A Moment Can Change a Life

In the aftermath of Israel’s contentious elections, Rav Don Segal delivered a powerful message to yeshiva bochurim in Yerushalayim, telling them that a person can transform his entire life in a single moment and revealing what he hopes to answer when questioned in the Heavenly Court about the guidance he offered young talmidim.

The renowned mashgiach delivered his remarks during a special visit to Yeshivas Binas HaTorah in the Ramot neighborhood of Yerushalayim, where bochurim had undertaken a renewed commitment to intensive Torah learning following the distractions and tensions of the election period.

The yeshiva, headed by Rav Yisroel Ezra, with Rav Yoson Eber serving as mashgiach, had recently witnessed a significant awakening among its talmidim, who resolved to return to their learning with greater dedication and distance themselves from the commotion surrounding the political developments.

Rav Segal, who had traveled to the neighborhood to participate as sandek at a bris, learned of the bochurim’s special commitment and decided to make a personal visit to the yeshiva to encourage them.

During his address, the mashgiach spoke about the extraordinary spiritual potential of a ben Torah and the importance of guarding one’s eyes and thoughts, particularly during periods when political events and public controversies can easily distract a person from his learning and personal growth.

He praised the bochurim for their determination to put the tumultuous election period behind them and immerse themselves once again in Torah, emphasizing the tremendous value of their decision to strengthen their commitment to learning.

One of the most memorable moments of the visit came when Rav Segal spoke about the message he would want to be remembered for and what he would say if asked in the Heavenly Court to summarize the guidance he had given yeshiva bochurim.

“When I ascend to the Heavenly Court and they ask me what I told the bochurim ‘while standing on one foot,’ I will answer them: I told the bochurim that it is possible to change while standing on one foot! I have known quite a few bochurim who changed their entire lives in a single moment, simply because of one good word,” Rav Segal declared, in remarks translated from Hebrew.

The mashgiach’s message emphasized that genuine personal transformation does not necessarily require a lengthy process before meaningful change can begin. A single encouraging word, a moment of inspiration or a sincere decision to improve can sometimes become the turning point in a person’s life.

His remarks carried particular significance for the talmidim, who had already demonstrated their desire to make a fresh beginning following the election period. Rav Segal encouraged them to build upon that commitment and recognize the tremendous opportunities available to someone who approaches his learning with renewed determination.

The visit was especially meaningful because it had not been part of a previously arranged program. Rav Segal had come to Ramot for the bris and chose to enter the yeshiva after hearing about the bochurim’s efforts to strengthen their Torah learning.

At the conclusion of the gathering, the roshei yeshiva expressed their deep appreciation to Rav Segal for taking the time to visit and deliver words of chizuk.

They said the visit had made a profound impression on the bochurim and expressed hope that the mashgiach’s message about the possibility of immediate and lasting change would continue to inspire them in their learning and avodas Hashem.