minister of Religious Services, Yaakov Margi, visited the Machane Israel Yeshiva of Petropolis on September 6th, 2012.

Accompanying the minister there was Israel’s Ambassador for Brazil, Rafael Eldad, Consul Osias Wurman, and also present was Fernando Bisker (from the Wolfson Foundation of the USA).

What a surprise to discover, nestled on a hillside in the city of Petropolis, Brazil, a Yeshiva. Petropolis is a hill city, famous for its beautiful views and for its rich history. It was considered the Imperial City of Brazil, since it was home to Brazil’s Imperial Family through most of the 19th century.

Minister Margi emphasized in his address to the students the importance of maintaining the Jewish Identity outside of the state of Israel. Then, after the Mincha service, the entourage danced joyfully with the students. In its 47 years of existence this was the first time the Yeshiva was visited by such esteemed personages. After saying farewell, and the guests already seated in their vehicle, the spirited youngsters continued their dancing. The Minister was very touched, and exited the van to once more join the young men in dance.

Occupying an area of about 30 acres of the verdant forest in the semi tropical Mata Atlantica preserve is the Machane Israel Yeshiva. This school of Jewish learning serves young men ages 12 and up. The Yeshiva campus is composed of the Synagogue, mikvah, dining hall, multi use sports field, swimming pool, classrooms and dormitories for the students. There is also housing for the Rabbis. It is surrounded by gardens and trees.

The director of the yeshiva is Rabbi Adi Binjamini. The school serves Jewish communities throughout Brazil and abroad. They accept students regardless of ability to pay. Many graduates have gone on to be of great service to the various Jewish organizations here and in other countries.

In addition to the Jewish studies the boys also receive a secular education beyond the standards of education in Brazil. The rigorous school day is beyond what one would expect, lasting from early morning until almost 8 in the evening. The staff of rabbinic educators is complemented by the secular teachers. They all work very hard. Since the Jewish dietary laws are observed a great deal of effort goes into meal preparations and an appropriate level of staffing is required. Here, as throughout the world, the security of Jewish institutions has become a serious issue.

The entrance into the Yeshiva is gated and locked at all times and must be guarded all day and night. Inflation is another issue in Brazil, with costs of all goods and services rising very fast. The budget is often strained. A large percentage of the resources needed to meet the expenses come from local donations, but it is never enough. If you can help keep this vital institution afloat any donation large or small will be appreciated. Keeping Jewish education alive and well is vital to keeping our ancestry strong!