Garin Torani

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Garin Torani (Hebrew: גרעין תורני)(lit. Torah Nucleus) refers to a group of religious Zionist individuals and families who settle in communities with low religious population. They aim to strengthen the community's connection to religious Judaism, promote integration (of religious and non-religious Jews) and bring about social change. They are usually centred around a Yeshiva and many establish educational and cultural institutes.

History[]

The Garin Torani model was established to aid development towns in Israel. The first group settled in Kiryat Shmona in 1968. Later, groups were sent to Ma'alot-Tarshiha, Eilat, Yerucham and Tzfat. While differing models exist, the main mission is to effect social change in a neglected community through role models, enthusiasm and Jewish values. The goal is to increase stability and social integration, as well as productivity and connection to Torah.

Shaalei Torah initiated a program in 2007 to develop the role of a communal rabbi in the garin communities. Some garinim are focused around a central yeshiva or kollel.

Often, they establish religious Zionist schools and youth groups in the community. They reach out to families in need and children at risk through the establishment of a Bayit Cham, or Warm Home which offers after-school and summer programs for children at risk. Some groups distribute food packages before the holidays, delivered personally by neighbors or garin members, reaching out both financially and socially. In addition to social development and integration, they try to infuse an understanding of Torah and Jewish values and create a positive religious experience through Torah classes, holiday events and educational programs.

Organizations[]

Shaalei Torah was the first organization to realize the need for a unified body to connect garinim. The organization began as a small garin in Beit Shemesh in the 1980s. After establishing the Beit Shemesh Garin and effecting significant social improvements, it expanded its scope to provide support for the establishment of new Garinim. It provides a venue in which established garinim can share their experience with newer ones. Shaalei Torah has helped to establish a network of Garinim and offers guidance and funding. I

Criticism[]

The movement have been linked to a series of racist attacks against Arab residents of Israel. Poorer communities often see them as settlers or an external force invading their communities. Some cases of extreme violence and intimidation have been initiated by them.^[1] The role of Garninim Toraniim was also criticized during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, especially in Lod where they've been involved in settling inside the city's exclusively Arab-Israeli communities, for the explicit purpose of "Strengthening the city's Jewish-Israeli identity.^[2]

References[]

External links[]

All links are in Hebrew unless otherwise noted.

• Keren Kehillot (the largest organization sponsoring Garinim Torani'im in Israel).
• Sha'alei Torah (another major organization that sponsors many Garinim Torani'im in Israel).
• "Suggested Bylaws for the Garinim Torani'im" at the website of Ne'emanei Torah va-Avodah (English version). Journalistic coverage of these suggested bylaws include the newspaper Makor Rishon, 19.12.10, Tokhnit ha-Garin by Elyashiv Reichner (text of that article can be found at end of the bylaws) and a fuller article with comments by the author appeared at the "Kipa" news portal (23.12.10).