Masses Participated in the Prayer Gathering for the Success of the Surgery of the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a – and What Happened During the Surgery?

Masses arrived last night (17 Shevat 5777, Feb 13, 2017) at Kever Rachel (Rachel's Tomb) in order to participate in the prayer gathering for the success of the surgery of our Master, Teacher, and Rabbi, the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a. Although the notice was short and there was not much time to organize, nevertheless, many arrived from all across the country to take part in this important prayer.

At a certain stage, after the tomb compound filled to capacity, the police blocked further access inside, and only those who waited patiently merited to enter and participate in the rare privilege of praying for the Tzaddik whose entire life is mesirus nefesh (self-sacrifice) for the Nation of Israel.

It is important to note that many who could not arrive at Kever Rachel and participate in the central prayer event participated from their locations by reading books of Tehillim (Psalms) that were divided among thousands of participants.

Immediately after the conclusion of the gathering, good news began to arrive stating that, Baruch Hashem, our Master, Teacher, and Rabbi, the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a, underwent the surgery successfully and is now recovering. Unsurprisingly, immediately upon finishing recovery, Rabbi Berland shlit"a asked for three books so that he could continue learning, despite the fact that the surgery he underwent was not simple. This is as we have mentioned in the past regarding the Rav's attachment (dveikus) to Torah study and his rare composure (yishuv hada'as).

It is clear to all that the suffering of the holy Rabbi Berland shlit"a atones for the entire Nation of Israel. With all his holiness and greatness in Torah, and even though the Rav has already passed the age of Gevuros (strength/80 years), he still suffers great pain yet does not open his mouth [in complaint] nor asks for anything. Rabbi Berland shlit"a's sole desire is only to continue learning Torah with all his strength, to pray for the Nation of Israel, to bring Jews closer to their Source, and to strengthen all those around him.

It is important to emphasize that, as published in the media and as we announced previously, Rabbi Berland shlit"a's surgery was performed by several expert doctors. This is due to the Rav's age and sensitive medical condition; therefore, the treatment expenses reached a high sum which must be transferred today. Anyone who wishes to merit this important and rare mitzvah can enter and participate.