Masses Flock to Jerusalem Sukkot Celebration at Rabbi Sternbuch's Giant Sukkah

Thousands of Jews are converging on Jerusalem during Sukkot to visit the massive sukkah erected near the home of Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a leading decisor of Jewish law, in the Har Nof neighborhood. The two-story sukkah, a donation from an American supporter, was built with special permission for the holiday and is overseen by acting Mayor Eliezer Rauchberger. The scene has evoked comparisons to ancient pilgrimage times, with visitors from across Israel and the world attending to fulfill the commandment of appearing before their rabbi during the festival.

Managed by security personnel and guided by numerous signs, the crowds move through the sukkah daily. The event features inspiring gatherings, ceremonies, and visits from Hasidic rebbes and rabbis. A highlight was the Simchat Beit HaShoeva celebration for hundreds of scholars from the 'Teshuvot v'Hanhagot' network of yeshivas, accompanied by the 'Kapela' choir, leading to fervent dancing.

During the celebration, Rabbi Sternbuch announced the opening of a tenth yeshiva within the 'Teshuvot v'Hanhagot' network, to be headed by his son-in-law, Rabbi Yissachar Schreiber. Another emotional event honored youths from 'Sich Sode', where Rabbi Sternbuch, moved to tears, addressed the participants with words of encouragement.

Numerous prominent figures visited, including Rabbi Shariel Rosenberg, Av Beis Din of Badatz Bnei Brak, and Rabbi Aharon Feldman, Rosh Yeshiva of Ner Israel in Baltimore, who offered blessings and encouragement. Rabbi Yaakov Eliezer Schwartzman, Rosh Yeshiva of Beis Medrash High School, also paid his respects. The sukkah also hosted a gathering of rabbis from the 'Toldot Aaron' Hasidic group, where Rabbi Sternbuch urged them to adhere to tradition.

Moments captured included Rabbi Sternbuch performing the lulav ritual with deep concentration, a brit milah for the son of Rabbi Eliyahu Russoff, and blessings given to a trio of Leviite infants who were wished the merit of singing in the rebuilt Temple. A Jerusalem youth's rendition of "May the Temple be rebuilt speedily in our days" deeply moved Rabbi Sternbuch, who joyfully accompanied the singing. Members of the Badatz of the Eidah HaChareidis, Rabbis Yehudah Fischer and Aharon Bernsdorfer, were seen dancing at the gathering.

Preparations are underway for the final night of Sukkot, with more crowds expected. A private dinner for benefactors is scheduled for Hoshana Rabbah, accompanied by musician Dovy Meisels. Students from Rabbi Sternbuch's yeshiva in Beit Shemesh are anticipating his visit during the final days of the holiday, with many residents expected to greet him and receive blessings in Beit Shemesh for Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah.