Rabbi Baadani and Rabbi Berland shlit"a at the Sheva Brachos of Aaron Raz

Another meeting between two holy seraphs (lofty spiritual beings), Tzaddikim who are the foundation of the world (Tzaddik Yesod Olam). On Wednesday of Parshas Eikev 5779, our teacher, Rabbi Berland shlit"a, and the Gaon Rabbi Shimon Baadani shlit"a, head of the Torah V'Chaim Kollel (institute for advanced Torah study) in Bnei Brak and a member of the Council of Torah Sages of the Shas party, arrived. The two met at the Sheva Brachos (festive wedding meal) on Wednesday of the week of Parshas Eikev at the Raz family home, as Rabbi Aaron Raz married into the Hajbi family from Rosh HaAyin.

The moment Rabbi Baadani entered, our teacher, the Gaon Rabbi Berland shlit"a, stood up before him and said, "Behold, Mashiach ben David (the Messiah from the Davidic line)." Then Rabbi Berland shlit"a added and said, "People are not learning Gemara (Talmud), they are not learning Taharos (laws of ritual purity)." Then the two Tzaddikim began to speak about the importance of studying Gemara, and that there is not enough study of the Gemara of Taharos. Rabbi Baadani replied and said that he opened a Kollel in Bnei Brak where they study Taharos, and that only the Rambam (Maimonides) spoke extensively on the subject of Taharos.

All those present testify that the meeting was very joyful and inspiring; the love between the two Tzaddikim and their great humility were clearly evident.

Many thanks to Rabbi Barak Barber for the description of the events and the information, and to Shachar Eliyahu for the photos.

An illuminating photo gallery from the moving meeting between Rabbi Berland shlit"a and Rabbi Baadani shlit"a