SPECIAL REPORT: Rosh Hashanah 5787: An Inside Look at the Yeshivos and Chassidic Courts
Across Eretz Yisroel and around the globe, the two days of Rosh Hashanah were observed with awe and trepidation, as multitudes of Yidden proclaimed the sovereignty of the Ribbono Shel Olam through their tefillos and, on the second day, the blowing of the shofar.
More than 65,000 people from around the world spent Rosh Hashanah in Uman, Ukraine, near the tziyun of Rav Nachman of Breslov. Despite the enormous crowds, the gathering concluded peacefully and without unusual incidents, following extensive advance preparations by Ichud Breslov in Uman and cooperation with local authorities.
Tens of thousands also streamed to the massive Tashlich gathering in Uman on the second day of Rosh Hashanah, with ambulances and United Hatzalah volunteers deployed to safeguard the huge crowds.
What follows is a comprehensive roundup of Rosh Hashanah 5787 in the great chassidic courts and yeshivos, in the presence of the Gedolei Yisroel, Admorim, roshei yeshiva and thousands upon thousands of their talmidim and chassidim.
IN THE CHASSIDIC COURTS
Ger: 40,000 Chassidim and Nine Brissim
Approximately 40,000 people spent Rosh Hashanah at the world center of Ger in Yerushalayim. The tefillos concluded at 1:21 p.m. on the first day and 1:22 p.m. on the second day. The Gerrer Rebbe participated continuously in all the tefillos, with no unusual incidents.
During the tekios of Malchiyos in the silent Shemoneh Esrei, the blasts were repeated after the Rebbe did not continue with the tefillah, which was understood as an indication that he wanted the tekios blown again. The baal tokeia was Rav Moshe Aryeh Weinstein, while the baal makreh was Rav Mordechai Wolkowitz, the rov of Ger.
The longtime chazzan, Rav Gedalia Moshe Lev, became weak and was unable to remain at the amud. He was replaced by chazzan Dovid Yehoshua Schoenfeld, who led Shacharis through Hamelech. For Mussaf, a new chazzan, Rav Yisroel Kornik of Bnei Brak, was called upon.
Rav Avraham Konopnitzky received the aliyah for the Torah reading on the first day, while Rav Moshe Yehuda Krol did so on the second day. One bris was held on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, while an extraordinary nine brissim were held on the second day, bli ayin hara.
Belz: A Pre-Yom Tov Address and the Bochurim’s Minyan
Before the onset of Yom Tov, Rav Avraham Elimelech Biderman delivered a special preparatory address in the main Belzer beis medrash.
On the first day, davening concluded at 5 p.m., while on the second day it ended at 6:40 p.m., together with Mincha.
The Belzer Rebbe went down to the minyan of the bochurim in the “Groisse Shtub.” The Rebbe’s grandsons, Rav Shalom Rokeach and Rav Avraham Shmuel Tzvi Rokeach, led Pesukei Dezimra and Shacharis on the two days. Rav Shalom blew the initial tekios for the bochurim.
Vizhnitz: The Rebbe Leads the Tefillos Despite Great Weakness
Thousands of Vizhnitzer chassidim were deeply moved as the Vizhnitzer Rebbe led the tefillos despite his significant physical weakness. Even on the second night, when each year the Rebbe honors his brother-in-law Rav Menachem Ernster with leading the tefillah, the Rebbe insisted on going to the amud himself.
On the first night of Yom Tov, the Rebbe’s powerful voice could be heard throughout the entire beis medrash. At the beginning of Mussaf, his voice was clearly audible, but as the tefillah progressed he weakened and could barely be heard. During Mussaf on the first day, there was a 15-minute break.
On both nights, the Rebbe conducted the tish immediately after davening.
On the first night, the Rebbe wished the entire assemblage “L’shanah tovah” together, after which the thousands passed before his son, Rav Chaim Meir Hager, rov of Vizhnitz, to receive a personal L’shanah tovah.
There was also a brief power outage in the main Vizhnitzer beis medrash on the first night due to an electrical failure in the surrounding area.
Sanz: A Change in Longstanding Practice and Special Mi Shebeirachs for Ailing Admorim
Because of the enormous crowd and the late hour, the Sanzer Rebbe changed the customary procedure on the first night. Rather than having the chassidim pass before him individually as in previous years, the Rebbe wished the entire gathering “L’shanah tovah” three times, and the assembled chassidim responded together.
During Krias HaTorah, the Rebbe recited separate Mi Shebeirachs for the Belzer, Vizhnitzer, Boyaner and Hordenker Rebbes, praying for their refuah sheleimah.
The tefillos concluded at 6 p.m. on the first day and 6:40 p.m. on the second.
During his address at the tish marking the conclusion of Yom Tov, the Rebbe urged chassidim who are not learning in kollel to join the examinations offered to working men through Sanz’s “Mishemeres” program, as participants prepared to begin Maseches Pesachim during the coming month.
