An unique spiritual undertaking is unfolding this week at Yeshivas Ateres Yisroel in Modi’in Illit, where hundreds of bochurim have accepted upon themselves an extraordinary commitment in preparation for Zman Matan Toraseinu.

The initiative, launched under the leadership of Rav Yoel Shapira, began with the Shloshes Yemei Hagbollah leading into Shavuos.

As part of the program, large numbers of bochurim formally committed themselves to a  taanis dibbur, refraining from mundane speech every day from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. — thirteen consecutive hours of absolute silence combined with uninterrupted Torah learning.

The bochurim undertook not to utter a single word unrelated to Torah learning during the entire period.

According to the new yeshiva schedule established by Rav Shapira and the hanhalah, the regular afternoon rest period has been completely eliminated during these days. Bochurim leave the bais medrash only for tefillah and quick meals before immediately returning to their Gemoros.

Yeshiva officials described the initiative as an enormous physical and mental undertaking designed to elevate speech and thought in preparation for Kabolas HaTorah on Shavuos.

The hanhalah noted with satisfaction that more than 60 percent of the yeshiva’s bochurim have already officially joined the historic commitment.

Particularly striking is the fact that the initiative is also being promoted within the yeshiva as a powerful and time-tested segulah for older bochurim seeking their shidduchim.

According to the belief expressed by the roshei yeshiva, the intense continuity in learning together with the prolonged silence inside the yeshiva’s bais medrash has the power to “open the gates of Heaven” and bring long-awaited yeshuos in shidduchim even before Yom Tov.

{Matzav.com}