Crowning of Rabbi Saadia Ma'atuf as rabbi of the settlement of Barkat

02:15 Speaker 1 Ay, ay, ay, ay, oy, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. Ay, ay, ay, ay, oy, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. Ay, ay, ay, ay, oy, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. Ay, ay, ay, ay, oy, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. Hey, hey, hey, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together. Hey, hey, how good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell together.

05:53 Speaker 2 Those on the grass who want to come closer to us, please do. Fill the open area; everyone standing, please sit down. Praise Hashem, O Jerusalem; praise your G-d, O Zion. Praise Hashem, O Jerusalem; praise your G-d, O Zion. For He has strengthened the bars of your gates, for He has strengthened the bars of your gates; He has blessed your children within you. He has blessed your children within you. He has blessed your children within you. Praise, praise your G-d, O Zion. Praise, praise your G-d, O Zion. Praise Hashem, O Jerusalem; praise your G-d, O Zion. Praise Hashem, O Jerusalem; praise your G-d, O Zion. For He has strengthened the bars of your gates. For He has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you. He has blessed your children within you. He has blessed your children within you. Praise, praise your G-d, O Zion. Praise, praise your G-d, O Zion. How good, how good and how pleasant it is. How good and how pleasant it is for brothers to dwell, for brothers to dwell together. For He has strengthened the bars of your gates, for He has strengthened the bars of your gates. He has blessed your children within you. He has blessed your children within you. He has blessed your children within you. Praise, praise your G-d, O Zion. Praise, praise your G-d, your G-d, O Zion. The sound of joy, the sound of joy, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride. The sound of joy, the sound of joy, the voice of the groom and the voice of the bride. [unclear] La la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la la. Oh, la la la la la la. Oh.

13:42 Speaker 13 Let us welcome the mara d’asra, Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Ma’atuf, with the honor due him. A warm welcome to the rabbi of Moshav Bareket, Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Ma’atuf.

14:13 Speaker 2 Lift up your heads, O gates, and be raised, everlasting doors, so that the King of glory may enter. [unclear] Lift up your heads, O gates, and be raised, everlasting doors, so that the King of glory may enter. [unclear] Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be raised, everlasting doors. And the King of glory will enter, will enter, will enter. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be raised, everlasting doors. And the King of glory will enter, will enter, will enter. Oy, who is this King of glory? Hashem of Hosts, He is the King. Hashem of Hosts, He is the King. He is the King, [unclear]. Oy, who is this King of glory? Hashem of Hosts, He is the King. Hashem of Hosts, He is the King. He is the King, [unclear].

15:56 Speaker 30 Where is that question going? I don’t know what it means.

16:01 Speaker 2 [unclear] here, here and here. [unclear] here, here and here. [unclear] [unclear]. [unclear] [unclear]. [unclear] [unclear]. [unclear] [unclear]. Ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, ay, welcome. Ay, welcome. Ay, to you, savior. Welcome. Ay, welcome. To you, savior. Welcome.

17:14 Speaker 31 We now turn the microphone over to the chief rabbi of Rosh HaAyin, Rabbi Azaria Basis. Welcome; please honor us by coming up to the stage.

17:24 Speaker 2 Ay, ay, ay, to you, savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. Ay, ay, ay, to you, savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. Who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this time. Who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this time. Ay, ay, ay, to you, savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. Ay, ay, ay, to you, savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. Welcome. Ay, welcome to you, savior. Welcome, welcome to us, savior. Welcome, welcome to us, savior. Welcome, welcome to us, savior. Ay, ay, ay, to us, the savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. Ay, ay, ay, to us, the savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. Who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this time. Who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this time. Ay, ay, ay, to you, savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome! Ay, ay, ay, to you, the savior. Ay, ay, ay, welcome. [unclear] Ni, ni, ni, ay, [unclear], ni, ni, ni, ay, ay, [unclear]. Ay, ay, ay, ay, [unclear]. Oy, oy, yo. Oy, oy, yo. Oy, oy, yo. Oy, oy, yo. Oy, oy, yo. Oy, [unclear], yo. [unclear] [unclear] [unclear]. [unclear], [unclear], [unclear]. [unclear], [unclear] [unclear]. [unclear], [unclear], [unclear]. [unclear] [unclear]. [unclear], [unclear]. [unclear] ben Yaakov Shalom. [unclear] ben Yaakov Shalom. [unclear] Elior. [unclear] ben Yaakov [unclear]. [unclear] ben Yaakov Shalom. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. Oy, oy.

20:55 Speaker 2 Oy, oy, oy, oy. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. That is fitting for him, and that is becoming for him. Esteemed, holy congregation, [unclear]. A warm welcome to the rabbi of the Chabad neighborhood in Lod, Rabbi Boaz Baruch Yurkowitz. Please.

22:06 Speaker 32 Honored mara d’asra and rabbi of Moshav Bareket, Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Ma’atuf shlita; honored chief rabbi of Rosh HaAyin, Rabbi Azaria Basis; honored Rabbi Baruch Yurkowitz, rabbi of the Chabad neighborhood in Lod; rabbi of Mevo Modi’im, Rabbi Hoffman [unclear], Ali Kutiel [unclear]; members of the local committee and the religious committee; representatives of the shuls; dear guests; esteemed, holy congregation: Good evening, and welcome to the installation ceremony for the rabbi of Moshav Bareket, its mara d’asra, Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Ma’atuf shlita. “This is the day Hashem has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Blessed is He Who has granted us life, sustained us, and enabled us to reach this time: this special, long-awaited evening, when leaders of the people, distinguished rabbis and Torah scholars, communal leaders, the elders and dignitaries of the community, honored guests, and the dear, wonderful residents and former residents of Moshav Bareket have gathered for this important and holy occasion. Here we have the privilege and responsibility of raising to the seat of the rabbinate and installing as mara d’asra of Moshav Bareket the esteemed, learned Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Ma’atuf shlita. Ladies and gentlemen, the distinguished holy community of Moshav Bareket has written a shining chapter in following the ways of our forebears, in the spirit of Torah and mitzvos, with genuine self-sacrifice in the face of every ill wind, whether expected or unexpected, from its earliest days until now. There is no doubt that this day, Rosh Chodesh Elul 5755, will be recorded in our community’s history as one of the joyous days on which the walls of Torah and reverence for Hashem in our moshav were strengthened by putting the Mishnah’s words into practice: “Appoint a rabbi for yourself and remove yourself from doubt.” We have reached this auspicious day thanks to the blessed efforts of the moshav’s residents, elders, dignitaries, and leaders. May all who have done this work and inspired others to do so be blessed from the Source of blessings. And an auspicious event has come about on this auspicious day, Rosh Chodesh Elul: “I am my beloved’s, and my beloved is mine.” This is the month of teshuvah, mercy, and forgiveness, and by Divine Providence, the installation of the mara d’asra falls on this day, Rosh Chodesh Elul, which is

26:05 Speaker 32 Today is the birthday of the first mara d’asra of the community of Bareket, my teacher and father-in-law, the distinguished Rabbi Shalom ben Yitzchak, of blessed memory. On a person’s birthday, as it says in the holy books, his mazal is ascendant. He is surely sharing in our joy, and through his blessings, may our community be blessed, headed by the mara d’asra who leads this community. We have reached this auspicious day on the first day of the week of Parshas Shoftim. “You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself”—and Rashi explains: judges who issue rulings. Later it says: “You shall act according to the word they tell you ... according to the Torah they teach you and the judgment they pronounce for you, you shall act. Do not turn aside from the word they tell you, right or left.” Rashi explains: even if they tell you that right is left and left is right. Honored and esteemed congregation, we will surely hear the list of those offering blessings over the course of the evening, amid joy and excitement. It is fitting for our community and this holy congregation, together with the guests who have come to honor us on our festive day, to feel the excitement of a mitzvah as we enter the month of teshuvah. We open with words of Torah, and are honored to invite the Chief Rabbi of Rosh HaAyin, Rabbi Azaria Basis, to offer words of Torah and blessing for this installation ceremony. Rabbi Azaria, please.

28:16 Speaker 33 Honored elders of the community, distinguished gathering, men, women, and children. And last but not least, the guest of honor this evening, who bears the crown and splendor of Torah, the distinguished Rabbi Saadia, son of Rabbi Shalom. Bareket lives up to its name: a precious jewel, a precious stone. When I look at the other communities and cities of Israel, I can point to this place as a unique community that preserves the traditions of its ancestors and observes Shabbos properly. One can truly say, “You are altogether beautiful, my beloved, and there is no blemish in you.” Ladies and gentlemen, it is no accident that the honored Rabbi has merited to take up the mantle of the rabbinate today, especially in this parsha. Ladies and gentlemen, it says, “You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself in all your gates.” “You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself.” That means the body that chose him must also accept his authority. Here is a story that illustrates the point. When Rabbi Chaim, author of the Divrei Chaim, was appointed rabbi of his city, the head of the communal committee staged a dispute to be brought before the rabbi. He told a widow to summon him, the committee head, to a din Torah over a disagreement between them. The widow went weeping to the rabbi, the author of the Divrei Chaim, and said, “I have a dispute with the head of the community.” What did the rabbi do, having been appointed that very day? He sent his attendant and told him, “Summon him to a din Torah.” The rabbi’s attendant went to him and said, “The rabbi summons you to a din Torah.” He replied, “What? I chose him, and he’s going to summon me? I’m not going.” The attendant returned to the rabbi dejected and told him, “He refuses.” The rabbi said, “Go again,” and the same thing happened. When the attendant came back empty-handed a third time, the rabbi said, “Go and summon him. If he doesn’t come, tell him in my name: I decree that he be placed under a ban and excommunicated.” At that, the head of the community came immediately, shook the rabbi’s hands, apologized, and said, “Yasher koach. Mazal tov. I

31:46 Speaker 33 wanted to see whether you would show favoritism to the person who chose you. But you stood firm. Yasher koach. That is how it should be.” “You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself”—even the body that chose them. We also see something very interesting in this parsha: “If a matter of judgment is too difficult for you, between blood and blood, between one ruling and another, and between one affliction and another.” Some declare pure and others impure; some find a person innocent and others guilty; some rule kosher and others treif. If they cannot reach agreement, “you shall arise and go up” to the Great Court in Jerusalem. The Gemara says that if the person accepts the ruling of the Great Court, excellent. If not, he returns to his city and rules according to his own opinion, against the Great Court. He has the status of a rebellious elder. And it is known that this law applies only if he is a great halachic authority, someone qualified to sit on the Sanhedrin. Otherwise, if he is an ordinary person, he cannot be a rebellious elder. He is an elder learned in halachah, but he defies the Great Court. The author of the Sefer HaChinuch teaches a great principle, ladies and gentlemen: the stoning of a rebellious elder serves to preserve the Torah in its entirety. Ladies and gentlemen, perhaps—even perhaps—the rabbis of Israel erred. It is possible. But for there to be one Torah, everyone must be subject to the Great Court. Surely there are wise men in this community, outstanding Torah scholars. Surely there are; I believe Israel has not been left bereft. But to prevent differing opinions and many disputes—as the Sefer HaChinuch says, G-d forbid, the Torah could become many different Torahs—the Torah established that everyone must accept the authority of the Great Court. Every rabbi in his community is its judge. He determines its halachic rulings. Everyone must heed him. Then the Torah remains united. The Sefer HaChinuch elaborates on this at length and explains the Gemara’s account of the oven