Karlin-Stolin: A Bris, Thousands Reciting Shema and One Kaddish
A bris was held on the first morning of Rosh Hashanah in Karlin-Stolin following the birth of a grandson to the Karlin-Stoliner Rebbe, a son born to his son-in-law Rav Michoel Eliezer Kahn. Ten kiddushim were also held that morning.
The vach nacht took place on Friday night, the first night of Rosh Hashanah, following Maariv, at the “A Gut Yohr” tish. The chassidim subsequently passed before the Rebbe to receive his bracha. Some 7,000 people participated in what was described as an enormous Krias Shema, reciting Shema Yisroel in the presence of the baby.
Another change this year concerned Kaddish Yasom. To prevent confusion, only one person recited it. Reb Moshe Dzalovsky stood on the bimah and said Kaddish Yasom on behalf of those requiring it.
Vizhnitz: An Ancient Machzor and a $30,000 Aliyah
Before Rosh Hashanah, communal activist Rav Yosef Aryeh Katz arrived from the United States and presented the Vizhnitzer Rebbe with a rare antique machzor that had belonged to the Rebbe’s grandfather, the Imrei Chaim of Vizhnitz.
The Rebbe wore the historic kittel of the Ahavas Shalom, while the Rebbe’s aliyah was sold for $30,000 to benefit construction of the Vizhnitz world center.
When the Rebbe received his aliyah, he requested that a special announcement be made and recited a Mi Shebeirach for the recovery of his brother, the other Vizhnitzer Rebbe.
Toldos Aharon: Kiddush Comes First in a Change of Schedule
In Toldos Aharon in Meah Shearim, a change was made to the usual schedule on the first night.
Immediately after davening, a platform was set up and the Toldos Aharon Rebbe sang the zemiros and made Kiddush. In previous years, the thousands of chassidim would first pass before the Rebbe to exchange wishes for a L’shanah tovah. This year, it was decided to reverse the order and hold Kiddush first.
The tish continued after the L’shanah tovah procession, which itself lasted more than three hours.
The first day’s tefillos concluded at 5 p.m., together with Mincha, while the second day concluded at 6:20 p.m.
Toldos Avraham Yitzchok: The Rebbe Holds the Hands of the Nagidim
At Toldos Avraham Yitzchok in Meah Shearim, during the singing of Bo’i V’shalom on the first night, the Rebbe held the hands of nagidim Reb Shmili Horowitz and Reb Shemaya Reich.
The Rebbe personally blew the first 30 tekios and then turned the shofar blowing over to his sons. He also led Mussaf on both days.
Historic Moment in Dushinsky: Belzer Rebbe Included in Mi Shebeirach After 50 Years of Estrangement
A remarkable moment took place in Dushinsky on the first day of Rosh Hashanah, when the Dushinsky Rebbe publicly included the Belzer Rebbe in a Mi Shebeirach for those in need of a refuah.
Following his aliyah, the Dushinsky Rebbe customarily mentions the names of Admorim and Gedolei Yisroel requiring a refuah. He first mentioned the Vizhnitzer Rebbe. He then turned to the gabbai announcing the names and instructed him to add: “Yissachar Dov ben Miriam.”
Thousands of chassidim were stunned when they realized that the name was that of the Belzer Rebbe.
The gesture was particularly striking against the backdrop of some 50 years of estrangement between the Eidah Hachareidis and Belz, dating back to the period of the Dushinsky Rebbe’s father, the Maharim of Dushinsky zt”l, who served as Gaavad of the Eidah Hachareidis in Yerushalayim.
Various efforts have been made over the years to bring the dispute to an end and restore peace, but until now those attempts had not succeeded. Following the unexpected public gesture in the middle of Rosh Hashanah, chassidim expressed hope that the decades-long estrangement may finally be moving toward an end.
Seret-Vizhnitz: 3,000 Pomegranates and an Electrical Failure
In Seret-Vizhnitz in Haifa, davening began at 8 a.m. on both days and concluded at 4:15 p.m.
The Seret-Vizhnitzer Rebbe led Maariv, Hamelech and Mussaf, and recited a Mi Shebeirach for the recovery of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe.
At the second night’s tish, the Rebbe distributed more than 3,000 pomegranates to the chassidim, young and old.
During Mussaf on the second day, a fuse in the electrical panel burned out, leaving the air-conditioning system inoperative during the tefillah.
Sadigura: A New Niggun for Zichronos and a Bris Before Tekias Shofar
With space at a premium in Sadigura, additional parentches were erected in the galleries, where the bochurim stood during the tefillos.
Following Maariv on the first night, the Sadigura Rebbe entered the special children’s beis medrash, where hundreds of children of the chassidus daven under the supervision of designated mashgichim. The Rebbe wished all of them a shanah tovah.
The entire congregation then passed before the Rebbe over approximately an hour and a half to exchange brachos for the new year. Afterward, as he does each year, the Rebbe visited the home of Rebbetzin Zalmanovitz of Gorlice to exchange brachos for the year.
