Bulgaria - Rabbis blow shofar against Iran
The Iranian threat was combated Tuesday by hundreds of
rabbis, Kabbalists and worshippers, who blew the shofar and recited prayers
over the grave of a famous rabbi.
Hundreds of worshippers flocked to the tomb of Rabbi
Eliezer Papo , the leader of the Jewish community of Selestria in Bulgaria,
famous for writing the "Pele Yoetz", a work of musar (ethical)
literature which gives advice on how to behave as a Jew in many aspects of
life.
The event was led by Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, who prayed
for "the salvation of the people living in Zion from the Iranian
threat."
Rabbi Pinto has been gathering thousands of worshippers
and travelling with them to Rabbi Papo's tomb for a day of prayers for the past
11 years. His followers believe that praying over the grave will result in
miracles and salvation. This year, the event was directed at the Iranian
threat.
Upon arriving at the grave, the participants surrounded
Rabbi Pinto and began singing and dancing. They then said Selichot and blew
hundreds of shofarot in an emotional display, which caused many of the
participants to break into tears.
Rabbi Pinto said over the grave, "Every generation
receives its power from a different book in the Bible. Our generation receives
its roots from the Book of Esther, which is the last Megillah and the book of
the last generation."
He added that just like in the book, which takes place in
Persia, the Jewish people were united and won, and this is what has to be done
now.
"The Jewish people must live in friendship and
love," the rabbi said. "Many people are worried and afraid about what
will happen with the people of Israel, about the dangers we are facing… Our
power is in unfounded love (as opposed to unfounded hatred) and in a positive
regard of everyone."
Talking to Ynet, Rabbi Pinto added, "The history of
Ahasuerus (the king of Persia in the Book of Esther) is repeating itself in a
shocking manner. Then, and now, the ruler of Persia is seeking to destroy and
kill the Jewish people. But just like then it ended without the blood of one
single Jew being shed, no blood will be shed here either.
"We must remember, however, that at the time the
Jewish Diaspora did not offer advice to the army and state leaders, but rather
focused on unity and complete faith that God will find the way to save the
people."
As the visit was the first major public event since
July's murderous terror attack in Bulgaria, the security arrangements were
tightened. Visitors were escorted by many police cars, and all their baggage
underwent strict security checks.
The Varna airport was shut down in honor of the
delegation's arrival, and Rabbi Pinto was greeted by the city's mayor and
Israeli Ambassador to Bulgaria Shaul Kamisa.
Rabbi Yoshiyahu Pinto, head of the Shuva Israel Yeshiva
in the southern Israeli city of Ashdod, is known for his connections to many
politicians and business tycoons.
Despite his young age (just 38), he has been named one of
the most influential rabbis and heads educational and welfare institutions with
assets and activities worth tens of millions of shekels.
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