Thousands of people arrived in Jerusalem on Monday morning for a festive Hallel prayer together with Tzfat Chief Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu, held opposite the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City.
The prayers were led by Rabbi Eyal Yakobovitz, the dean of the Hesder Yeshivah in Tzfat.
On Sunday, following the funeral for Maia and Rina Dee Hy”d, Rabbi Eliyahu discussed the challenge of rejoicing in the festival of Pesach (Passover) at a time of intensified terrorist attacks that have claimed so many lives. “People have heavy hearts and rightfully so it’s not a simple matter to deal with what’s going on right now. Remaining connected to our roots enables us to reach heights of faith and belief and to deal with the challenges that face us. This is what gives us the ability to fulfill the commandment of rejoicing on this festival, because joy banishes darkness.”
Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Aryeh King also participated in the festive Hallel prayer, as did Heritage Minister Rabbi Amichai Eliyahu.
On Tuesday, a festive Hallel prayer will be held in Tel Aviv at Dizengoff Square, beginning with Shacharit (the morning prayer service) at 8:30 followed by Hallel at a quarter past nine.