34:35 Speaker 33 of Achnai. When Rabbi Nasan asked Eliyahu what Hakadosh Boruch Hu was doing, Eliyahu said that Hakadosh Boruch Hu smiled, rejoiced, and said, “My children have prevailed over Me, My children have prevailed over Me.” What does “My children have prevailed over Me” mean? The dispute is well known; I won’t go on at length. In the dispute over the oven of Achnai, Rabbi Eliezer maintained his position against all the Sages of Israel. The account makes clear that Hakadosh Boruch Hu agreed with Rabbi Eliezer’s view, but said, “My children have prevailed over Me,” because I wrote in the Torah, “Follow the majority.” That is how the halachah must be decided. That is why He said, “My children have prevailed over Me, My children have prevailed over Me”: there must be one Torah, a united Torah, which must not, G-d forbid, become many Torahs. We have come to know our friend, the distinguished mara d’asra, as a true Torah scholar and a G-d-fearing man. As the Gemara says, “The faith of your times shall be the strength of your salvation, wisdom, and knowledge; fear of Hashem is his treasure.” Even if he has studied the entire Talmud, all six orders of the Mishnah—“faith” refers to the order of Zeraim, “your times” to the order of Moed, and so on—above all, if he has fear of Hashem, then it is his treasure. If not, he has nothing. With fear of Heaven burning within this rabbi, this Torah scholar, Hakadosh Boruch Hu will surely help him lead this community with distinction and glory, and raise its people and the community to great heights. That depends on the rabbi, certainly, but it also depends on us, the residents. If we all listen to him, especially the wise elders of the community, they will surely set an example for everyone. How fortunate when elders heed even those younger than themselves. But our Sages have already spoken of an elder who is young and wise: an elder is one who has acquired wisdom. Therefore, from this platform, at this gathering, I bless the honored Rabbi that he lead his congregation beside tranquil waters. Fortunate are you. Fortunate is the community that merited to choose this rabbi and crown him with the mantle of the rabbinate. May the pleasantness of Hashem be upon you. He will surely lead

37:43 Speaker 33 you beside tranquil waters, with calm and serenity, until the coming of the righteous Redeemer. Amen and amen.

37:54 Speaker 34 Amen and amen. Yasher koach to Rabbi Azaria Basis, who shed some light for us in honor of the mara d’asra and for us, the community, on the rabbi’s role and on our role in accepting his authority. The words of the Rabbi of Rosh HaAyin will surely provide us with a foundation and help us, and will help the rabbi in his esteemed community with his difficult task. May it be at a good and successful time for him. Thank you very much, Rabbi Azaria Basis. We now invite the next person to offer a blessing, Rabbi Yekusiel Hoffman, Rabbi of Mevo Modi’in. Please.

38:50 Speaker 35 Distinguished guests. I want to say a few things, not things I prepared, but things that come from the depths of my heart. First of all, the Torah says, “According to all that they instruct you.” We see that many things have the force of Torah law. There are many things our Sages commanded, things the rabbis commanded, and enactments that rabbis in our generation make, each for his community and his generation. We ask: Where do we get the authority to do that? The Torah says, “According to all that they instruct you,” and the Rambam indeed teaches that this gives it the force of Torah law: someone who does not listen to the rabbi is considered to be violating a Torah commandment. That is how important it is to follow the rabbi’s rulings. I want to say that there is something spiritual about this occasion; something is happening from Heaven. First of all, “In a multitude of people is the King’s glory.” And here we see Rabbi Saadia like a king. I want to tell you that the great Torah sages have said that when a rabbi receives an official appointment in his community—when the community chooses him and accepts him as its rabbi, and he assumes the authority of rabbi and kohen in his community—he receives special assistance from Heaven. Whatever he does, whatever he studies, even if he was already a Torah scholar before, even if he already studied halachah, now new questions come to him, practical questions, and he needs special assistance from Heaven. At this occasion, Rabbi Saadia is being given that assistance from Heaven. Know that in everything he says, he is helped from Above to truly find the halachah and bring its true ruling to light. Beyond that, it must be said that however brilliant and great in Torah Rabbi Saadia is, the community has a very, very important role. It is important to build up the rabbi. The more the community supports him, asks him questions, and learns from him through close attendance—for attending to Torah scholars is greater

41:38 Speaker 35 than studying—the more each person who attends to the rabbi merits Torah and great heights in Torah, beyond what study alone can bring. You cannot understand the full intent of our Sages, of blessed memory, from books alone; it is a tradition passed down from generation to generation. The rabbi is the one who guides the community in everything it does and leads it spiritually. “Exile yourself to a place of Torah.” Here, Moshav Bareket is a place of Torah; we know it. There are all the Torah scholars who study and live here, and the many classes held here. It is a place renowned for Torah, and now it has a shepherd for the community. We wish him mazal tov and great success.

42:44 Speaker 3 Thank you very much to the rabbi of Mevo Modi’im, Rabbi Yekusiel Hoffman. He made two important points: the holy community of Bareket is a community that demands serious work and a high standard from its rabbi. And surely this community also understands the second point Rabbi Hoffman emphasized: whatever the rabbi says is not merely a matter of knowledge; he has assistance from Heaven. Therefore, even if he tells you that left is right, or the reverse, “You shall do according to all that they instruct you.” Thank you very much, Rabbi Yekusiel Hoffman. And before the ble—before we hear the address of the mara d’asra upon his installation, we will invite the rabbi of the Chabad neighborhood in Lod, Rabbi Boaz Baruch Yurkowitz, to share words of Torah and blessing. Please.

44:17 Speaker 4 It is a great honor for me to take part in this joyous occasion of the rabbi’s installation. I bless him with success, with blessing and success. Two words—words the Rebbe used most often in giving blessings, the channels for all blessings—are these two words: “blessing and success.” May Hakadosh Boruch Hu grant that all the blessings come to pass, and that the blessings and hopes the Rebbe has for a rabbi and a community be fulfilled in full. This occasion reminds me of the month of Elul. The Alter Rebbe explains what the month of Elul is. According to Kabbalah, Elul is the time when the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy are revealed. And yet it is not called a festival. It is not a Yom Tov; everyone goes about their work. So the Alter Rebbe explains that in the month of Elul, the king is in the field. A king wants to draw close to his people, and he senses that when he sits in his royal palace, the people do not approach him. There is a distance between them. Even if the doors are open, the people are afraid and do not feel comfortable entering to see the king. So, for one month, the king leaves his palace and goes about the field, so that any ordinary person can approach him. When the king is in the field, the ordinary person, being a person of the field, feels able and comfortable approaching him. That is the time of the month of Elul. Elul is when the king is in the field. Everyone can, and must, accept the king’s sovereignty. One of the main purposes is for the people to accept the yoke of his kingship. That is what happens every Elul, and that is also what is happening at this occasion where we stand now: accepting his authority. What

