Rabbi Shalom Galai Blesses Charity Knives for Prosperity Before Jewish New Year

In a longstanding Jewish tradition, many purchase a special knife before Rosh Hashanah to use during the holiday meals as a symbol of good fortune and abundant livelihood. This custom is believed to open the gates of divine assistance, based on the idea that God sustains all living beings. The practice is further enhanced by combining it with the mitzvah of charity, especially when the knife is obtained through a charitable donation, thereby multiplying its spiritual power.

This year, the special knives are blessed and signed by Rabbi Shalom Galai, a revered Torah scholar known for his pure speech and dedication to holiness. Each knife bears a handwritten blessing from Rabbi Galai, wishing donors prosperity and divine success in the Hebrew year 5787 (2026-2027). The blessing reads: "Blessing to the donors of Kupat Ha'Ir, that through charity, measure for measure, they merit abundant livelihood and much satisfaction, God willing."

Donors who have contributed to this special Rosh Hashanah fund report remarkable improvements in their financial situations, even amid widespread economic challenges and rising living costs. Many have returned to donate again this year, some owning multiple knives blessed by Rabbi Galai, seeking continued heavenly support and blessing for the coming year.

The initiative is managed by Kupat Ha'Ir, a charitable organization, which facilitates the mitzvah of charity and distributes the blessed knives. Interested individuals can obtain the special knife by donating to the fund, thereby fulfilling the mitzvah with added spiritual significance and receiving the rabbi's blessing for prosperity.

This tradition exemplifies the fusion of faith, charity, and ritual objects to inspire hope and divine favor as the Jewish New Year approaches.