Prominent Rabbi to Perform Ritual for Donors for First Time in History

For the first time in history, donors to the "Kupat Ha'Ir" charity will have their names included in a special ritual performed by Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a leading rabbinic authority. The event will take place at Rabbi Sternbuch's home on Hoshana Rabbah, the final day of the Sukkot holiday, during the ritualistic beating of willow branches. This custom, rooted in ancient tradition, is believed to finalize divine judgments made on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur.

According to Jewish tradition, Hoshana Rabbah is a day when decrees are sealed, and prayers are still considered open. The beating of willow branches is a practice dating back to the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, and Kabbalistic texts explain that this action can mitigate harsh judgments. When performed by a righteous leader like Rabbi Sternbuch during this critical time, it is considered a moment of heightened spiritual significance.

The initiative, titled 'May the Sealing Be Good Unto Us, Assured for Life,' aims to connect donors with this auspicious occasion. Participants who donate 213 shekels will have their names brought to the ritual. Those wishing for ongoing merit throughout the year can commit to a monthly donation of 213 shekels for 13 months, covering the leap year of 5787. Rabbi Sternbuch will then sign a document for them titled 'Assured for Life' after the holiday.

The funds raised will support families aided by Kupat Ha'Ir, including widows, orphans, and families facing hardship. The charity emphasizes that names must be submitted by the eve of Hoshana Rabbah to be included in the ceremony. The event draws a parallel to the blessings given by Moses, the "man of God," at the end of the Torah, linking the current rabbinic leader to this significant biblical figure.