47:24 Speaker 4 does it mean, “Who are kings? The rabbis.” A rabbi, our Sages said, is called a king. Accepting his authority means installing the king and the community’s accepting his authority, being ready to listen to him. As explained in Chassidus, this acceptance—the people’s willingness to listen to what the rabbi, the king, tells them and decrees for them—itself strengthens the king and gives him the will to rule. And when he has that will, [unclear], a positive influence is drawn down to the entire community. May he succeed in his work, and may his rulings in Torah disputes be like those in the story of the Megaleh Amukos, who was a rabbi in Lemberg, in Lublin, and was thinking of leaving his rabbinic position. Suddenly, a case came before him.

48:40 Speaker 5 First, let us welcome the rabbi of Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi shlita, and Rabbi Shalom Yefet Matuf. Welcome, and please honor us by coming up to the stage. A warm welcome.

49:08 Speaker 4 The story.

49:12 Speaker 5 Come closer.

49:20 Speaker 4 The Megaleh Amukos had a very interesting case come before him. There was a simple Jew who sold baked goods in the market. He baked rolls and sold them. Once, a great Torah scholar approached him to buy some of his rolls. He began talking with him and saw that this seller, this baker, was himself a Torah scholar. The wealthy man buying the rolls asked him, “Why don’t you study all day? Why are you occupied with this work, selling these rolls?” The baker did not answer. So the wealthy man said, “I have a kollel, and I have a proposal for you: come to me, and I will support you and your family. Why should you go out and sell the rolls you make?” The man agreed and joined the wealthy man’s kollel. After a short while, though, he was no longer there. The wealthy man had traveled far away, and when he returned, he saw that the Torah scholar, the baker, was no longer in his kollel. He found him back in the market. He asked him, “I don’t understand. We agreed that you would study in my kollel, and suddenly I see you out here.” So the wealthy man brought the baker before the rabbi for a din Torah. The wealthy man said, “We agreed that you would sit and study in my kollel.” The baker went with him to the Megaleh Amukos to have him rule on whether he had to stop baking and return to the kollel. The Megaleh Amukos asked the baker, “Why did you break the agreement?” The baker gave him a very interesting answer. He said, “When I was in the kollel, I studied all day, and it was very pleasant. But I forgot about the Giver of the Torah.” That is what he said. “When I bake, then

52:01 Speaker 4 All the time, I ask Hakadosh Boruch Hu to give me success: while I’m baking, that the baking should go well, and afterward, when I sell it, that people should buy it. So I’m constantly asking and praying to Hakadosh Boruch Hu. As a result, I feel Hashem’s presence every moment. But when I’m occupied with my studies, I might forget. So for the pleasure of remembering Hakadosh Boruch Hu all the time, I didn’t want a livelihood that would have me go off to... That’s why I wanted to go back to being a baker.” When the Megaleh Amukos heard these words from the wealthy man, the baker, he said, “If there are Jews like this in this town, Jews who remember Hashem and are constantly connected to Him, then it’s worthwhile for me to be their chief rabbi.” May the Rebbe help. Here, boruch Hashem, we have a moshav of tayere Yidden, very precious people. They learn a great deal and work hard with their hands, combining the two. They have much fear of Heaven and remember Hakadosh Boruch Hu all the time. May it be His will that the rabbi, the mara d’asra, succeed and make this place a place of Torah, a Chassidic place, a place where the Rebbe will be very pleased with his activities. Mazel tov! Mazel tov!

53:55 Speaker 6 Thank you very much. Those were words of Torah and blessing from the rabbi of the Chabad neighborhood in Lod, Rabbi Yurkovitz shlita. And tonight we need to say the Selichos prayers. In fact, we’ve already begun. Let’s feel that it’s starting, that we’re beginning Selichos with joy. We ask your patience, and ask the speakers, rabbis and distinguished guests who follow to keep it a little, a little... Now we’ll proceed to the installation ceremony. These things aren’t written in the Shulchan Aruch, but they are part of installation ceremonies in Jewish communities. We are honored to invite the mara d’asra to the installation ceremony, together with Rabbi Azaria Basis. Please, the mara d’asra, Rabbi Saadia Ben Shalom Ma’atuf shlita, together with Rabbi Azaria Basis.

55:13 Speaker 7 Long live the king; may all his enemies be vanquished. Long live the king; may all his enemies be vanquished. Long live the king; may all his enemies be vanquished. Long live the king; may all his enemies be vanquished. Long live the king; may all his enemies be vanquished. Long live the king; may all his enemies be vanquished. May the king be granted life and abundant, good remembrance. May the king be granted life and abundant, good remembrance. May the king be granted life and abundant, good remembrance. May the king be granted life and abundant, good remembrance. May the king be granted life and abundant, good remembrance.

56:46 Speaker 8 Let’s stand, everyone.

56:50 Speaker 7 Blessed are You, Hashem our G-d, King of the universe, Who has granted us life, sustained us and brought us to this time. Amen. Hallelujah. Praise the King Who chose Israel from among all the nations and tongues. May the sound of my song be heard from between the two cherubim, and may He bring relief to Your people [unclear] every day. Master, the righteous King, forever and ever. Hallelujah.

57:59 Speaker 8 Long live our master, our teacher and our Rebbe.

58:04 Speaker 7 Our teacher and our Rebbe. Long live our master, our teacher and our Rebbe.

58:13 Speaker 8 We are honored to invite the esteemed mara d’asra, Rabbi Saadia Ben Shalom Ma’atuf shlita, to deliver his installation address, with great honor and much success.

