Thousands to Gather in Jerusalem for Religious Zionist Leaders' Celebration

Jerusalem's Binyanei Ha'uma will host the "Hakabalat Panai Rabo" (Welcoming the Face of the Rabbi) event during Chol HaMoed Sukkot, an annual gathering for Religious Zionist rabbis and the public. Hundreds of rabbis, heads of yeshivas, and judges, alongside thousands of participants from across Israel, are expected to attend the event, which aims to bridge the gap between religious study and the wider community through Torah, song, and celebration.

The event, organized by the "Rabbanei Derech Eretz" organization in cooperation with the Jerusalem Municipality and the Ministry of Settlement, will take place on Sunday, the first day of Chol HaMoed Sukkot (October 1st). It begins at 6:30 PM with a festive gathering featuring Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, Rabbi Dudi Davidkovich, and Rabbi Chananel Etrog, moderated by Rabbi Eyal Yaakovovitz. Registration in advance is required.

At 8:00 PM, the main ceremony honoring Torah will commence, accompanied by singer Naftali Kempa and the band "Ohlelach," led by Yididya Klein. Organizers emphasize that the convergence of hundreds of rabbis with thousands of attendees is the core of the event, fostering unity and the spirit of Religious Zionism.

Participants describe the event as a powerful expression of unity and spiritual elevation, with one attendee noting the profound impact of seeing thousands singing together in honor of Torah scholars. The "Hakabalat Panai Rabo" ceremony seeks to provide a contemporary Israeli expression of the ancient tradition, bringing Torah out of the study hall and into the public's Sukkot celebrations.