Top Rabbis Condemn Violence, Urge Prayer for IDF Ahead of Yom Kippur

Thousands of Jerusalem residents gathered to hear a "Shabbat Shuva" sermon from Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a prominent halachic authority. During his address, Rabbi Sternbuch strongly condemned attempts to harm the "Kerem Beit Yisrael" area and highlighted the plight of 80 yeshiva students who spent the High Holidays in military prison. He also issued a stern warning against "paths of temptation" and urged complete separation from "wicked people" and strict observance of the Sabbath.

In anticipation of Sukkot, leading rabbis were seen meticulously inspecting Moroccan etrogs from the "Badoosh Etrog Morocco" brand. Photographer Shuki Lerer documented the process, showing rabbis examining the etrogs for completeness of the stem, pitam, and overall shape, adhering to a long-standing tradition of cherishing the mitzvah before the High Holy Days.

As Yom Kippur approaches, the Chief Rabbis of Israel, Rabbi David Yosef and Rabbi Kalman Bar, issued a joint letter. They set the price for the "Kaparot" ritual at approximately 30 shekels and made an unusual and powerful call to include special prayers for the safety and salvation of IDF soldiers and security forces on the front lines.

Separately, the organization "Atid" filed a petition with the Central Elections Committee demanding the disqualification of Amos Dror, who is sixth on the Shas party's Knesset list. The petition alleges that Dror continued to serve as the supervisor of the Haifa Religious Council without observing the required legal cooling-off period.