Leading Rabbi Calls for Special Midnight Prayer Fund on Tisha B'Av for Salvation

Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a prominent halachic authority, has issued a rare and special call from his study emphasizing the unique spiritual power of the hours after midnight on Tisha B'Av. He described this time as especially auspicious for salvation, stating that "after midnight on Tisha B'Av, the light of the Messiah shines forth, making it a time capable of bringing salvation and comfort."

In light of this, Rabbi Sternbuch announced the establishment of a dedicated fund called the "Tisha B'Av After Midnight Fund" under the auspices of the Kuppat Ha'ir organization. Participation in the fund requires a contribution of 780 shekels, symbolizing the numerical value of "Tisha B'Av." The rabbi urged everyone to join, emphasizing that this initiative is not limited to individuals but is a communal call to action. He stressed the power of prayer, charity, and this special time to bring imminent spiritual and material salvation, assuring that "this will surely succeed, with God's help."

Rabbi Sternbuch also encouraged those worried about financial constraints not to hesitate, saying, "Everyone should try and not be concerned or saddened by what they lack, for they are not lacking but rather gaining." During the post-midnight hours of Tisha B'Av, a special event will be held where Rabbi Sternbuch will invoke divine mercy on all fund participants and their personal requests. The ceremony will conclude with the rabbi personally signing a written commitment to the salvation of the donors.

This initiative highlights the rabbi's dual view of Tisha B'Av as a day of mourning and a time of hopeful redemption, focusing on the spiritual potential of the night hours to transform despair into salvation.