R’ David Dudkevitch

Rabbi David Dudkevitch isn’t your average neighborhood rav. Based in Yitzhar, a community known for its religious fervor and clarity of purpose, he’s been leading both spiritually and educationally for years. As the head of Yeshivat “Od Yosef Chai,” his days revolve around learning, teaching, and challenging his talmidim to think deeply and live with integrity.

But what makes Rabbi Dudkevitch stand out isn’t just his shiurim. It’s his quiet but firm devotion to mitzvos that often get passed over—literally. One of those is techeiles. Not just in theory or as a historical curiosity—he wears it. And not just any strings, either. According to R’ Chaim Tzvi Binstock, “He wears Tosfos strings, with chinuch tie, on all begadim.” That’s a level of consistency that speaks volumes.

He doesn’t just teach Torah; he lives it. Sometimes that means taking uncomfortable stances. Rabbi Dudkevitch has been vocal at times when halachic principles seemed to be at odds with political policy. Whether it was encouraging public tefillah gatherings or advising soldiers on halachic dilemmas, he’s never been afraid to stand up and say: Torah comes first.

Some people might see that as controversial. His students? They see it as leadership. Real leadership. The kind that doesn’t sway with the wind.

And while the headlines may focus on the louder parts of his activism, day to day, it’s the steady example he sets in Yitzhar that shapes the next generation—anchored in Torah, loyal to truth, and wearing techeiles without apology.