In a rare and emotional display, Rav Moshe Shternbuch, the Gaavad (Chief Rabbi) of the Eida Haredit community and head of the Karlin-Stolin Yeshiva, led a special recitation of 'Avinu Malkeinu' this morning.
The 98-year-old rabbi, known as a foremost halachic authority and the author of the respected "Mo'adim vZemanim" and "Teshuvos vHanhagos" series, hardly ever says 'Avinu Malkeinu' unless it is during the Aseret Yemei Teshuvah (Ten Days of Repentance).
However, sources close to Rav Shternbuch indicate that he has been doing so more frequently in recent days, as the ongoing conflict has taken a heavy toll, with many Israelis killed and wounded.
In a video circulated on Haredi news outlets, Rav Shternbuch is seen leading a small minyan of followers in his Jerusalem home, his voice trembling as he pleads for divine mercy.
