On the backdrop of the precarious security situation in Israel and around the world, and in honor of the current holiday season, a Tel Aviv rabbi has called upon Jews in his city and around the world to \"return to the synagogue.\" Rabbi Yosef Gerlitzky, rabbi of the city\'s Geulat Yisrael synagogue, publicized a call in which he said, \"Throughout the generations, the synagogue has always been the central pillar of Jewish life, and everyone feels that it is his home. There he studies, prays, pours out the secrets of his heart before his Creator.\" He continued, \"The situation at present is dangerous and painful, and this is the time for us to nullify the stern decree by asking G-d to show mercy for the People of Israel and to raise them up...\"
Tonight begins the last holiday of the current season: Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah - celebrated as one holiday in Israel tonight and tomorrow, as per Torah law, and separately over the course of the coming two days elsewhere, in accordance with Rabbinic custom. Simchat Torah features festive dancing in celebration of the Torah [Book of the Law], given to Israel at Sinai 3,300 years ago.
Tonight begins the last holiday of the current season: Shmini Atzeret/Simchat Torah - celebrated as one holiday in Israel tonight and tomorrow, as per Torah law, and separately over the course of the coming two days elsewhere, in accordance with Rabbinic custom. Simchat Torah features festive dancing in celebration of the Torah [Book of the Law], given to Israel at Sinai 3,300 years ago.