Rakefet Yeshiva Holds Largest Sephardic Prayer Gathering

Over 1,400 students and alumni participated in Yom Kippur prayers at the Rakefet Yeshiva, led by its head, Rabbi Yitzhak Sofer. The yeshiva's administration claims this was the largest Sephardic yeshiva prayer gathering in the world.

The Kol Nidrei prayer was led by Rabbi Sofer, followed by prayers led by his brother, Rabbi Shalom Baruch Sofer, and other rabbis, including Rabbi Yaakov Ben Banishiti and Rabbi Reuven Ovadia. The evening service lasted until 10:30 PM.

Morning prayers began at sunrise, with the hall filled with students and alumni. Special moments of spiritual elevation were reported during the Musaf Amidah, particularly during the "Avodah" service, where congregants described a sense of spiritual depth despite the crowded conditions.

The afternoon Mincha prayer commenced after a brief break. Before sunset, Rabbi Sofer delivered a sermon on repentance and the opportunity for change. The Ne'ilah (closing) prayer was led by Rabbi Sofer, featuring a Priestly Blessing ceremony with over 150 Kohanim (descendants of the priestly line) from the yeshiva.

Following the final prayers and Havdalah, hundreds of students engaged in singing and dancing for an extended period. The yeshiva continued with a special study session that lasted into the night, in preparation for the upcoming Sukkot holiday.