The northwestern town of Zikhron Yaakov is celebrating its 120th birthday - as well as the 88th anniversary of the famous \"Rabbis\' Tour.\" In a unique effort to promote Jewish values and observance among the early Zionist pioneers, then-Chief Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak HaCohen Kook and \"hareidi\"-Judaism leader Rabbi Yosef Chaim Sonnenfeld set off for several weeks on a trip to the moshavot of the north. The rabbis met with residents and attempted to explain that not only need there be no contradiction between the pioneers\' actions in building the Land and the Torah\'s demands, but that the two even complemented each other.
Today\'s celebrations will also include the dedication of a new Torah scroll in memory of Zikhron\'s long-time Chief Rabbi Yekutiel Azrieli, the writing of which will be completed today in the Azrieli family home; new prayer books for local first-graders; a session of Israel\'s Chief Rabbinate; and a parade of coaches through the town.
Today\'s celebrations will also include the dedication of a new Torah scroll in memory of Zikhron\'s long-time Chief Rabbi Yekutiel Azrieli, the writing of which will be completed today in the Azrieli family home; new prayer books for local first-graders; a session of Israel\'s Chief Rabbinate; and a parade of coaches through the town.