Rabbi Galai to Lead Special Prayer for Health on Hoshana Rabbah

A special prayer ceremony for healing will be held at the home of Rabbi Shimon Galai on Hoshana Rabbah, the final day of the Sukkot holiday, which is traditionally known as the day the Book of Judgment is sealed for the year. Rabbi Galai will pray for the recovery of the sick and the continued health of the well. During the ceremony, the names of donors to the "Kupat Ha'ir" charity will be mentioned to receive a special blessing.

Hoshana Rabbah is considered a final opportunity to influence divine judgment favorably. The timing of this prayer event is significant, coinciding with the day when fates for life and health for the coming year are sealed. Rabbi Galai has prepared a "Medical Scroll" to be read, which will include the names of all donors, stating that they will be remembered in prayers for a good and healthy year.

The event takes place against a backdrop of financial hardship for many families, exacerbated by holiday expenses such as sukkahs, holiday meals, and new clothes for children, adding to pre-existing debts. Kupat Ha'ir reports an increasing number of aid requests, highlighting the urgent need for assistance.

The charity emphasizes the biblical verse "Charity saves from death," linking charitable giving during this period to prayers for health and healing. Those who donate to families struggling to survive are believed to merit the merit of their mitzvah and Rabbi Galai's prayers at the time of judgment.