On the second night, in accordance with the Ruzhiner minhag, the Rebbe conducted the special Kiddush and recited Shehecheyanu. During Kiddush, the Rebbe and the entire gathering sang the Zichronos section from Mussaf to a special new nusach composed by the Rebbe this year. It was repeated numerous times with great hisorerus.
On the second day, a bris was held before tekias shofar. During the tekios in Mussaf, the Rebbe emerged from his private prayer room and aroused the congregation to greater tefillah and hisorerus, particularly during the singing of Areshes Sefaseinu.
On Motzoei Yom Tov, the Rebbe made Havdalah in the Salash hall before a large crowd. The gathering sang Avinu Malkeinu Pesach Shaarei Shomayim with yearning and joy, after which the chassidim passed before the Rebbe for an extended period to receive a bracha for a gmar chasimah tovah.
Concern in Modzhitz: Rebbe Hospitalized Overnight, Then Returns to Lead the Tefillos
Concern swept through Modzhitz on the first night of Rosh Hashanah when the Modzhitzer Rebbe began feeling generally weak.
On the advice of his doctors, the Rebbe was taken to Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center for testing. He remained in the hospital throughout the night and, after undergoing the necessary examinations, was cleared for release.
The Rebbe returned to his beis medrash at 7 a.m. and entered for Shacharis at 7:25.
Despite what he had endured during the night, the Rebbe displayed extraordinary strength, leading Chazaras Hashatz of Shacharis and Mussaf on both days.
The chassidus asked the public to continue davening for the Rebbe, Rav Chaim Shaul ben Beila Rochel, for a refuah sheleimah and renewed strength.
Modzhitz also inaugurated a new Aron Kodesh on Rosh Hashanah, standing approximately 11 meters high and featuring pure gold plating imported from Italy.
Nadvorna: The Be’er Yaakov’s Shtreimel and a Stirring Niggun
In Nadvorna, the first day’s tefillos concluded at 5:45 p.m. and the second day’s at 5:20 p.m.
For the first time, renowned baal tefillah Reb Simcha Elbaum did not lead Pesukei Dezimra. In his place, the Rebbe’s eldest son, Rav Chaim Mordechai Rosenbaum, went to the amud.
On the first night, the Nadvorna Rebbe wore the shtreimel of his father, the Be’er Yaakov of Nadvorna zt”l.
During Aleinu in Mussaf on the second day, the Rebbe signaled for the congregation to sing the V’yekablu Chulam niggun, creating a powerful atmosphere of hisorerus.
At the first Hayom Haras Olam on both days, the Rebbe requested that only the children sing.
Strikov: Tefillos at the Ger Seminary and a Collective Bracha
The Strikover chassidim again held their Rosh Hashanah tefillos at the Ger Seminary because the newly completed beis medrash on Alshich Street does not yet have air conditioning.
After davening on the first night, the Rebbe said “L’shanah tovah” three times to the entire congregation. The chassidim then passed before him merely to shake his hand rather than each receiving an individual bracha.
Davening began at 7:30 a.m. On the first day, Mussaf ended at 5:02 p.m. and Mincha at 5:50 p.m. On the second day, Mussaf concluded at 5:25 p.m. and Mincha at 6:10 p.m.
On both days, the Rebbe recited a Mi Shebeirach for the Vizhnitzer Rebbe.
Pittsburgh: A Clever Move Changes a Longstanding Ashdod Tradition
For many years, an unusual Rosh Hashanah tradition existed in Ashdod. The previous Pittsburgher Rebbe, the Tiferes Mordechai zt”l, would make a point each year of visiting Rav Dov Tzvi Karelenstein zt”l, rosh yeshiva of Grodno, after Maariv on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, to receive his bracha for a shanah tovah and to offer his own good wishes.
Following Rav Karelenstein’s petirah, the Pittsburgher Rebbe continued the custom by visiting the home of the current rosh yeshiva, Rav Moshe Shmida.
After the petirah of the Tiferes Mordechai, however, Rav Shmida surprised the current Pittsburgher Rebbe by beating him to it: The rosh yeshiva himself came to the Rebbe following davening on Rosh Hashanah night to exchange brachos.
The Rebbe protested strongly, maintaining that it was not proper kavod haTorah to inconvenience the rosh yeshiva. Rav Shmida nevertheless continued the practice in subsequent years.
This year, the Rebbe devised a solution. On the night before Erev Rosh Hashanah, known as Leil Zechor Bris, close to midnight, the Rebbe went to Rav Shmida’s home to exchange brachos, effectively ensuring in advance that the rosh yeshiva would have no reason to make the trip to him on Rosh Hashanah night.
Zhvill: Rebbe Wears Ancient Tallis of the Yikra D’Malka
There was great emotion in Zhvill when the Zhviller Rebbe entered for Mincha on Erev Rosh Hashanah wrapped in the ancient tallis of his ancestor, the Yikra D’Malka of Zhvill.
The historic tallis had been brought to the Rebbe on Erev Yom Tov, and he wore it throughout the Rosh Hashanah tefillos.
