Dedicated to Torah values

In normal times, you can find the rabbi of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Rabbi Dovev Bindiger, in the hospital's corridors. Everyone knows him. He always has a smile on his face, is energetically handling a variety of issues related to Jewish religious law for patients, their families and hospital staff.

Rabbi Bindiger, 45 years old, father of 6 and resident of Neria in Mateh Binyamin, studied at Mercaz Harav for about 10 years, and after serving as a community rabbi in various places, he was appointed as rabbi of Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, a position he has held for eight years now.

“I have been out of the IDF for almost a decade,” said Rabbi Bindiger. “I was a combat soldier in the Armored Corps, and also did reserve duty. I never missed a day. Whenever required, until the day I was discharged, I reported for duty to serve my country. After October 7, I felt an ever-growing need to do my share for my country and for our soldiers. I view this as a true calling, to help the People of Israel at this difficult time. I spoke to my managers at the hospital and asked to take a leave from my position in order to serve in the reserves and, at the same time, I sent a request to the IDF. After receiving the approvals and, of course, also the okay from my wife, I was on my way,” he said with a smile.

Now Rabbi Bindiger is completing an officer training course at Bahad 11, and is slated to be appointed as an associate military rabbi. “The People of Israel are living through a challenging year. It is my duty and the duty of anyone who has the strength to help to join the effort,” he said.

“I am a religious man who practices the major and minor aspects of Judaism. It’s important to me to fill our soldiers in the field with spirit and mental resilience. I want to contribute and believe that it is possible to serve in the military and live according to Jewish law and the Torah. I did so in the past as a combat soldier and today will continue to do my share as a military rabbi, who is also a community rabbi.”