Thousands Gather in Meron for Zohar Study Celebration and Prayer Assembly Led by Leading Rabbis

Thousands of Zohar scholars from the "Etkanshu" group, affiliated with "Or HaRashbi," convened in Meron on the eve of Rosh Chodesh Elul for a significant prayer and supplication assembly. The event marked the opening 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 in dozens of buses, receiving special travel kits during a rest stop on Highway 6, organized by Or HaRashbi's management.

The central gathering took place near the tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai, led by the organization's chairman, Rabbi Berel Fried, who introduced Rabbi Yosef David Schechter, grandson of Rabbi Yaakov Meir Schechter, delivering an inspiring speech. The Zutshka Rebbe recited the 'Petach Eliyahu' prayer with emotion, followed by communal recitation of Psalms led by Rabbi Nissim Ben Shimon. The Pittsburg Rebbe then chanted Psalm 130 verse by verse with the crowd, while Rabbi Yidel Deitsch emphasized the importance of study and time.

Historically, the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe blessed the assembly and the general list of Zohar learners presented by Rabbi Fried, ahead of all the rebbes. The highlight was a fiery sermon by the 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 powerful shofar blasts. The event continued with a solemn acceptance of divine kingship led by the Nadvorna Rebbe of Safed.

The conclusion of the Zohar study cycle was conducted by Rabbi Shmuel Eliezer Stern, followed by an hour-long celebration with spirited dancing and singing featuring the "Malchut" choir and singer Avremi Mushkovitz. The assembly was graced by numerous leading rabbis, including the Toldot Avraham Yitzchak Rebbe, the Satmar Rebbe, the Nadvorna Rebbe of Safed, Rabbi Nissim Ben Shimon, the Pittsburg Rebbe, the Zutshka Rebbe, the Matnya Rebbe, Rabbi Shmuel Brandstorp, Rabbi Chaim Weiss, Rabbi Elazar Stern, Rabbi Moshe Kahn, and others from various communities.

After the event, thousands returned home deeply moved and spiritually uplifted, prepared for the upcoming Days of Awe and Selichot prayers.