Rabbis Deliver Sermons, Community Observes Pre-Yom Kippur Rituals

As the High Holy Days approach, prominent Sephardic Posek (Halachic decisor) Rabbi Binyamin Houta delivered a sermon on repentance to hundreds of Chashmonaim Brigade soldiers at the Great Synagogue in Ramat Gan. He stressed the importance of daily Torah study, warning against neglecting it.

In Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood, children participated in the 'Kaparot' ritual, swinging chickens over their heads as a form of atonement before Yom Kippur. This ancient custom, performed during the Ten Days of Repentance, involves white chickens, symbolizing the transfer of sins. Separately, in Jerusalem, kosher slaughterers from the Badatz of the Edah HaChareidis presented their knives to Posek Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch for approval before commencing their work during this period.

Further reinforcing the spiritual atmosphere, a large Selichot (penitential prayers) service was held at the Western Wall, attended by approximately 100,000 people, including former hostages and families of fallen soldiers. The event was broadcast live to Hostages Square.

In other news, a historic agreement was signed between 'Atra Kadisha' and a European organization to protect Jewish graves across Europe, providing Halachic guidance and diplomatic engagement. Meanwhile, in Bnei Brak, Rabbi Moshe Hillel Hirsch, a leading figure in the Lithuanian Haredi community, was seen walking alone, engaged in a deep discussion about spiritual matters with a young student, a moment captured by photographer Yaakov Nahumi.

Additionally, a moving ceremony took place at the Southern District's SAR unit, where two Torah scrolls were dedicated in memory of five soldiers who fell in service, including during the October 7th attacks. The ceremony was attended by the Inspector General of the Police.