At 6:00PM on Monday, erev Rosh Chodesh Sivan 5775, thousands of Ashdod and area residents are expected to gather on Yerushalayim Blvd. to take part in a giant atzeres tefilla against the chilul Shabbos in Ashdod’s Big Center mall.

The atzeres tefilla will include tefillas mincha and Yom Kippur Koton as reported. The event is authorized by police and admorim, roshei yeshiva and local rabbonim encourage the frum tzibur to take part. Organizers stress that Ashdod Chief Rabbi HaGaon HaRav Yosef Sheinin announces the event is an atzeres tefilla, not a protest rally. He explains that Maran HaGaon HaRav Aaron Yehuda Leib Shteinman Shlita objects to protests, but does encourage holding an atzeres tefilla.

Rabbonim of the Chug Chassam Sofer Bnei Brak beis din met with Rav Sheinin as well, with the gavaad expressing his support and backing for the effort to prevent the chilul Shabbos.

Because of the heat-wave around Eretz Yisrael today, particularly southern areas, participants are urged to bring water to the event. Ichud Hatzalah reports its volunteers will be stationed at the event.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)