58:29 Speaker 7 Rabbi Baruch Yolkovitz, Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi, Rabbi Yekusiel Hoffman, Rabbi Azaria Basis. With the permission of the elders and distinguished members of the community, the chairman of the moshav committee, and our dear guests. My teachers and gentlemen, dear brothers, good evening and a good new month to everyone. We stand at the threshold of holy and lofty days, the days of the month of mercy and Selichos. These are special days marked by “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine,” days especially suited to anyone who wishes to return and draw close to Hashem, fulfilling “Return, Israel, to Hashem your G-d.” The question is well known: What makes these days different from all the other days of the year? After all, a person can do teshuvah throughout the year. As we ask three times each day in the Shemoneh Esrei prayer, “Bring us back to You in complete teshuvah,” and anyone who comes to purify himself is helped. The explanation is that, for one thing, when Moshe Rabbeinu ascended on high, it was on Rosh Chodesh Elul, and on Yom Kippur he descended with the message, “I have forgiven, as you said.” In other words, it was specifically during these days that his prayers for the decree to be annulled were accepted. Therefore, these days are an especially favorable time, and so we begin saying Selichos this evening, Rosh Chodesh Elul. There is another reason, given in the Alter Rebbe’s Likkutei Torah: Elul is an exalted time when the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy shine openly. This is alluded to in the verse, “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine, he who grazes among the roses.” The initial letters of “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” spell Elul. “He who grazes among the roses”—a rose has thirteen petals, alluding to the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy that are revealed during Elul. It also gives the analogy of a king: before he enters the city, its people go out to meet him and greet him in the field. There, anyone who wishes may go out to greet him, and he receives everyone graciously and shows them a smiling face. As he goes into the city, they follow him. But afterward, when he enters his royal palace, no one may enter without permission, and even then, only the select among the people and a privileged few. And so

1:02:02 Speaker 7 by analogy, during Elul we go out into the field to greet the light of His blessed countenance. This is the illumination of the Thirteen Attributes of Mercy, and Hakadosh Boruch Hu receives everyone graciously. This is the secret of the special quality of these days of Elul: they are set apart for teshuvah. My teachers and gentlemen, it is well known that everything that happens is by Divine Providence. This ceremony was set for Rosh Chodesh Elul, the day we begin studying Parshas Shoftim, which opens with the command, “You shall appoint judges and officers for yourself in all your gates.” Later, there is another command to heed the Great Court in Jerusalem, as the verse says: “You shall act according to the word they tell you from that place which Hashem will choose, and you shall take care to do all that they instruct you.” In our parsha we also learn about the mitzvah of appointing a king: “You shall surely appoint over yourself a king whom Hashem your G-d will choose.” And our Sages said, “Who are kings? The rabbis.” The Hebrew word for installation, hachtarah, comes from the root keser, crown. Keser has a numerical value of 620: the 613 mitzvos of the Torah and the seven rabbinic mitzvos, which together total 620, the numerical value of keser. These are the 620 pillars of light, the channels through which Hashem’s will is drawn down. This is the role of a rabbi: to bring these 620 pillars of light to the community. My teachers and gentlemen, I know that the rabbinate is a position of great responsibility, particularly here in the moshav of Bareket, the holy community of Chabban—may Hashem protect them and grant them life. At the same time, we find strong statements by our Sages concerning this position. In Tractate Tamid, page 32, Alexander of Macedon asked the elders of the Negev, “What should a person do to be accepted by people?” They answered that he should despise the rabbinate and positions of authority. Likewise, the Gemara in Tractate Berachos, page 55, says that three things shorten a person’s life, one of them being conducting himself as a rabbi. And in Pesachim 87: “Woe to the rabbinate, which buries those who hold it.” Likewise, in Tractate Horayos, page 10, there is an account of Rabban Gamliel and Rabbi Yehoshua, who were on a boat, and Rabban

1:05:16 Speaker 7 Rabban Gamliel saw the wisdom of Rabbi Yehoshua. Rabban Gamliel said to him: “You have so much wisdom, yet your wisdom cannot support you on dry land, and you have to travel the seas to earn a living?” Rabbi Yehoshua replied: “Rather than wonder about me, you should wonder about Rabbi Yochanan ben Gudgeda and Rabbi Elazar ben Chisma. Their wisdom is so great that they can calculate how many drops of water are in the sea, yet they have no bread to eat or clothes to wear.” When Rabban Gamliel returned home, he sought to appoint them as leaders of the Jewish people so they could earn a respectable living. The first time he sent for them, they did not want to come and accept a position of authority. The second time, they came. Rabban Gamliel said to them: “Do you think I sought to give you power? I sought to give you servitude. The burden of the community will rest on you. Until now you were free to do as you wished; from now on you will belong to the community.” As it says in Melachim: “They spoke to him, saying, ‘If today you will be a servant to this people.’” Until now, you could study profound subjects when you wished, and study whatever your heart desired. But from now on you are bound to the Jewish people; the choice is no longer yours. That is why our Sages expounded on the verse “And I will place them at your heads” that the wrongs committed by the people rest on the heads of their leaders—that is, they are their responsibility. After such forceful words from our Sages, who would dare shoulder such great responsibility? Only after many appeals and pleas from the community and its elders, and after much deliberation and many doubts, did I decide to act as a chossid and lay my doubts and questions before the Rebbe, the leader of our generation. Thank G-d, I merited a holy response expressing agreement and blessing. After the elections, I received another response with words of blessing and success. With these blessings, and with the merit of the forebears of this special community, the merit of the previous rabbi, Rabbi Shalom Matuf, may the memory of the righteous be a blessing, and his self-sacrifice for proper, pure education in our community—and surely the merit of the local residents,

