Top Rabbis to Lead 'Curse Release' Ceremony for Donors

For the first time, a special "curse release" ceremony, traditionally held before Yom Kippur, will take place at the home of Rabbi Mordechai Sternbuch, considered the "Posek HaDor" (decisor of the generation). Rabbi Sternbuch agreed to the initiative by the "Kupa Shel Yedidim" charity to establish a special rabbinical court at his residence to annul curses for donors.

Joining Rabbi Sternbuch on the court will be Rabbi Moshe Tzedaka, head of the Porat Yosef Yeshiva, and Rabbi Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger, a member of the Council of Torah Sages. The three prominent rabbis, all named Moshe, will preside over the ceremony, assisted by seven other scholars. The event is scheduled for Thursday, a day considered auspicious for prayer and divine mercy.

Donors contributing 333 shekels to Kupa Shel Yedidim will have their names submitted for the annulment. They will also receive a "curse release document" signed by the three presiding rabbis, attesting that any curses or strictures against them have been nullified. The charity aims to provide blessings and success for the new year to all participants.

The tradition of "Hatarat Nedarim" (annulment of vows) is observed before Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. The "Hatarat Klalot" (annulment of curses), which includes excommunications and condemnations, was added centuries ago by Rabbi Chaim David Halevy, a revered Sephardic sage.