Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch Hosts Rare 'First Shearing' Ceremony with Emotional Priestly Blessing

On Thursday, Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a leading halachic authority known as the Posek HaDor, hosted a rare and spiritually uplifting ceremony of the mitzvah 'Rishit HaGez' (first shearing of sheep) at his residence. The event was marked by great excitement and meticulous observance, reflecting Rabbi Sternbuch's deep commitment to every detail of Jewish law. Weeks prior, he had sent a special emissary to procure distinguished, purebred sheep specifically suited for this mitzvah.

The ceremony was attended by prominent rabbis and scholars from the "Teshuvot VeHanhagot" kollelim network, led by Rabbi Sternbuch himself. Only select members from the Jerusalem Geula branch were invited, honoring their recent completion of a year and a half of intensive Torah study. Before performing the mitzvah, Rabbi Sternbuch delivered a detailed Torah lecture on the complex laws of sukkah partitions, a topic currently studied in the kollelim.

During the ceremony, Rabbi Sternbuch handed the freshly sheared wool to the Pinsk-Karlin Rebbe, who received it joyfully, lifted it high, and danced with fervor. The emotional peak came when the Rebbe danced hand-in-hand with Rabbi Sternbuch and his son, Rabbi Chaim Ozer Sternbuch, head of the kollelim. The Rebbe then recited the full Priestly Blessing over Rabbi Sternbuch, wishing him long life, good health, and continued leadership of the Jewish people. Rabbi Sternbuch responded with blessings for the Rebbe's success and for his descendants to engage in Torah and mitzvot.

The event was captured in a photo gallery by Shmuel Drei, highlighting the profound spiritual atmosphere and communal joy surrounding this rare fulfillment of a biblical commandment.