1:08:30 Speaker 7 who have faithfully preserved, and continue to preserve, the moshav’s wonderful and unique character, which has no equal anywhere—with all this, we will merit Hashem’s blessing and salvation. Our Sages, of blessed memory, say in Tractate Berachos that Hakadosh Boruch Hu announces three things, one of them a good livelihood. And as our Sages say, a person does not stub a finger below unless it has been announced above. Everything is in the hands of Heaven except the fear of Heaven. So when Hakadosh Boruch Hu places a task upon a person, he must carry it out faithfully and with devotion. I know that I am taking on a very heavy burden, one that requires me to deal with many matters and with the needs of the many people who come with questions, because they need to ask the rabbi. For this, he receives strength from above. And with Hashem’s help, just as until now we have tried to welcome everyone warmly and help as much as we can, so too now anyone may approach me at any time about a halachic question or for spiritual or practical advice and guidance. My home is open to everyone, so that each person will feel comfortable coming whenever they wish, and we will do our best with the abilities Hashem has granted us. When the community appoints a rabbi, in the words of the Mishnah in Avos, “Make for yourself a rabbi,” it is for the benefit of this endeavor and for everyone’s good. That is, there should be a mutual commitment—the rabbi to the community and the community to the rabbi—and then we merit the continuation of the Mishnah: “Remove yourself from doubt.” I pray to the Creator of the world to give me strength, physically and spiritually, so that I may learn and teach, observe and fulfill, and that, G-d forbid, no error should come about through me. May we move forward in Torah and mitzvos with love and awe, and, with Hashem’s help, lead the holy community, the Chabad community, to greater heights of Torah and holiness, following the path of the previous rabbi, Rabbi Shalom Yitzchak Matuf, may the memory of the righteous be a blessing. He devoted himself to the community with love and kindness, in all its affairs and customs. And as our Sages say,

1:11:38 Speaker 7 “Those who are already eager are the ones we urge on”: to continue strengthening Torah classes, strengthening the love and bond between husband and wife and between one person and another; to uphold the sanctity of Shabbos, a kosher table, modesty, and concern for our children’s education in the way that is right for us—all with devotion and genuine Ahavas Yisroel. Nor can I leave out a song of thanks. “I will recount the kindnesses of Hashem,” who granted me, from my youth, the privilege of dwelling in His courtyards and being among those who sit in the study hall and the holy yeshivos. I have learned much from my teachers, more from my friends than from my teachers, and more from my students than from them all—my friends who attend the classes and ask questions. As the Maharsha explains, they ask questions all the time, and through discussion and debate, the halachah becomes clearer. Thanks and blessings to everyone who worked and helped: to the chairman of the regional council, Mr. Yechiel Damti; to the deputy director-general of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Mr. Yishai Shiahu[?]; to the Bareket moshav committee, the religious committee, the election committee, all the esteemed rabbis who honored us with their presence at this occasion, and all the dear guests here with us this evening. And to you, my brothers and friends, the residents of Bareket, who each helped as you could and placed your trust in me: may Hakadosh Boruch Hu bless all the work of your hands and fulfill all your heartfelt wishes for good, materially and spiritually. And to my family: my father, my teacher and rabbi, may he rest in peace, and my mother, may she be blessed with long life, who raised me in Torah and its teachings without sparing any effort; to my brother and sister and their families, for all they have given me; and to my wife, may she live and be well, for her invaluable help. Her great devotion in taking every burden off my shoulders and bearing all the concerns of the home herself enables me to devote myself to learning, teaching, and doing this work. I will conclude with a prayer to the Creator of the world that He send our Moshiach soon: Rebuild Your house as it was at first, establish Your Sanctuary on its site, let us see it built and rejoice in its restoration. May our righteous Moshiach come speedily in our days. Amen and amen.

1:15:18 Speaker 9 And at the end of this, [unclear] with all your strength. [unclear] with all your strength. [unclear] with all your strength. [unclear] with all your strength. [unclear]. Everyone, sing! [unclear].

1:16:26 Speaker 7 We’ll keep dancing and then sit down. We’ll keep dancing and then sit down.

1:16:37 Speaker 9 [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. Where are the clapping hands? We’ll hear him again together with the child prodigy Yehuda Lamatov[?]. But you, dear and honored audience, please be patient and remain seated a little longer. Until this audience says “Amen” three times, and then we’ll begin inviting [unclear]—with Hashem’s help.

1:21:28 Speaker 10 Amos. All right, everyone.

1:21:35 Speaker 9 Esteemed and holy congregation. I am deeply moved. What do I see today? I must say: “This is the day Hashem has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” Whenever I came with my father to perform a pidyon in Moshav Bareket, after the passing of the deceased, of righteous memory, I would ask, “Have you appointed a rabbi yet?” And everyone would say, “We haven’t found the right person. Who will fill his place? Who will do everything he did? We haven’t found anyone.” As I understand it, you went twenty-three years without one. Today is a great day in your lives, residents of Bareket—elders and young men, women and children. How fortunate you are to have welcomed this great and distinguished rabbi today. May there be peace in your lives and tranquility in your homes. And I want to bless my dear friend. Once, when I came here, they told me, “This is the rabbi of the place.” I said, “Open for me the gates of righteousness; I will enter them and give thanks to Hashem. This is Hashem’s gate.” Today is a great day in my life. Many times I came to fill the place of my late father, of righteous memory, and perform a pidyon, and I continue to do so. I finished performing a pidyon just today, and went straight from one good deed to the next; yesterday I went to conduct a wedding feast for a bride and groom. So I managed to do it all. I came home, and the picture and invitation were before my eyes: You must come to Rabbi Saadia’s installation. I mustered my strength, even though I’m not feeling well, and said, “That’s it, I’m coming today.” And today I see the stars in the sky smiling, and the heavens smiling upon you, people of Bareket—you, your children and your wives. So I won’t speak any longer. There are many others who will speak. How fortunate they are to have come to bless Rabbi Saadia too. In all my days, today is a great day in my life. “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine”—they said it is Rosh Chodesh Elul. And “I am my beloved’s and my beloved is mine” is Rabbi Saadia. So I can say to you, Rabbi Saadia: “May Hashem bless you from Zion, Maker of

1:23:57 Speaker 9 heaven and earth. May Hashem bless you from Zion, and may you see the good of Jerusalem all the days of your life. And may you see children born to your children. Peace upon Israel.” “May Hashem bless you and guard you. May Hashem shine His face upon you and be gracious to you. May Hashem turn His face toward you and grant you peace. And they shall place My name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.” May all the blessings stated in the Torah, in Scripture, in the Mishnah, in halachah and in Aggadah be fulfilled in you, your children and your children’s children. Listen closely and say amen. And may this verse also be fulfilled in you: “For through me your days will be multiplied, and years of life will be added to you.” “For length of days, years of life and peace will be added to you,” to your home and to your family. And you, esteemed congregation—you and all the residents of Bareket and its leaders, the chairman of the committee, and all those who gave their support today—may this verse be fulfilled in you: “Thus shall you say to the living: Peace to you, peace to your house, and peace to all that is yours.” And one more verse says: “But you who cleave to Hashem your G-d are all alive today.” Amen and amen. May you and your children have a year of peace and tranquility. Amen, may it be His will.

