The Posk: I will bless you 'who have lived' on a new Tallit - and I will also direct you on the release

January 19, 2025   

Rabbi Zilberstein, rabbi of the Ramat Elhanan neighborhood in Bnei Brak, frequently meets with the families of the kidnapped and encourages them with words of encouragement, faith, and confidence. The family members' tears deeply touched the rabbi's heart, and he too cried with them. In a news item appearing in the printed edition of the Ramat Elhanan newspaper - 'Kol Berama', it was reported that today (Sunday) Rabbi Zilberstein revealed to the newspaper's editor, Rabbi Moshe Michael Zoran: "When I hear that the captives have been released, I will take a new tallit that I bought and bless 'Sheh Chaiyanu' on it, and I will also aim to spread the good news about the release of the captives." The rabbi bought the tallit, among other things, especially for this purpose - and of course, "every Jew, who has joy in his heart over the liberation, can also bless over new fruit and new clothing." The Rabbi added that anyone who has heard the cries of the families throughout the year cannot remain indifferent, and is overcome with great joy over the liberation. When the Posk was asked when exactly to recite the blessing, he replied: When they hear that the captives have indeed been released. The Rabbi said that the mother of one of the kidnapped women was with him and wept bitterly over her daughter's captivity, "and I promised her that I would dedicate my studies to the captive's merit." Therefore, when I hear of her release, as well as the release of other captives, I will recite the blessing "Shehayinu" on the tallit and bring out the good news of the liberation with this blessing. The Rabbi emphasized that the blessing "Shehayinu" should not be recited only for the liberation, but rather for something that undoubtedly requires the blessing, and also for the liberation.