Thousands Attend Major Sukkot Celebration in Petah Tikva

Tens of thousands of people from all walks of life gathered for the 'Great Simchat Beit Hashoeva in Israel' event hosted by the Mishkoltz Hasidic dynasty in Petah Tikva. The massive celebration took place at the city's largest stadium, the Moshava Stadium, and was held under the auspices of the Petah Tikva Municipality.

Key figures in attendance included Petah Tikva Mayor Rami Greenberg, senior police officials, rabbis, and yeshiva deans. The spiritual leader of the event and the city, Rabbi Mordechai Hager, the Rebbe of Mishkoltz, delivered a significant address.

In his speech, the Rebbe addressed the issue of yeshiva students' exemption from military service, stating that those who prevent them from studying Torah are the true 'deserters.' He emphasized that Torah study is what protects the Jewish people and that strengthening it would hasten the coming of the Messiah. He cited Talmudic and Midrashic sources to support his assertion that the world's existence depends on Torah study and that national troubles stem from neglecting it.

The event featured musical performances by prominent Israeli and international singers, accompanied by large orchestras. The police deployed hundreds of officers to ensure security, and the Mishkoltz Kashrut agency provided supervision for modesty and holiness standards. Many attendees sought blessings from the Rebbe after his address.

Mayor Greenberg praised the Mishkoltz Rebbe as a 'light' for the city and expressed pride in the Hasidic dynasty's presence in Petah Tikva, reaffirming the municipality's support for the annual event.