During Yom Tov, the Rebbe led Kabbalas Shabbos and Maariv on the first night and went to the amud for Hamelech on both days.
Following Mincha on the first day, a seudah shlishis was held, while on the second day a tish marking the conclusion of Yom Tov took place.
The Rebbe also went downstairs several times during Yom Tov to daven with the children. Davening concluded at 4 p.m. on the first day and 4:15 p.m. on the second.
Mishkenos HaRo’im: Thousands Receive Brachos and Tashlich Inside the Beis Medrash
At the court of the Mishkenos HaRo’im Rebbe, the senior Admor of the Eidah Hachareidis, the tefillos were held in his beis medrash on Meah Shearim Street. The bochurim davened in the galleries, while the children gathered in the Tzehlim beis medrash on Batei Ungarin Street.
Following davening, the congregation, joined by thousands of Yerushalayim residents, passed before the Rebbe for an extended period. Groups at a time wished the Rebbe a L’shanah tovah, and the Rebbe responded to each group, “Gam atem” — “You as well.”
On the first day, Shacharis began at 7 a.m. Mincha was held immediately following Mussaf, and the tefillos concluded at 3:50 p.m.
On the second day, Shacharis began at 7:05 a.m. Before the tekios, the Rebbe delivered words of hisorerus about the reasons underlying tekias shofar, the need to awaken to teshuvah, and the theme of Malchiyos. Mussaf concluded at 3:55 p.m.
Mincha on the second day began at 5:45 p.m. Afterward, Tashlich was held inside the beis medrash. A large container filled with water and fish had been brought in before Yom Tov for that purpose.
The Rebbe subsequently conducted the tish marking the conclusion of Rosh Hashanah and spoke about teshuvah undertaken with both joy and a sense of shame before Hashem. Following Maariv on Motzoei Yom Tov, the congregation again passed before the Rebbe to receive his bracha.
Lelov: Air Conditioning Fails and Rebbe Issues Halachic Warning
As in recent years, the Lelover Rosh Hashanah tefillos were held in a spacious tent erected on Ezra Street because the beis medrash on Tzefania Street can no longer accommodate the crowds arriving for Yom Tov.
When the air-conditioning system stopped working on the first day, the Lelover Rebbe summoned event organizer Reb Yaakov Chaim Miller and instructed him to consult a rov before bringing a non-Jew to make repairs, warning him to be careful regarding the halachos of amirah l’akum.
On the second night, Rav Boruch of Lelov, son of the previous Lelover Rebbe, the Maharid zt”l, joined the tefillos. The Lelover Rebbe honored him with leading Maariv and the recitation of L’Dovid Mizmor.
IN THE YESHIVOS AND IN THE PRESENCE OF THE GEDOLEI YISROEL
Rav Moshe Shternbuch: Tefillah Near Har Hamenuchos and Special Hiddurim in Tekios
Rav Moshe Shternbuch spent Rosh Hashanah, as is his custom, with his talmidim at the yeshiva campus in Ramat Beit Shemesh.
On his way to the yeshiva, Rav Shternbuch traveled near Har Hamenuchos, where he offered tefillos on behalf of donors to Taharas Hamishpacha, invoking the zechus of the Gedolei Yisroel buried there.
Large numbers of Beit Shemesh residents came to the yeshiva to receive his bracha for a shanah tovah and to hear the divrei chizuk he delivered before Maariv and before the tekios.
Rav Shternbuch warned that there are difficult gezeiros that Klal Yisroel must tear up through tefillah and supplication before Hashem, crying out: “Tatte, Tatte, hob rachmanus oif Yiddishe kinder…” — “Father, Father, have mercy on Jewish children…”
He also spoke at length about the sanctity of the day on which Klal Yisroel crowns Hashem as King. He repeated the teaching of the Aruch LaNer that when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, we require the zechus of Shabbos to protect us, and he therefore stressed the importance of accepting greater care in the halachos of Shabbos.
On the second day, Rav Shternbuch served as the baal makreh for the baal tokeia. He was careful to fulfill additional forms of tekios, including those following the opinion of the Chazon Ish and blasts in accordance with the tradition of Yemenite Jewry.
He received an aliyah on both days and afterward recited a Mi Shebeirach for the Gedolei Yisroel, as well as mentioning donors to the yeshiva who had undertaken a substantial portion of the costs of constructing its buildings.
Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman: “And So to the Sweet One” and the Practices of the Chazon Ish
Rav Meir Tzvi Bergman held the Rosh Hashanah tefillos in his beis medrash at Yeshivas Rashbi in Bnei Brak.
Following Maariv on the first night, thousands passed before the rosh yeshiva to receive his bracha for the coming year. Because of the enormous crowd, Rav Bergman responded to each person with the traditional expression, “V’chein l’mar” — “And so to you.”
When one of his distinguished talmidim approached, Rav Bergman quipped, “It is difficult for me to say to you ‘v’chein l’mar.’ To you, I have to say ‘v’chein l’matok’” — “And so to the sweet one.”
