[COMMUNICATED] The trip, first reported by Israeli website B’chadrei Chareidim, will be the first one by the Sar Hatorah in nearly 30 years.
Miron, Israel – Preparations are underway for a once-in-a-generation event, as Maran R’ Chaim Kanievsky readies to head to the gravesite of R Shimon Bar Yochai in Miron on Monday, March 11, for his first visit to the holy site in decades.
Despite his advanced age, R’ Chaim has shared his willingness to make this extraordinary trip on behalf of Yissachar B’Ohelacha, the leading organization in Israel for struggling Kollel families. The organization is preparing for the launch of a massive fundraising drive and the Sar Hatorah has undertaken to travel to Miron to pray on behalf of those who will support Torah through their generosity during this campaign.
The visit carries extraordinary weight as R’ Chaim has been known to rarely leave his hometown of Bnei Brak and has not been to the Kever of R Shimon in Miron in nearly three decades. As soon as the trip was confirmed, police and askanim began preparing the logistics for this historic day. It is expected that the entire area surrounding Meron will be cordoned off to the general public and a large tent will be built to accommodate the authorized participants.
The announcement of this extraordinary occurrence brought a flood of wealthy donors and benefactors who will be flying in from Europe and the United States to be in Miron on this special day. The generous supporters announced their intent to donate larger sums for the exclusive right to participate in this monumental occasion. With the many commitments already being received, it is expected that the event will soon be closed to any additional participants.
Yissachar B’Ohelacha, founded by the Rosh Yeshiva, Maran R’ Aryeh Leib Shteinman ZT”L, has fallen on tough times since his passing and has been struggling to provide stipends for the thousands of families who count on their critical support. To that end, leadership of the organization is planning a massive fundraising push for the upcoming week to raise the necessary funds to save the organization.
Hearing the plight of these struggling families, R’ Chaim announced that he will be personally traveling to Meron to storm the gates of heaven on behalf of those who will donate to the organization during the planned campaign.
In the coming days, askanim of Yissachar B’Ohelacha will be announcing more details about this monumental event and offer opportunities for donors around the world to have their names mentioned by the Gadol Hador on this auspicious day.
