Ofer Miyodovnik

Rabbi Ofer Miyodovnik (born in 5718/1958) serves as a mashpia in the Chabad Chassidic Yeshiva Lubavitch Tzfat, rabbi at Beit Chana Seminary in Tzfat, and chairman of the Chassidim Union for Greeting Moshiach.

Life History

In conversation with a student Rabbi Ofer was born to his parents Shimon and Chaya Miyodovnik on 9 Tammuz 5718 in a family that didn't strictly observe mitzvot, as a nephew of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

As a young man, he frequently visited the home of the mashpia Rabbi Moshe Weber. He became close to Chabad Chassidut and began studying at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad.

In the month of Tishrei 5739, he stayed in the holy courts [of the Rebbe] and at the end of the month, on 30 Tishrei, he entered for yechidus [private audience]. During this meeting, the Rebbe told him to go to the secretariat and receive a Tanya for himself and a siddur for his father, mother, and his uncle Arik Sharon. The Rebbe also told him to convey regards to Arik Sharon. During the yechidus, the Rebbe asked him how he was managing with his studies and with his chavrusa, and asked if he was going on mivtzoyim. The Rebbe also inquired about how he was getting along with his parents and uncle, asked if he had written a letter about his impressions from the month of Tishrei, and blessed him to have much success, to get along with his parents, and to succeed in his learning.

During his bochur years, he was influenced by his future father-in-law, with whom he stayed often during his yeshiva days, R' Shlomo Maidanchik, then chairman of the Kfar Chabad committee, and also by the mashpia of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad where he studied - R' Mendel Futerfas. He was also like a member of the household of Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Leib Landau (who was his Ram in the third-year class at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Kfar Chabad) also due to his close friendship with the Rav's son, Chaim Yitzchak Isaac Landau. During his bochur years, his future father-in-law, Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik, received guidance letters from the Rebbe about him.

Afterward, he studied at Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Migdal HaEmek, and after completing his year of shlichus, at the end of 5740, he went to study at the central Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim at 770, in the Rebbe's court, where he studied for about half a year. Then he returned to Israel. The Rebbe himself was involved in getting him released from army service so he could study in yeshiva.

He married Mrs. Chaya Devorah, daughter of Rabbi Shlomo Maidanchik, and established his residence in Tzfat.

Educational Activities

With the establishment of Yeshivas Tomchei Tmimim Tzfat in 5749 by Rabbi Aryeh Leib Kaplan, he was asked to head the yeshiva with his friend Rabbi Isaac Landau serving as mashpia. However, in practice, the roles were switched and rumor has it [citation needed]

After the closure of the small yeshiva, he was asked to move to the large yeshiva in the city, and he began serving as a mashpia (spiritual mentor) for first-year students. For a period, he also served as a Ram (Torah teacher) for third-year students.

His unique educational approach, focusing on giving warm attention to students, made his name well-known throughout the country. Many of his students continue to maintain close relationships with him even after leaving the yeshiva and consult with him. Many Chabad chassidim flock to participate in his farbrengens (chassidic gatherings), which are known for their unique style, particularly the niggunim (melodies) sung with great chassidic emotion.

Even after Gimmel Tammuz, he continued promoting pure faith in the eternal life of the Rebbe Melech HaMoshiach shlita and the fulfillment of the prophecy of redemption. He also participated in Geulah and Moshiach conventions held in 5755 (1995) by Rabbi Zimroni Tzik.

In addition to his role as a mashpia in the yeshiva, Rabbi Miudovnik gives chassidus classes to female students at Beit Chana Seminary in Tzfat.

After the passing of Rabbi Zushe Posner, he replaced him in writing a weekly farbrengen column called "Farbrengen Al HaDerech" (Farbrengen on the Way) in the Derech HaMelech newspaper.

Family

• His uncle, Arik Sharon - former Prime Minister of Israel.
• His brother, Professor Rabbi Chanoch Miudovnik - Director of the Mental Health Department at the hospital in Beer Sheva.

His sons

• Rabbi Menachem Mendel Miudovnik - Rosh Pina
• Rabbi Yekutiel Yehuda Miudovnik - lives in Tzfat and serves as a shliach (emissary) to Migdal Tefen. Ram and mashpia at the Torah Technological Institute of Chanoch L'Naar Yeshiva, Tzfat.
• Rabbi Shneur Zalman Miudovnik - Kfar Chabad.
• Rabbi Levi Yitzchak Miudovnik - Kiryat Gat.

His sons-in-law

• Rabbi Shneur Shachar - Tzfat. Mashpia at Chanoch L'Naar Yeshiva, and director of the Communities Headquarters in the Chassidim Union.
• Rabbi Eliyahu Dinari - Kfar Chabad.

External Links

• Shlomo Kook, The Chabad Nephews of Arik, BeKehila Newspaper
• Menachem Mendel Arad, Five Minutes of Attention, Interview-farbrengen with Rabbi Miudovnik in "Derech HaMelech" magazine
• Menachem Ziegelboim, "27 Adar" Intentionally: We Have a Mission!, Rabbi Ofer Miudovnik
• Description of a special occurrence during Rabbi Miudovnik's "vort" (engagement celebration) (p. 6)
• The mashpia from Tzfat farbrenged with the Kvutza students
• How can one internalize Chassidus? Through prayer • Rabbi Ofer Miudovnik, on the 'Lachluchiut Geulati' website

Further Reading

The book 'Meidanchik the Engine of Chabad' pp. 248-254.