Welcome to Heichal Meir Yeshiva
Nonprofit Organization - Avnei Nezer Chochmah (Reg. No. 580231587)
In the name of Rabbi Meir Baal Hanes - led by Rabbi Zamir Cohen
The Yissachar–Zevulun Partnership
As taught by Chazal, Yissachar and Zevulun, two of the tribes of Israel, entered into a partnership: Yissachar devoted themselves to Torah study, while Zevulun engaged in commerce and provided financial support, enabling Yissachar to learn in peace. In this way, both shared equally in the reward of Torah.
In Devarim (33:18), Moshe blessed them: “Rejoice, Zevulun, in your going out, and Yissachar, in your tents.” Rashi explains: “Rejoice, Zevulun – in your portion, for you merit to increase Torah; in your going out – be successful in your business, for in the merit of Torah one’s commerce is blessed.”
Dear friends, the blessed activity of HaRav Zamir Cohen shlit”a is well known – working in every possible way to bring our brothers and sisters of Am Yisrael closer to the path of Torah and mitzvot. Through his lectures and books, great interest has been awakened, along with a sincere desire to taste life within a Torah framework.
Under the Rav’s guidance, a yeshivah functions for young men returning to Judaism, who have left behind the vanities of the world to live lives of Torah and mitzvot. The yeshivah provides them with full dormitory conditions – meals and lodging including Shabbatot and festivals – helps train them for future occupations (such as sofrim, kashrut supervisors, and more), and guides them until they are ready to establish faithful Jewish homes.
At present, however, the conditions of the yeshivah are limited, and the staff cannot meet the many requests from additional students who wish to join. The expenses are considerable, and the current facilities do not allow for expansion.
Therefore, we turn to you, dear Jews, who wish to fulfill the Yissachar–Zevulun partnership or to support Torah and its learners in any way. Contributions can be made here on the site.
With the blessing of “Rejoice in your going out.”
Donate now
Secure Donation through Wix (SSL & PCI DSS)
Dear Partners,
Join us in over 20 years of learningand extensive activity in bringing hearts closer,with great success in establishing hundreds of faithful homes in Israel.
With sincere blessings,
Please note: The organization does not have approval under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance,and therefore donations are not tax-deductible.
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You can also donate by bank transfer:
Bank Pagi (Poalei Agudat Israel) - 52
Branch 177
Account number 102938
In the name of the Avne Nezer Hochma Association - Heikhal Meir
To receive - send the amount and date of donation to WhatsApp or email.
Please note: The association does not have approval under Section 46 of the Income Tax Ordinance,
Therefore, it is not possible to receive a tax refund on the donation.
The Issachar-Zebulun Partnership
“The Lord by wisdom founded the earth” (Proverbs 3:19) – all of creation rests upon profound divine wisdom, and so too the order of nations and the land.
Within the people of Israel are roots from all seventy nations, and in the Land of Israel exist all types of climate and soil: in the north – snow on Mount Hermon, in the south – a dry desert only 400 kilometers away. This is a reflection of divine wisdom, which balances and unites diversity for the sake of unity – just as among the nation, so too upon the land.
Regarding the tribe of Levi it is written:
“Your judgments shall be taught to Jacob, and your Torah to Israel” (Devarim 33:10) – the Levites, priests, and the tribe of Issachar labor in Torah, teaching Israel, carrying forth spiritual purpose.
Hashem, who created the souls and examines their roots, chose not to give the tribe of Levi an inheritance like the other tribes. Why? So that Israel would merit to fulfill their purpose: to support Torah scholars and become partners with them.
From the outset, the Torah was given to Israel with this understanding: they would sustain the laborers of Torah – the Levites and priests – through the twenty-four priestly gifts and the first tithe (Numbers 18).
As the Rambam writes (Hilchot Shemittah ve-Yovel 13:13-14):
“Not only the tribe of Levi, but every person whose heart moves him… it becomes holy of holies.”
Hashem created a spiritual partnership: there are those who labor in Torah, and there are those who support them. Both are rewarded. The giver merits livelihood, protection, and eternal reward, while the learner illuminates Israel with Torah.
King Solomon said:
“Wisdom is a shelter, as money is a shelter” (Kohelet 7:12) – if you give from your wealth, give it under the shadow of wisdom, to someone who dedicates his life to Torah, and both will be rewarded.
As it is also written in Divrei Hayamim (2:31:4):
“And he commanded the people of Jerusalem to provide portions for the priests and Levites so that they might be strengthened in the Torah of Hashem.”
From this, the Sages derived (Midrash Tehillim):
“Whoever sustains the Torah has his portion.”
That is, the supporter is entitled to blessing and abundance (the priestly gifts), as a full participant in the fulfillment of Torah in the world.
The Torah itself preceded with the blessing of Zebulun – the supporter – and Issachar – the one who labors in Torah, as it says:
“Rejoice, Zebulun, in your going out, and Issachar, in your tents” (Devarim 33:18).
The Sages taught that they made a covenant: Issachar remains in his tent and engages in Torah, while Zebulun goes out to trade and supports him, and both share the reward equally – Zebulun becomes a full partner in Issachar’s Torah study.
Moreover, the supporter merits to know Torah for the World to Come, as if he engaged in it himself.
As it is said:
“It is a tree of life to those who hold fast to it, and all who support it are happy; length of days is in its right hand, in its left hand wealth and honor” (Proverbs 3:16-18).
Thus, even the supporter of Torah, not only the learner, merits life, protection, wealth, and honor.
Regarding the learners, the Sages said:
“Torah guards and saves” (Sotah 21a) – it protects from sin and rescues from suffering.
The supporter is also a partner in this spiritual influence, receiving special divine protection, as the Sages teach in many places: partnership in Torah creates broad and extraordinary safeguarding.
Yet it is important to remember:
Even one who supports Torah should set fixed, firm, and genuine times to engage in Torah himself, even briefly each day, for there is nothing that illuminates the soul and sanctifies life like Torah.
May Ma’aser Kesafim be used for the Issachar-Zebulun partnership?
Yes, absolutely. Any support of Torah is considered a full partnership in the spirit of Issachar-Zebulun, whether supporting an individual scholar, a yeshiva student, or a Torah institution. The giver is a full partner in the learner’s Torah, whether supporting a private student or donating to a yeshiva or Torah institution. Of course, it should be verified that the student truly studies and the institution is genuinely in need.
Does one need a formal written contract for the Issachar-Zebulun partnership?
Some write an actual contract.
Yet, according to halacha, the very act of giving directly to support a Torah learner establishes partnership even without a written agreement.
The supported student is obligated to pray and plead on behalf of the donor for his success, health, and well-being.
Rabbi David Aka shlit”a
(Former student)
