Leading Rabbi Declares Tenth of Av a Powerful Day for Charity to Aid Fertility and Healing

The 15th of Av, a day traditionally celebrated by Jewish sages as one of the most auspicious for Israel, is now recognized as a critical window for couples struggling with infertility and those seeking healing. Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, a prominent halachic authority, revealed that this day has the unique spiritual power to transform judgment into mercy, but emphasized that prayer alone is insufficient. He instructed that charity must accompany prayer to unlock this potential, stating, "It is fitting to give charity together with prayer, and this is the segula (spiritual remedy) for prayers to be accepted, enabling great achievements."

In line with this teaching, a special fund was established under Rabbi Sternbuch's guidance at Kuppat Ha'Ir, a Jerusalem-based charity. The collected donations support families of Torah scholars and yeshiva students living in poverty, who often lack basic necessities. Rabbi Sternbuch explained the reciprocal nature of this act: those who have long awaited children give sustenance to others' children, invoking divine compassion. He stressed, "God is good and benevolent; when He sees a Jew showing mercy to others, especially a sick person giving charity, He hastens to grant mercy and desires the welfare of Israel."

Donors are encouraged to contribute 689 shekels, corresponding to the gematria of "Refuah V'Yeshuah" (healing and salvation). Along with donations, contributors submit names of themselves and loved ones to be included in a special prayer held on the 15th of Av. Rabbi Sternbuch will sign a "Refuah V'Yeshuah" certificate for participants who commit to a standing monthly donation of 96 shekels for 36 months. The rabbi highlighted the urgency, noting that those who have waited years understand the difficulty of waiting even one more year. The opportunity to join this spiritual and charitable initiative is limited to the remaining hours of the day.

This initiative combines spiritual belief with practical charity to support struggling families and invoke divine mercy, marking a new chapter in the observance of the 15th of Av for fertility and healing.