On the second day, Rav Bergman served as baal makreh for the baal tokeia, following the precise halachic practices he received from his rebbi, the Chazon Ish zt”l.
Before tekias shofar, the rosh yeshiva delivered stirring words calling for teshuvah and cheshbon hanefesh. As he does each year, he cited the Rambam in Hilchos Teshuvah regarding the message of the shofar.
Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch Spends Rosh Hashanah at Slabodka
Rav Moshe Hillel Hirsch spent Rosh Hashanah in Yeshivas Slabodka, where he participated in the yeshiva’s tefillos.
On the first night, thousands came to the heichal hayeshiva to receive Rav Hirsch’s bracha for a L’shanah tovah. A number of gabbaim who had been specially prepared in advance directed the enormous crowd in an orderly fashion.
Ponevezh: Nearly 3,000 at One of the Torah World’s Largest Yeshiva Minyanim
Nearly 3,000 talmidim and alumni joined together for the Rosh Hashanah tefillos at Yeshivas Ponevezh in Bnei Brak, in one of the largest yeshiva minyanim in the world.
The tefillos were held in the presence of the roshei yeshiva and rabbonim, led by Rav Boruch Dov Povarsky.
On Rosh Hashanah night, thousands of talmidim, joined by large numbers of Bnei Brak residents, passed before Rav Povarsky for more than an hour to receive his bracha for a shanah tovah.
After the daytime tefillos, because of the late hour, Rav Povarsky ascended the steps of the Aron Kodesh and gave a collective “Gut Yom Tov” to the thousands of talmidim.
Shacharis began at 6:30 a.m. on both days and concluded after 2:30 p.m. Remarkably, although no shofar was blown on the first day because it was Shabbos, the tefillos concluded at approximately the same time on both days. This was because of the yeshiva’s custom to spend considerably longer reciting the piyutim on the first day of Rosh Hashanah.
For the Kohen aliyah, Yeshiva President Rav Eliezer Kahaneman and his son Rav Yosef Kahaneman, one of the yeshiva’s rabbonim, were called up. The Levi aliyah went on the first day to Rav Refoel Shmuelevitz, one of the yeshiva’s rabbonim, and on the second day to Rav Yissachar Dov Lederman, who, despite approaching the age of 100, continues to come to the yeshiva and daven together with its talmidim.
For decades, the third aliyah had been shared between the late roshei yeshiva Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l and Rav Boruch Dov Povarsky, with each receiving it on one of the two days. Following Rav Edelstein’s petirah in 5783, the third aliyah had been given to Rav Chaim ben Reisha Reizel Berman, one of the yeshiva’s great masmidim, for a refuah sheleimah.
This year, because of Rav Berman’s illness and hospitalization, the third aliyah was given to the yeshiva’s baal tefillah, Rav Mordechai Shmuel Edelstein, rov of the Ne’os Yosef neighborhood.
Rav Chaim Peretz Berman received Maftir. The two additional aliyos added this year because the first day fell on Shabbos were given to longtime members of the yeshiva’s minyan, Rav Yaakov Margalit and Rav Menashe Lindenfeld.
Following his aliyah, Rav Povarsky recited a special Mi Shebeirach for Rav Chaim ben Reisha Reizel Berman, as well as for the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther, for a refuah sheleimah.
The baal tefillah for Mussaf, Rav Shaul Eisenstein, introduced several melodies this year from the repertoire of the legendary chazzan Reb Yossele Rosenblatt z”l. These were used for Hineni He’ani Mimaas, for the words V’karev Pezureinu during Chazaras Hashatz, and during the verses of Malchiyos.
As was begun last year, the niggun of Rav Dan Segal was sung for Areshes Sefaseinu.
One of the most emotional moments came during Zichronos, when Rav Shaul broke down in tears while invoking the zechus of Akeidas Yitzchok and pleading that Hashem remove His anger from His nation, His city and His inheritance. He wept for several minutes and was unable to continue the tefillah.
The yeshiva’s baal tokeia was Rav Yisroel Edelstein, rosh yeshiva of Ohalei Shalom and son and successor in this role to his father, Rav Gershon Edelstein zt”l. Every tekiah was sounded with clarity, without a single blast needing to be repeated.
Following davening, Rav Yisroel spent approximately an hour giving brachos to bochurim awaiting their zivugim, warmly blessing each one individually that he should soon be able to share besuros tovos.
After davening, Rav Avraham Simcha Edelstein, son of Rav Yisroel and son-in-law of Rav Chaim Peretz Berman, blew additional tekios to satisfy the opinion of the Ramban regarding the shevarim, in accordance with the longstanding custom of the yeshiva.
Ponevezh bochurim also seek to fulfill numerous additional opinions regarding the tekios, including those of Rashi and the Ritva and different forms of the teruah and shevarim. As a result, additional shofar blasts could be heard throughout the day in the dormitories, dining rooms and homes of the ramim across the yeshiva campus.
