In an atmosphere of deep spiritual elevation, the Hilula (anniversary of passing) of the Holy Rabbi, Rabbi Avraham Dov ben Rabbi David, author of the Bat Ayin, was celebrated on the night of the 12th of Kislev at the Zera Shimshon Bet Midrash, located on Hatzvi Street in Jerusalem.
The event featured the presence of the guest of honor, Rav Menachem Binyomin Paskasz, President of the World Organization for the Dissemination of the Torah of the Zera Shimshon in the United States, who traveled to Israel for a few days. During his visit, he participated in the central Thursday night shiur (Torah class)—which was packed with people—and also took part in the Hilula itself.
Throughout the evening, the audience listened attentively to the words of the Director of the Zera Shimshon Institutions, Rabbi Israel Zilberberg. He spoke of the profound spiritual affinity between the Zera Shimshon and the Bat Ayin: Both were great masters whose works have spread widely in recent years; Both left no biological descendants, yet their memory remains through their writings; They were characterized by exceptional humility, and their Hilulas are celebrated today with a fervor not seen in previous generations.
All of this, he said, is undoubtedly guided from Above to pour down blessings and salvation upon the People of Israel. Rav Zilberberg also highlighted that those participating in the Hilula dinner are precisely those who, for a full year, studied the Bat Ayin weekly along with the Zera Shimshon during the Thursday night shiur. Therefore, he stated, they can ask for salvation "by right," for it is taught that studying the Torah of a Tzadik has the power to open gates of blessing.
Then spoke Rav Avraham Mordechai Zilberberg, one of the rabbis of the World Organization for the Dissemination of the Torah of the Zera Shimshon. He recalled that the burial place of the author of the Zera Shimshon is unknown. However, he cited the words of the teacher of the Bat Ayin, the author of the Maor Einayim, who taught that studying the work of a Tzadik is spiritually equivalent to praying at his grave. Therefore, the Zera Shimshon Bet Midrash, established specifically to study his holy teachings daily, is a place especially propitious for receiving blessings, as if it were his own resting place.
In the keynote address, Rav Menachem Binyomin Paskasz studied moving texts from the Bat Ayin, the Or HaChaim, and the Zera Shimshon with those present, highlighting the spiritual intensity of the location, where the merits of three great Tzadikim converge. He also spoke of the sweetness of studying the Zera Shimshon, which combines "this world and the World to Come." He recounted the emotion he felt seeing the Bet Midrash completely full on a Thursday night at 10:00 PM, with Jews of all ages and backgrounds, united by the desire to fulfill the will of the Tzadik who asked that his teachings be spread.
The event was also honored by the presence of Rav Gabriel Garbian, Shlit”a, Rosh Kollel of Kollel Shaar Tziyun in Jerusalem, and representative of the Rosh Yeshiva Harav Moshe Tzadka, Shlit”a. He conveyed the special affection the Rosh Yeshiva feels for this Bet Midrash since visiting it, noting that he himself is accustomed to studying the Zera Shimshon and greatly appreciates its clear and luminous style.
One of the most emotional moments of the night was when the entire audience stood to sing prayers and songs of supplication for salvation for each individual and for all of Israel. A Mi Sheberach was recited for all those who collaborated to make this great and elevated gathering possible.
The dinner concluded with a feeling of great elevation. The managers of the Bet Midrash announced that, at the public's request, the number of shiurim at the Zera Shimshon Bet Midrash will be expanded, for the benefit of all who come seeking blessing and mercy through the merit of the Tzadikim.
Rav Menachem Binyomin Paskasz
Part of the audience at a mitzvah dance
May Hashem pour upon those who helped in the realization of the Hilula—both physically and financially—abundance and blessing from His good treasure, and may He fulfill their desires for the good, very soon. Amen.
