Israeli Rabbinical Council Launches Nationwide Prayer Campaign for Days of Repentance 5787
Ahead of the Days of Repentance in the Hebrew year 5787, Israel's leading rabbis are urging increased prayer and charity following recent challenging times for the Jewish people. This period, rooted in the biblical account of Moses pleading for Israel's forgiveness for forty days and nights, is traditionally regarded as a time when prayers are especially potent.
In this spirit, the Rabbinical Council has organized a special delegation of emissaries who will ascend daily to various holy sites across Israel during the entire forty-day span from Rosh Chodesh Elul until Yom Kippur. These emissaries will pray on behalf of donors at revered locations including the Western Wall, Rachel's Tomb, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai's tomb in Meron, the grave of the holy Shlah Hakadosh, the site of Rabbi Yonatan Ben Uziel in Amuka, Rabbi Yehuda Bar Ilai's tomb, and the Shunamitic House.
The prayer sessions follow a traditional sequence of spiritual practices passed down through generations. At the Western Wall, emissaries will complete the entire Book of Psalms twice daily, recite chapters known for protection from harm, and perform special prayers. At Rabbi Yehuda Bar Ilai's tomb, prayers for livelihood will be said, while at the Shlah Hakadosh's site, prayers for children and descendants will be offered. The Shunamitic House will host prayers for enduring progeny. Additional readings include Song of Songs, the Ha'azinu portion, and study from the "Tomer Devorah" text, all considered auspicious for health and salvation.
The Council emphasizes the Talmudic principle that "a person's emissary is like the person himself," meaning these prayers are as if the donors themselves are present. Combined with the Council's charity efforts supporting thousands of needy families, this initiative aims to overturn harsh decrees and secure a blessed year marked by health, livelihood, suitable marriages, domestic harmony, and joy from children.
Donors are invited to submit names for inclusion in the prayers through the Council's dedicated channels.