The extraordinary crowding was strongly felt throughout Rosh Hashanah, and several people fainted and required treatment on site. The yeshiva administration had installed an additional powerful air-conditioning system above the Aron Kodesh to help alleviate the intense heat.
Rav Dan Segal: Levi and Pesichah Sold for $50,000
At the beis medrash of Rav Dan Segal in Givat Moshe, Yerushalayim, where the mashgiach led Mussaf on both days, the Levi aliyah and the pesichah on both days were sold in his zechus for $50,000.
Mir: Five Minyanim and Tears During Mussaf
Five separate Rosh Hashanah minyanim were held at Yeshivas Mir in Yerushalayim.
The central minyan took place in the main building under the leadership of rosh yeshiva Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel, mashgiach Rav Binyomin Finkel and Rav Yitzchok Ezrachi.
Rav Binyomin Finkel led Maariv on the first night and Mussaf with tremendous emotion and tears.
Thousands of talmidim and alumni passed before the roshei yeshiva on the first night to receive their brachos. An especially long line formed for Rav Binyomin Finkel, continuing for many hours.
Before the tekios on the second day, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel delivered divrei hisorerus, continuing the tradition of his grandfather and the previous roshei yeshiva. The beis medrash was filled to capacity.
The first day’s tefillos concluded at 1:40 p.m., while the second day ended at 2 p.m.
On the second night, Rav Eliezer Yehuda Finkel davened with the bnei chutz la’aretz and delivered a special shmuess before Maariv. Rav Binyomin Finkel also addressed the bnei chutz la’aretz from Europe.
At Yeshivas Mir in Modiin Illit, Rav Shemaryahu Yosef Finkel led Maariv and Mussaf with great emotion, while Rav Eliyahu Godlevsky led Shacharis. More than 1,000 people packed the beis medrash, and hundreds of talmidim and local residents passed before the yeshiva’s roshei yeshiva and rabbonim on the first night to receive their brachos.
A new musical element was introduced this year during Kedushah of Shacharis: the old Mimkomcha composed by Reb Ben Zion Shenker z”l, a niggun that has recently become increasingly popular throughout the Jewish world.
A historic first also took place in the yeshiva on Shabbos, when a bris was held on Rosh Hashanah for the first time. The baby was a grandson of Rav Reuven Haksheter, mashgiach in Mir and Lakewood, and a son of his son, Rav Yehuda Leib Haksheter. The grandfather was honored with sandakus.
Throughout the day, numerous bochurim and residents of the city came to receive brachos from the American mashgiach.
Rav Meir Greineman: The Chazon Ish’s Minhag and Private Requests on Shabbos
Rav Meir Greineman davened the Rosh Hashanah tefillos in the large beis medrash of his late brother, Rav Chaim Greineman zt”l, on Chiddushei Harim Street.
After davening, large numbers of people from the beis medrash and nearby shuls and yeshivos came to receive his bracha for the new year. Along the route to his home as well, many bnei Torah approached with their children to receive a bracha for a shanah tovah.
As he has done for decades, Rav Greineman served as baal makreh for the baal tokeia, following the practices and precise halachic details he received from his uncle and rebbi, the Chazon Ish zt”l.
Rav Greineman was present each year when the Chazon Ish’s baal tokeia, Rav Shlomo Cohen zt”l, would come before Rosh Hashanah to blow the shofar in the Chazon Ish’s presence and receive his instructions.
Asked whether one may make personal requests on Rosh Hashanah, Rav Greineman responded that the Chazon Ish held that private requests may be made on Rosh Hashanah. He noted, however, that there is room to discuss whether the same applies when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos, when the usual restriction against requesting personal needs may apply — as reflected in the omission of Avinu Malkeinu when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos.
Yeshivas Hanegev-Schar Sachir: Son Continues His Father’s 50-Year Shofar Tradition
At Yeshivas Hanegev-Schar Sachir in Netivot, the roshei yeshiva, led by Rav Aryeh Levi, a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah, spent Rosh Hashanah on the yeshiva campus, which is currently undergoing extensive renovations.
As the Yom Hadin began, hundreds of talmidim spent approximately three hours passing before the roshei yeshiva and rabbonim to receive a bracha for a L’shanah tovah. The arrangement had been instituted by Rav Levi to prevent tircha d’tzibbura following Maariv.
There was particular emotion among the bnei hayeshiva at having Rav Levi present on campus for Rosh Hashanah after he had been unwell in recent months.
For approximately 50 years, Rav Moshe Butbul zt”l served as the yeshiva’s baal tokeia, stirring hearts with his tekios and deeply emotional tefillos. He was niftar on Erev Pesach 5785.
Following a decision by the roshei yeshiva, his son, Rav Yitzchok Meir Butbul, continued his father’s legacy and blew the shofar this Rosh Hashanah in the yeshiva.
Rav Farkash, who has led the tefillos in the yeshiva for more than 60 years, led Mussaf on the first day, while Rav Yosef Yisraeli, one of the yeshiva’s rabbonim, led it on the second.
