Thousands Gather in Meron for Spiritual Zohar Study and Prayer Event
On the eve of Rosh Chodesh Elul, thousands of Zohar scholars from the "Etkanshu" organization, affiliated with "Or HaRashbi," convened at the holy site of Meron in a significant spiritual gathering. The event, led by prominent Torah and Hasidic leaders, marked both the beginning of the Days of Awe and the joyous completion of the Zohar study cycle by tens of thousands of members throughout the year. Participants arrived from across Israel on dozens of buses, receiving special travel kits during a rest stop on Highway 6, reflecting meticulous logistical planning by Or HaRashbi.
The central ceremony took place near the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai (Rashbi). The organization's chairman, Rabbi Berel Fried, opened the event and invited Rabbi Yosef David Schechter, grandson of Rabbi Yaakov Meir Schechter, to deliver an inspiring speech. The Zutshka Rebbe recited the 'Petach Eliyahu' prayer with deep emotion. The communal prayer included Psalms led by Rabbi Nissim Ben Shimon, followed by the Pittsburg Rebbe chanting Psalm 130 with the crowd. Rabbi Yidel Deitsch spoke about the spiritual importance of Torah study and time.
Historically, the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe blessed the assembly and the collective prayer book containing the names of thousands of Zohar learners, presented by Rabbi Fried. The highlight was a fiery address by the esteemed kabbalist Rabbi Yitzchak Moshe Erlanger, who led the Selichot prayers with intense emotion, culminating in the recitation of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy accompanied by shofar blasts. The event concluded with a solemn acceptance of divine sovereignty led by the Nadvorna Rebbe of Safed.
Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Stern concluded the Zohar study cycle with the Kaddish prayer. The gathering ended with spirited dancing and singing led by the Malchut choir and singer Rabbi Avremi Mushkovitz, filling the crowd with joy and spiritual elevation. The event was attended by many leading rabbis, including the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe, the Seret Vizhnitz Rebbe, the Nadvorna Rebbe of Safed, Rabbi Nissim Ben Shimon, the Pittsburg Rebbe, the Zutshka Rebbe, the Matnya Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Brendsporfer, Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Stern, Rabbi Chaim Weiss of Beitar, Rabbi Elazar Stern of Meron, Rabbi Moshe Kahn, and others from various communities.
After the event, participants returned home deeply moved and spiritually uplifted, ready for the upcoming Days of Awe and Selichot prayers.
