Tefilah and Fundraising Event in Dushinsky Community Addresses Rise in Cancer

Thousands gathered in the main Dushinsky shul in Yerushalayim for a unique “Tefilah and Yeshuah Asifah” to benefit the Rofeh Cholim Cancer Society.

The event was organized in response to a troubling increase over the past year in cases of cancer.

The asifah was a personal initiative of the Dushinsky Rebbe shlita, who is deeply familiar with the institute’s work, according to B’chadrei Charedim. Ahead of the event, the Rebbe issued an inspiring “Call to Action,” highlighting the dire need for healing and salvation for many, and describing the organization as a literal lifesaver for families coping with severe illness.

The evening, held on Thursday, began with a fundraising gathering at the Rebbe’s home, where community leaders pledged very high sums for the institute.

Following this, the Rebbe entered the main shul, which was already packed with community members who had traveled from near and far. The assembly commenced with Tehillim, led by Harav Alexander Halevi Haberfeld. The “13 Middos Harachamim” were then recited, with the heartfelt cries of the congregation filling the hall.

Harav Elimelech Biderman, who has a close connection to the institute, was honored with delivering words of encouragement. In a passionate speech, he urged the public toward teshuva and self-improvement, stressing the duty to offer prayers and tzedaka for those suffering from grave illnesses.

The Rebbe, wrapped in a tallis, then approached the Aron Kodesh to lead the Yom Kippur Katan tefilos with tremendous emotion. A palpable sense of solemnity, reminiscent of Neilah on Yom Kippur, filled the crowded Beis Medrash during the recitation. Afterwards, attendees davened Mincha.

After the tefilos, Harav Yitzhak Kirshenbaum spoke to the public. He shared moving stories and cases handled by RCCS, conveying the significance of the moment and the brachos available to all who participated.

The climax of the event was the speech from the Dushinsky Rebbe himself. He underscored the immense value of the institute. “When they help a Jewish home that has a patient in it,” the Rebbe testified, “they are literally saving the home from collapse.” He called upon everyone to contribute generously.

Following his speech and Maariv, the public made pledges and submitted their names and the names of their family members mentioned for brachos. The event also served as a source of tremendous chizuk for patients and their families, who saw the large community gathering to daven and offer support on their behalf.