Adar 5762 The situation in Medinat Yisrael is truly bewildering, discouraging and even depressing not only for our brothers and sisters who reside there, but also for all Jews no matter where they live. More than ever, a fact in which we of the Orthodox community always believed, is also being recognized by others, “we have no one upon whom to rely - only our Father in Heaven.” We of the Rabbinical Council of America and the Orthodox Union declare in solidarity with the Chief Rabbinate of Israel that Wednesday, March 13th, Erev Rosh Chodesh Nissan, Yom Kippur Katan be observed as a day of prayer. Just as there will be a mass prayer gathering at the Kotel and prayers throughout Israel, we urge our congregants and constituents to participate as well. The Yom Kippur Katan order of prayers can be found in most siddurim (e.g. the Hebrew Artscroll). Should a minyan of those fasting be present, the special Torah reading for fast days, “Vayechal,” should be read. Should such an afternoon Mincha service be impractical due to one’s being at work, the Yom Kippur Katan order of prayers can be included in Shacharit. Our Sages state that in the month of Nissan we were redeemed and in Nissan we shall be redeemed in the future. May we hear only glad tidings and experience tranquility and salvation speedily in our days. Sincerely,
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