Yeshivat Nir of Kiryat Arba-Hevron is a Hesder Yeshiva established 50 years ago as a pioneer in the rebuilt community of Hevron. The yeshiva was built on the bedrock foundations of combining Torah with Derech Eretz, fulfilling the commandments and connecting to all of the Jewish people, learning in depth and participating in the defense of the homeland. The nature of the yeshiva is expressed in its whole Jewish people redemptive perspective which is unique to this generation, an idea which draws from a long-term connection to the giants of the generation: Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak HaCohen Kook and his son, our teacher, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook zt”l.

Rav Waldman was one of the veteran students in Mercaz HaRav Yeshiva, and the main student and associate of our teacher, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook zt”l.

He was counted among the cadre who re-established the Jewish community in Hevron and one of the founders and heads of the “Gush Emunim” settlement movement, and later of the “Tehiya” movement. The Rav had the blessing of raising eight children, and many of his children and grandchildren live today in Judea and Samaria, a fact that brought him much pleasure: “to raise a fourth generation in Judea and Samaria is one of the wonders of the Creator,” he was fond of saying. Together with Rav Druckman, he was chosen to edit several editions of Rav Kook’s Orot HaTeshuva, a task which was greatly valued by their rabbi, Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook zt”l.

Rav Waldman served as Rosh Yeshiva and gave shiurim in many subjects, especially in the ideas of redemption of Rabbi Avraham Yitzhak HaCohen Kook zt”l.

Rav Waldman was a fatherly figure, a light and guide to the yeshiva’s students and all who entered its gates. His many students are a testimony that these teachings accompany them throughout their lives.