Tisha B'Av 5779 with the Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a

Our teacher, the holy Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a, entered the prayer hall to deliver his regular Torah lesson before the Shacharis (morning prayer) service shortly after 4:00 AM. His holy words focused on the matters of the day and lasted about forty minutes, after which the Tzaddik immediately began reciting Tikkun Leah (a prayer of lamentation for the Divine Presence) together with the congregation.

Our teacher, Rabbi Berland shlit"a, began the Shacharis prayer with the large congregation using a special melody, with great deliberation and holy enthusiasm, accompanied by the recitation of Kinnot (lamentations) and the delivery of Torah lessons regarding the Churban (Destruction of the Temple) and the Ten Martyrs of the Kingdom.

A sense of awe and reverence fell upon the worshippers, and the hearts of those listening melted from the majestic and fearful scene as our teacher, Rabbi Berland shlit"a, wept during the recitation of the Kinnot. Shortly after 11:00 AM, the Rav shlit"a concluded the prayer service.

Holy Scenes - Tisha B'Av 5779 with our teacher, the holy Gaon and Tzaddik Rabbi Eliezer Berland shlit"a

Photos courtesy of Aharon Solomonovich