1:25:12 Speaker 11 May you go from strength to strength! We thank the kohen for his warm blessings from the heart. Thank you, dear and holy congregation. We will continue to hear words of Torah and blessing in honor of this sacred occasion. With great respect, we invite the rabbi of Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi shlita, to share words of Torah and blessing in honor of the installation of the rabbi of Moshav Bareket. Rabbi Ashkenazi, please.

1:26:04 Speaker 12 Shh! Honored rabbis, esteemed and holy congregation, and above all, mazel tov. Mazel tov to the rabbi chosen and installed this evening, on this great and holy day. Mazel tov to us all—to you, the esteemed and holy community of Bareket, and to us, Chabad chassidim.

1:26:37 Speaker 14 Shh, please. Yes.

1:26:40 Speaker 12 In the choice of this rabbi, whom I have known for many, many years, I see a merging of the holy, pure tradition of Yemenite Jewry with the Torah and holiness of Chabad Chassidus. The two have come together in the rabbi you have chosen: the tradition of Yemenite Jewry, with all its customs and halachos, together with the love and devotion that Chabad Chassidus has taught us—a chossid in the Rebbe’s army. And, boruch Hashem, you have merited to choose a young man who is an av rach—literally, a young father. Though young in years, he is a father in wisdom, a father in understanding. Above all, it is not enough for a rabbi to know the four sections of the Shulchan Aruch. He must also be well versed in its fifth section. And indeed, as I know Rabbi Saadia, I have discussed many matters with him—various problems and questions of halachah. In addition to his broad knowledge of Torah and Chassidus, he has the right approach. This is the fifth section a rabbi needs: how to engage with the community wisely and thoughtfully, and above all with devotion, dedication and humility. I am reminded of the words the Rebbe said to me twenty years ago, when I entered the rabbinate. I was in yechidus with the Rebbe. The Rebbe was speaking about serving as a rabbi, and at the end of the yechidus he said to me: “Since Divine Providence chose you to be a moreh tzedek, one who rules on halachic questions...” At the time, Kfar Chabad had two rabbis. There was Rabbi Trebnik, of blessed memory, whom most of the community surely knew, remembered and studied under, and I was chosen as a moreh hora’ah, a moreh tzedek, as it is called. The Rebbe told me: “Moreh tzedek is abbreviated ‘motz,’ as it is called in Yiddish. Motz sounds like matzah. The difference between chametz and matzah is that chametz rises—an expression of self-importance and arrogance. Matzah represents bittul, self-effacement.” This difference between

1:29:52 Speaker 12 chametz and matzah is also explained at length in Chassidus, in Likkutei Torah. Matzah signifies a person’s self-effacement: setting himself aside and not regarding his own importance as important. The Rebbe said to me: “Since Divine Providence chose you to be matzah, may Hashem help you attain the quality of ‘Let my soul be like dust to all.’ And remember: the more you attain ‘Let my soul be like dust to all,’ the more you will attain ‘Open my heart to Your Torah.’” Those were the holy words I merited to hear from the Rebbe. And indeed, a Chassidic rabbi, a rabbi who studied in Tomchei Temimim, who was educated in the path of the Rebbe, the leader of our generation, knows his role and his mission as a rabbi. It is a matter of bittul. He does not consider himself important. He knows that sometimes he must do things that might seem beneath his dignity. What matters is to love people and bring them close to the Torah, each and every one. Even Moshe Rabbeinu, when he had to carry a lamb on his shoulders—or King David, who carried a lamb on his shoulders—did not think of his dignity. He knew he had to lift the lamb, so he lowered himself in order to lift up another Jew. And that is the distinctive quality of a rabbi who studied at the Tomchei Temimim yeshivah. When the Rebbe Rashab founded the Tomchei Temimim yeshivah, he said: “Anyone who goes out to fight in the war of the house of David writes a bill of divorce for his wife.” When he founded the yeshivah to train rabbis and halachic authorities, their mission was to fight the war of the house of David. What was King David’s distinction, his greatness? The Gemara in Tractate Eruvin says that he ruled on halachah, and “Hashem was with him”—the halachah followed his ruling. There were many speakers then, many who could engage in intricate debate, many who knew how to fight the battle of Torah, but the halachah followed King David. Tonight, too, we have called this evening “the installation of the rabbi.” What do the words “the installation of the rabbi” mean? The Rebbe explains

1:32:22 Speaker 12 In one of his holy sichos. When you look in the Rambam, you see that he writes in the laws of Torah study: “One who wishes to merit the crown of Torah.” Why the expression “the crown of Torah”? It does not say to merit the wisdom of Torah, its understanding, or its knowledge. “One who wishes to merit the crown of Torah” must do this and this and this. In four or five halachos, the Rambam explains how a person should conduct himself, and how he should conduct himself with his family, in order to merit the crown of Torah. But he does not explain what “the crown of Torah” means. What is the crown of Torah? The Rebbe explains in one place in Likkutei Sichos. The Gemara says in Tractate Megillah: “One who makes use of the crown passes away.” The Gemara explains that this refers to someone who makes use of a person who teaches halachos. In other words, “crown” means a crown. What is the crown of Torah? It means that one who wishes to merit the crown of Torah seeks to arrive at the true halachic ruling. For the Rambam, this is the standard, and all the more so for each and every one of us. What should a Jew aspire to in Torah study? What level should he want and strive to reach? To be able to issue halachic rulings, to merit arriving at the truth of Torah. And indeed, that is the strength of a rabbi. That is why we call this evening “the crowning of the rabbi”—using the word “crown.” Why? Because the rabbi and the crown are one. A rabbi’s role is to give halachic guidance and issue rulings, but above all he needs fear of Heaven, so that Hashem will help him arrive at the truth of Torah. I am certain, absolutely certain, because I have known Rabbi Saadia for many years. He is endowed with fear of Heaven; his fear of Heaven precedes his wisdom, and therefore Hashem is surely with him, and the halacha follows his rulings. May it be His will that he merit to raise many more people devoted to Torah, and to lead this holy, magnificent community, which, thank G-d, has raised dozens upon dozens of young married scholars great in Torah and Chassidus—Temimim

