Thousands Attend Sukkot Gathering with Rabbi Amar in Jerusalem

Thousands of people gathered in Jerusalem's Beit Vagan neighborhood to participate in a "Hakhel" (gathering) event in the sukkah of Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, the former Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Israel. The event, held under the auspices of the "Shema Shlomo" institutions, saw a large turnout of rabbis, yeshiva deans, public figures, and residents of the capital.

Rabbi Amar delivered a central address, emphasizing the joy of Sukkot and its power to bring about salvation. He urged attendees to spiritually commit to increasing their Torah study for the sake of the Jewish people. The event also featured an address by Rabbi David Yosef, son of Rabbi Ovadia Yosef and a prominent rabbi himself, who praised Rabbi Amar's efforts in strengthening rabbinical and judicial authority in Israel.

Rabbi Yosef noted the challenges faced by the rabbinate and judiciary from the court system, stating, "The court is trying to restrict the steps of the rabbinate in general and the judicial system in particular, and we need to contend with all these things." He expressed hope for continued strengthening of the rabbinate's position under Rabbi Amar's leadership.

The gathering concluded with joyous dancing and singing, with participants receiving blessings and dates from Rabbi Amar as a symbol of good fortune for the coming year. The event underscored the community's engagement with its religious leadership during the Sukkot holiday.