Only in Israel: the synagogue in the Weizman neighborhood in Hadera is holding a hilula, or Sephardic memorial celebration, on the anniversary of the passing of its Ashkenazi rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Burstein.

The synagogue was founded decades ago as an Ashkenazi synagogue, for immigrants from Hungary and Germany. Over time, however, the community got older and the average age of the veteran congregants neared 80. Meanwhile, a growing Sephardic group began frequenting the services. At a certain point they became the majority, and Rabbi Burstein decided to begin using the Sephardic prayer tradition instead of the Ashkenazi one.

On Sivan 20th, three years ago, Rabbi Burstein passed away. His congregants hold an annual memorial hilula on the day of his passing. The ceremony will be held today.