Rosh Hashanah Services Held at 'Kiseh Rachamim' Yeshiva

The 'Kiseh Rachamim' yeshiva, led by Rabbi Tzemach Maoz, held its Rosh Hashanah services, emphasizing the importance of the High Holy Days and the Ten Days of Repentance for determining the entire year. Rabbi Maoz visited the grave of his late brother, Rabbi M. Maoz, at the Ponivez Cemetery in Bnei Brak, a customary act on Rosh Hashanah eve. He also distributed calendars and honey to the students, wishing them a sweet new year.

During his sermons, Rabbi Maoz highlighted the merit of Torah scholars, stating that even secular individuals recognize their importance. He recounted a visit from a senior government minister who, upon observing the students' diligent study, remarked, "Rabbi, in truth, we exist because of them!" The rabbi urged students to observe a fast of silence during Rosh Hashanah for its great merit.

On the second night of Rosh Hashanah, Rabbi Maoz led the evening prayers, followed by students purchasing the "opening of the Ark" for livelihood, which involved reciting ten thousand pages of Talmud. He then led the recitation of the Rosh Hashanah night service, as prescribed by Rabbi Yosef Chaim in his book 'Lashon Chachamim'. The holiday concluded with students offering New Year's blessings.

Rabbi Maoz also addressed the custom of not blowing the shofar on Rosh Hashanah, explaining it was a rabbinical decree to prevent potential errors. He noted that this year, the commandment was to obey the Sages' directive. He later officiated the Musaf prayer and discussed the significance of the binding of Isaac, attributing God's remembrance and kindness to this event.

Rabbi Uziel Maimon, son-in-law of the late Rabbi Rachamim Maoz, encouraged congregants to make resolutions, recommending five minutes of self-reflection each night as a beneficial practice. Rabbi Maoz served as the shofar blower on the second day, emphasizing the mitzvah. The holiday concluded with a closing service where Rabbi Maoz urged attendees to make good resolutions and strengthen their commitment. The yeshiva also plans to hold its annual rectification ceremony for 'Karet' (excision) at the end of the week.

During the High Holy Days, the "opening of the Ark" for livelihood, involving the recitation of Talmud pages, was sold for substantial sums. This year, a record total of 122,000 pages of Talmud were recited for this purpose. The yeshiva's leadership also included the grandsons and sons of the late Rabbi Rachamim Maoz, who passed away the previous year.