Thousands of Etkanshu Members to Gather in Miron for Historic Prayer Rally Against Torah Persecutions

Amid escalating threats to the Torah world and increasing pressures on the ultra-Orthodox community, leading rabbis and spiritual leaders have issued a rare and powerful call to thousands of Etkanshu members. The call, signed by prominent figures including Rabbi Moshe Sternbuch, the Belz Rebbe, the Vizhnitz Rebbe, and the Toldos Aharon Rebbe, urges Torah scholars to assemble tomorrow evening, on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Elul, at the holy site of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai's tomb in Meron. The gathering aims to invoke divine mercy to annul harsh decrees, particularly the looming draft orders targeting Torah students.

The letter emphasizes the unique spiritual role of Etkanshu members, who study the Zohar extensively, citing the Zohar's promise that such study can bring redemption from exile. After a challenging year for the Jewish people, the leaders stress the urgency of this moment as a "moment of truth" requiring a united wall of pure prayer at the site where Rabbi Shimon promised the Torah would never be forgotten.

Preparations for the event include unprecedented logistical arrangements, with thousands traveling on subsidized buses from across Israel. The program begins at 18:30 with a communal Mincha prayer, followed by heartfelt recitations of Psalms and Selichot led by the great rabbis. The event will also feature the completion of hundreds of Zohar volumes studied by the participants, accompanied by singing and dancing. The climax will be a grand bonfire lighting ceremony, a traditional highlight symbolizing spiritual awakening and communal unity.

Additional provisions include refreshments before and during the journey, a special "Kvitel" (prayer note) collection to be placed at the tomb during the upcoming High Holy Days, and a live broadcast for those unable to attend. The Etkanshu organization reports final preparations are complete for this spiritually charged event, which they hope will bring about the cancellation of the decrees and eternal salvation for Torah learners in the Holy Land.