The Moetzet HaRabbanut HaReishit of Israel had called on the public to begin saying V’Aneinu for rain as Israel experiences its driest winter in 59 years.

The decision was made at a meeting of the Moetzet on Monday evening. Israel is experiencing another dry week, with unusually high temperatures and not a rainy day in sight.

The letter says that “Separdim should say the tefillah of ‘Kal Chai Yiftach’ at the opening of the heichel on Shabbatot, and if possible also on Monday and Thursday if the matter doesn’t border on tircha of the tzibur. Ashkenazim should say tefillas ‘V’Aneninu Borei Olam’ in ‘Shomeiya Tefillah’ and Perek 130 in Tehillim at the end of davening.”

On Sunday, the Badatz Eidah HaChareidis issued a renewed call to say V’Aneinu Borei Olam.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)