The tefillos concluded at approximately 2 p.m. on both days. At Maariv following Rosh Hashanah, mashgiach Rav Moshe Kuhn went to the amud and aroused the bochurim with the tefillah.
Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin Spends His First Rosh Hashanah in Uman
Rav Shalom Ber Sorotzkin, rosh yeshiva of Ateres Shlomo, spent Rosh Hashanah in Uman for the first time.
On the first night, he davened in the main Breslover kloiz. On both mornings, he joined the vasikin minyan of philanthropist Leizer Scheiner.
On the first night, Rav Sorotzkin visited Rav Tzvi Cheshin of Mir, and the two spoke at length. On the second night, he davened at the minyan of Rav Gamliel Rabinowitz.
Rav Sorotzkin brought tremendous energy to the vasikin minyan, with powerful singing breaking out among the mispallelim and creating an atmosphere of intense hisorerus.
Rav Chaim Feinstein: Kvittel Station and Hours of Brachos
On the first day of Rosh Hashanah, as part of a tefillah on behalf of donors to the Kupas Mekablei Ol Torah, Rav Chaim Feinstein recited a special and emotional Mi Shebeirach for the complete recovery of Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber.
Because of the large number of people seeking brachos and yeshuos and wishing to submit kvittlach containing names for tefillah, a special stand was installed outside Rav Feinstein’s home on Erev Rosh Hashanah where notes with names could be deposited.
On Erev Yom Tov, following an early Mincha and a preparatory shmuess in the heichal hayeshiva at the Ateres Shlomo campus in Rishon Lezion, more than 1,000 talmidim passed before Rav Feinstein over the course of approximately two hours to receive an individual bracha for the new year.
Because of the enormous crowd, the event was held inside the main heichal, with hundreds of bochurim standing in lines awaiting their turn.
Ponevezh: Mashgiach Returns to the Amud and Tehillim Recited Before Tekios
At the Ponevezh yeshiva led by Rav Shmuel Markowitz, there was particular emotion on the first night when the longtime shliach tzibbur, mashgiach Rav Aharon Zev Grossbard, led Maariv, with his recent weakness not apparent during the tefillah.
Rav Grossbard has served as a chazzan in the yeshiva for nearly 40 years, dating back to the eras of Rav Elazar Menachem Man Shach zt”l and Rav Dovid Povarsky zt”l, alongside the unforgettable chazzan Rav Tzvi Eisenstein zt”l.
Before Maariv, chapters of Tehillim were recited verse by verse, followed by a special Yehi Ratzon, in light of what was described as a gezeirah hanging over the yeshiva.
After Maariv, the thousands passed before the roshei yeshiva and rabbonim to receive their brachos, with the L’shanah tovah procession concluding at approximately 10:30 p.m.
Before the verses of Lamnatzeiach preceding the tekios, chapters of Tehillim were again recited with tremendous hisorerus, led by Rav Moshe Kaufman, one of the roshei yeshiva. In an unusual departure from the norm, the rosh yeshiva also delivered brief remarks before the tekios.
The first day’s tefillos concluded at 2:15 p.m., while the second day’s concluded at 2:40 p.m.
Yeshivas Bais Mattisyahu: Dormitory Fire Ends Without Disaster
At Yeshivas Bais Mattisyahu, davening concluded at 2:30 p.m. on the first day and 3:15 p.m. on the second.
Rosh yeshiva Rav Tzvi Weisbecker served as baal makreh, while Rav Yehuda Weisbecker, one of the roshei yeshiva, led Mussaf on both days.
A fire broke out in the yeshiva dormitory known as “Sorotzkin,” but b’chasdei Shomayim, the flames did not spread.
Yeshivas Kiryas Melech: Two Hours of Brachos and a Minhag from Rav Chaim Kanievsky
Following Maariv on the first night at Yeshivas Kiryas Melech, rosh yeshiva Rav Shlomo Kanievsky remained standing at his place for more than two hours as hundreds of bnei hayeshiva, joined by many alumni who had returned to spend Rosh Hashanah at the yeshiva, passed before him.
Rav Kanievsky personally blessed each person: “L’shanah tovah tikaseiv v’seichaseim l’alter l’chaim tovim aruchim ul’shalom.”
Only after the final bochurim had passed did the other roshei yeshiva, Rav Yosef Karp and Rav Binyomin Rimer, together with the ramim and mashgichim, approach to receive his bracha. Only then did Rav Kanievsky leave for his home to begin the seudah.
Rav Kanievsky served as shliach tzibbur for Mussaf on both days and also served as baal korei. A special Mi Shebeirach was recited for his mechutan, Rav Yisroel Bunim Schreiber, for a refuah sheleimah.
Rav Kanievsky also follows a distinctive practice that he received from his father, Rav Chaim Kanievsky zt”l. The simanim are brought to the table on both nights of Rosh Hashanah, but on the second night the Yehi Ratzon is not recited before eating them.
The reasoning given for the practice is that some people have already had their favorable judgment sealed on the first day, making it unnecessary to repeat a request concerning what has already been decreed for the coming year.
