In light of the feared chilul Shabbos which will occur following the Tiveria Marathon on Friday afternoon, the city’s chief rabbi, HaRav Moshe Tzvi Buchbut has launched a campaign to encourage store owners to keep Shabbos.

According to a BeChadrei Chareidim report, the city’s chief rabbi is turning to business owners, asking them to close on Shabbos on their own in recognition of the kedusha of the day.

Those who comply will be presented with a distinguished certificate from the chief rabbi for complying towards honoring the holy day. The project will begin this Friday because of the marathon, and the rav hopes to be circulating among store owners in the hope of persuading them to being closing on Shabbos this week. Rabbi Buchbut is calling on the tzibur in the city to accept Shabbos 10 minutes early to merit the tzibur, to add kedusha to the weekday towards signaling Shabbos remains paramount for the Jews.

Mekubal HaTzaddik Rav Dov Kook has called for a fast day on Thursday, January 3, 2019, calling on the tzibur to “fast like on Tisha B’Av”, to begin fasting the night before for those strong enough to do so. Rav Kook decries the chilul Shabbos that will follow the marathon on Friday afternoon, as Shabbos begins so early this time of year. Rav Kook lashed out at Mayor Ron Kobi, who he holds responsible for increasing chilul Shabbos in the city.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)