1. What is a Shidduch Tefilla Kinnus?
It is a seder hatefillos composed by Rav Yaakov Edelstein ztl, with perakim of tehillim, special tefillos and yhi ratzon, and selichos with tekias shofar. They do this all over in E’Y, but Rav Kolodetsky, based on Rav Chaim’s directive, has begun doing them in America, as Rav Chaim told him this only eitza for the shidduch crisis is tefilla.
2. Who is Rav Yitzchak Kolodetsky?
Rav Kolodetsky is Rav Chaim Kanievsky’s son in law, and husband of Rebbetzin Kolodetsky, who took her mother’s place doing kabbalat kahal.
3. How long is the Kinnus?
The Rav speaks first for about 20 minutes – and then the Seder HaTefillos take about 35 minutes. Then the Rav stays for about 15 minutes to wish the men Shalom Aleichem
4. Does the Rav speak English?
No – the Rav speaks Hebrew and Yiddish – however his Hebrew is very easy – and he is accompanied by an avreich from Lakewood, Rav Elazar Ruzohorsky, who translates for him. They’ve done this many times, and it is both easy to follow, and entertaining.
5. Does the Rav meet /speak with women?
Yes
6. Who is the event for?
The event is for the entire community, men, women, singles, married, anyone who wants to join in tefilla on behalf of those who need shidduchim.
7. Why does the Rav do this?
The Rav travel for a two-fold purpose. To be mechazek am yisrael, and to fundraise for a unique kollel in Bnei Brak – that Rav Chaim asked him to start. Since so many people are searching for their zivug, and this seder hatefillos was not being done in America, during his fundraising trips, the Rav set aside time to be mezakeh the Klal.
8. What is needed to set up an event?
At least a minyan of men (at other events – there were much more – 300 in Brooklyn, 100 men in Toronto, 50 in Far Rockaway – men usually being about 25 – 40% of however many people come…)
A place big enough to host the event – usually a school or shul works best – and I would assume the aim would be for about 400-500 people.
People who can spread the word about the event
9. Does the event cost money? Who pays for the expenses?
All of the events done so far were done free of charge, the ones helping the Rav are all volunteering, and the community or organization that sponsored it helped to coordinate it at minimal costs and by finding sponsors. For ex – the local Bais Yaacov or Shul agreed to host it, people offered to help sponsor advertising, and word was spread by word-of-mouth, email and local social media channels.
Some communities / donors also sponsored signs to be posted and hung up.
When arranging events, we also try to look for sponsors for people who want the zechus – so that the Rav can have something mechubad to take back for his Kollel. Usually, the people who sponsor it gain far more than what they contribute as they are able to also develop a closer kesher with the Rav, and Baruch Hashem, many have had simchos in their families as well.
10. Have people seen yeshuos from the Kinnus?
Baruch Hashem – yes! We’ve been zoche to hear of many simchos since these kinnus, and as one person said
“ Our community is a changed community since the Tefilla Kinnus – shidduchim wise! One man came to me with 3 daughters, all in shidduchim, and within a few months after the kinnus, all 3 daughters were baruch Hashem kallahs!”
Also – even the immediate chizuk was substantial.
“I literally just got home. It was beautiful. … Everyone was very inspired and said it felt like Yom Kippur. It was truly special and showed how much care and concern the gedolim have for us. … The rav said it was eis ratzon tonight! All our tefillos should be answered. B”H I will let you know of my mazel tov soon!!
I hope to join, IYH, as I have many relatives in the parsha. In the future, I hope this article would just say the facts instead of in a Q&A form.
See you all there !!
Will the Ezras noshim be open
Yes ! Ezras Nashim will be open.
It says so clearly.
Where is it?
For some reason, this notice, which should have been 4 lines, is very very long. But all the details are in there.
It’s in Ateres Yeshaya, Sun., 6:00 for men, women and girls.
If you want all the details in a nutshell, just read the poster. The article is just background information.
May we all se Yeshua very soon.