Thousands of Sanz Hasidim Gather for Selichot Prayers in Netanya

Thousands of Sanz Hasidim gathered in the Great Synagogue of Kiryat Sanz in Netanya early Sunday morning to recite the first Selichot prayers, marking the beginning of the penitential period leading up to the High Holidays. The event, a long-standing tradition, saw the community convene before dawn to begin the prayers.

To accommodate the large number of attendees, a special large tent was erected and prepared in the days prior. This tent featured ample hot water dispensers and high-capacity cold drinking water stations, designed to provide comfort and refreshment to the thousands of worshippers during short breaks between prayer services.

The spiritual highlight of the gathering was an inspiring sermon delivered by the Sanz Rebbe. Following the custom of his predecessors, the Rebbe spoke about the immense spiritual significance of the days of mercy and forgiveness, emphasizing the importance of complete repentance and rectifying actions in anticipation of the upcoming Day of Judgment.

Following the Selichot service, a unique spiritual commitment ceremony took place. Thousands of married men (avreichim) and young students signed a special pledge for the new year. In this pledge, they committed to completely abstaining from using any non-essential technological devices, including a full renunciation of email, in order to preserve the sanctity of their homes and community in accordance with ancestral traditions.