An agreement to hold a mass rally for the sake of Shabbos
observance scheduled to take place on 29 Teves at Yad Eliyahu
Stadium in Tel Aviv was signed by Rabbi Refoel Halperin and
the stadium management. At the time of the signing, the
members of the stadium board were told about the purpose of
the rally, expressed their support and asked the Shabbos
Committee to make it known that no events are ever held at
the site on Shabbos and Jewish holidays.
Numerous details on arrangements for the enormous gathering
in honor of Shabbos were conveyed. Rabbi Halperin said that
all of the details would be brought for deliberation at the
next meeting of the special steering committee set up by Vaad
HaRabbonim Lemaan HaShabbos, which is under the supervision
of maranan verabonon.
During the meeting a detailed discussion will be held on the
plan for the rally in accordance with arrangements already in
place. The event is expected to draw tens of thousands of
participants from around the country.
In previous meetings participants have repeatedly stressed
the importance of the event, which will help mobilize tens of
thousands of shomer Shabbos Jews for a war against the
trend toward eliminating public Shabbos observance, chas
vesholom, by opening mega-malls, retail outlets and
special stores designed to draw thousands of shoppers on
Shabbos.
Technical aspects include arranging the amplification and
lighting systems, the entry and exit points, security,
stationing police, ushers, etc. Gedolei Yisroel will
be seated on an enormous stage with separate access. Another
platform, also with separate access, will be erected for
roshei yeshivos, ramim, rabbonim, dayonim and
moreh horo'oh.
A satellite company will be hired to set up huge screens
outside the stadium to allow the overflow audience to take
part, in addition to screens placed in a number of halls
around the country.
In light of the increasing demand for seats, tickets will be
issued at a price of NIS 5 each. After the event the tickets
can be used as coupons at various supermarket chains. Further
details on access routes, charter buses, etc. will also be
made public in the near future.