Yeshivas Kol Torah: A New Chazzan for the Yamim Nora’im
At Yeshivas Kol Torah in the Bayit Vegan neighborhood of Yerushalayim, a new chazzan assumed the role this year in place of longtime chazzan Rav Yeshaya Rothenberg, rov of the Gra beis medrash, who had led the tefillos in the yeshiva for more than half a century.
The new baal tefillah was Rav Yehuda Wolpin, son of Rav Refoel Wolpin, one of the roshei yeshiva, and grandson of rosh yeshiva Rav Moshe Yehuda Schlesinger.
Yeshivas Bais Meir: Rosh Yeshiva’s Weakness Forces Long Break During Mussaf
At Yeshivas Bais Meir in Bnei Brak, rosh yeshiva Rav Tzvi Rotberg was suffering from considerable weakness.
On the first day, the congregation waited for an hour and 15 minutes during a break before the rosh yeshiva was able to enter for Mussaf. Rav Rotberg ultimately went to the amud but was forced to sit for portions of the tefillah.
On the second day, Rav Rotberg did not lead Mussaf. His nephew, Rav Yaakov Yizre’eli, a grandson of the late rosh yeshiva Rav Zalman Rotberg zt”l, led the tefillah in his place.
Rav Chizkiyahu Mishkovsky Spends Rosh Hashanah at Yeshivas Ner Zerach-Otzem
Rav Chizkiyahu Mishkovsky, mashgiach of Yeshivas Orchos Torah, spent Rosh Hashanah at Yeshivas Ner Zerach-Otzem together with his son-in-law, Rav Shmuel Ansbacher, one of the roshei yeshiva.
On Motzoei Yom Tov, Rav Mishkovsky delivered divrei hisorerus. He was followed by rosh yeshiva Rav Yitzchok Zev Feinstein, who delivered a general vaad to the bnei hayeshiva, as is the yeshiva’s annual custom.
Rosh Hashanah Opposite the Old City Walls With the Yenuka
Large crowds participated in the Rosh Hashanah tefillos with the Yenuka at the Vista halls opposite the walls of the Old City of Yerushalayim.
On the first night, the tefillos and reception for those seeking brachos continued until a late hour. Afterward, hundreds escorted the Yenuka home through the streets of Yerushalayim with singing.
The daytime tefillos began at netz hachamah and concluded close to midday.
On Motzoei Yom Tov, hundreds participated in a gathering marking the conclusion of Rosh Hashanah, with songs of hisorerus, yearning and simcha.
During the gathering, the Yenuka spoke for an extended period about the greatness of teshuvah and urged each person to view himself as having emerged meritorious from the Yom Hadin and to return home with simcha.
At the conclusion, large crowds escorted him to the David Citadel Hotel with singing and dancing through the streets of Yerushalayim.
Yeshivas Kisei Rachamim: 122,000 Blatt Gemara Pledged for Pesichas HaAron
At Yeshivas Kisei Rachamim in Bnei Brak, headed by rosh yeshiva Rav Tzemach Mazuz, the rosh yeshiva served as shliach tzibbur for Mussaf during Rosh Hashanah and also served as baal tokeia.
In his address at the beginning of Yom Tov, Rav Mazuz spoke about the significance of these days and the need to exert oneself spiritually because they determine the course of the entire year. He also spoke about the greatness of those who learn Torah, describing their learning as sustaining the entire world.
Rav Mazuz said that even secular Jews recognize this truth. He related that approximately a month earlier, a government minister who does not wear a yarmulke had visited the yeshiva. Upon entering the beis medrash, the minister was deeply impressed by the diligence and intensity of the bochurim’s learning and told the rosh yeshiva: “Rabbi, the truth is that it is in their merit that we exist!”
Before Mussaf on the first day, Rav Mazuz addressed the fact that Rosh Hashanah had fallen on Shabbos and therefore the shofar was not blown. He asked how Chazal could prevent Klal Yisroel from performing such an important mitzvah as tekias shofar, with its profound spiritual effect of confounding the Satan, merely because of the seemingly remote concern that someone unfamiliar with the mitzvah might carry a shofar through a public domain.
The rosh yeshiva answered that this year Klal Yisroel was given another great mitzvah: obeying Chazal, who instructed us not to blow the shofar when Rosh Hashanah falls on Shabbos.
At Kisei Rachamim, the honor of pesichas ha’Aron for the special tefillah for parnassah is traditionally “sold” not for money, but for commitments to learn pages of Gemara. This year, the various pesichos were sold for commitments totaling tens of thousands of blatt each, reaching an extraordinary combined record of 122,000 blatt Gemara.
The haftarah honors were given to grandchildren of Rav Rachamim Mazuz zt”l, one of the roshei yeshiva, who was niftar during the past year.
The closing shmuess following Rosh Hashanah was delivered by mashgiach Rav Moshe Sagron, who spoke about the importance of undertaking a meaningful kabbalah tovah during these days and about the paths of teshuvah.
{Matzav.com}
