Jerusalem Rabbi Leads Hoshanah Rabbah Services

Jerusalem was filled with a holy and excited atmosphere during the night and day of Hoshanah Rabbah, as the First Rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Moshe Amar, led services in his sukkah near the 'Shema Shlomo' institutions in the Beit Vagan neighborhood. The event drew crowds of students and residents. Rabbi Amar spent the night studying Torah in the sukkah with his students. At midnight, his son, Rabbi Eliyahu Amar, head of the rabbinical court in Rehovot, delivered a deep Torah lesson to the large gathering. As morning approached, Rabbi Amar began the traditional Hoshanah Rabbah prayers at dawn, as he does annually. The prayers were conducted with devotion and fervor, with the First Rabbi inspiring the attendees while holding the Four Species, reciting 'Hallel,' and performing the Hoshanah service with tears and pleas to God. Following the prayers, Rabbi Amar led the public in fulfilling the commandment of striking the ערבה (aravah, willow branches) according to custom. Afterwards, Rabbi Amar and the congregants entered for the 'Nishmat Kol Chai' prayer, which was marked by great inspiration and songs of praise. At the conclusion of the service, participants approached for a blessing and a 'pitka tova' (good note) and a final good sealing from the First Rabbi.