Ancient Ritual in Meron Promises Divine Intervention on Hoshana Rabbah

Hoshana Rabbah, the final day of Sukkot, is traditionally considered the "Day of Sealing" when divine judgments made on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are finalized. In anticipation of this crucial day, a unique spiritual remedy is being promoted, centered around the holy site of Meron in northern Israel.

According to the book "Megid Meisharim," Rabbi Yosef Karo, known as the "Beit Yosef," received a divine revelation from an angel. This revelation explained the power of performing circumambulations around the tomb of Rabbi Elazar with the Four Species (etrog, lulav, hadassim, aravot) during Sukkot. The angel promised that this ritual, when performed seven times, could avert any calamity, bring abundance, and effect supernatural salvation, assuring that prayers would be answered.

A historical account cited is that of Rabbi Chaim Shaul Dweck, a renowned Kabbalist. When a cruel foreign governor imposed severe decrees against Jews, Rabbi Dweck and twenty disciples traveled to Meron. For five consecutive days, they performed the circumambulation ritual around Rabbi Elazar's tomb. Upon their return to Jerusalem, they learned that the governor had suddenly died during those same days, and the threat was removed.

This year, representatives from "Vaad Harabanim" (The Rabbis' Council) will ascend to Meron on Hoshana Rabbah to perform this ritual. They will circumambulate the tombs of holy figures with the Four Species and recite a special prayer for those who donate and support the organization's work with thousands of families, orphans, and widows. The article emphasizes the combined power of charity, the merit of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, and the Beit Yosef's promised ritual as a potent spiritual tool for the Day of Sealing.