1:34:43 Speaker 12 in the fullest sense, complete in Torah, complete in fear of Heaven, and complete in Chassidus. May Hashem help him lead his community to the wellsprings of Torah and wisdom, and raise the standing of the Jewish people, of Torah, and of the rabbinate. May we merit to see and go out to greet our king, Moshiach Tzidkeinu, very soon. Amen and amen.

1:35:07 Speaker 15 Amen and amen. Thank you very much to the rabbi of Kfar Chabad, Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi, for his words of Torah, guidance, encouragement, and strength. Thank you to Rabbi Menashe Zechariah, rabbi of Rosh HaAyin, for honoring us with his presence. We will continue with our speakers, with one small, modest request to them and to you: please be brief. We will also invite the child Yehuda Maatuf, but not before we invite the next speaker. Continuing Rabbi Mordechai Ashkenazi’s remarks about the modesty and humility of the local rabbi: these are a direct continuation of the character, qualities, conduct, tolerance, and devotion of the previous rabbi, the distinguished Rabbi Shalom Yitzchak, of blessed memory. At the end of one of the poems he wrote, he said—and I quote: “I sign my name at the end of every letter. [unclear] May He place an abundance of spirit before my eyes and guide me on the well-trodden path.” So too, may Hakadosh Boruch Hu guide our esteemed rabbi, Rabbi Saadia, on the well-trodden path. Those were the words of Rabbi Yitz—Rabbi Shalom ben Yitzchak. This is our opportunity to ask his son, Mr. Avraham ben Shalom, chairman of the local committee, to offer a blessing on behalf of our hosts to the esteemed rabbi and this holy gathering. Mr. Avraham ben Shalom, please.

1:37:17 Speaker 16 Good evening, distinguished and holy gathering. This time, unlike my usual practice, I am reading from a written text, so please forgive me if I’m a little awkward. Blessed is Hashem, to Whom belong might, greatness, and glory, for bringing us to this occasion. Blessed is Hashem and blessed is His name. Esteemed rabbis, shlita; elders of the community—may Hashem grant them long, good, and pleasant years. And finally, our guest of honor, Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Maatuf, rabbi of Moshav Bareket. Distinguished and holy gathering, may Hashem grant you life: welcome, welcome to all the residents of Bareket and all the guests who have come to honor us at this celebration. Blessed is He Who has granted us life, sustained us, and brought us to this time. Moshav Bareket. Koheles—excuse me. Koheles says: “For everything there is a season, and a time for every purpose.” After several attempts over the years to appoint a rabbi in our moshav, since the passing of my father, teacher, and rabbi, Rabbi Shlomo Yitzchak, of blessed memory, it has fallen to you, esteemed Rabbi Saadia, to assume this distinguished position in our moshav, Moshav Bareket. I congratulate you on meriting to lead this holy community, whose foundations are in the holy mountains, with deep, strong roots that stood an important test in the history of the Jewish people. According to tradition, our ancestors from the city of Abas [?] were the first exiles sent by King Shlomo to refine silver for the Queen of Sheba. Since then, we have held fast to the Torah of our ancestors through those two thousand years—two thousand years of exile—until today. You therefore face a difficult task, Rabbi Saadia: to unite the community, bridge its differences, and preserve the customs of our people. Throughout the generations, those customs helped us endure as proud, courageous Jews, both in the Land of Israel and abroad. I see your selection as a Divine decree, not the result of anyone’s influence. On this I will quote from our sources. In Parshas Pinchas, Moshe asks Hashem: “Let Hashem, the G-d of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the community, who will go out and who

1:40:33 Speaker 16 will come in before them.” And what does He say in the next verse? “Hashem said to Moshe: Take Yehoshua, a man in whom there is spirit.” And not only that, but in our parsha, the weekly parsha, Parshas Shoftim, it says: “You shall surely appoint over yourself a king whom Hashem your G-d will choose.” We see from this that the choice is in Hashem’s hands, in Hashem’s hands. And what does “the G-d of the spirits of all flesh” mean? In light of the teaching of Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa: “Anyone with whom people are pleased, Hashem is pleased with him.” I hope this teaching will be fulfilled in you and that you will know how to lead the community in accordance with Rabbi Chanina ben Dosa’s words. To this distinguished gathering, I would like to recall two teachings from Pirkei Avos. Rabban Gamliel the Elder, who was head of the Sanhedrin, says: “Make for yourself a rabbi and remove yourself from doubt.” Rabbi Yehoshua ben Perachiah says: “Make for yourself a rabbi and acquire for yourself a friend.” May these two teachings guide our steps. May we rise to their standard and give the rabbi the respect he deserves. My blessings, on my own behalf, on behalf of the moshav committee, and on behalf of all the residents, go to Rabbi Saadia. May it be His will to fulfill in you the words, “For they will lengthen your days and add years of life to you.” And to all those who worked and labored to bring the rabbi’s installation ceremony to this point: my blessings to them, wherever they are, in the words of Boaz to Rus: “May Hashem repay your deed, and may your reward be complete”—complete from Hashem, the G-d of Israel, for the honor of His blessed name. In closing, I want to note something important, an instance of a tzaddik’s foresight: when the Lubavitcher Rebbe instructed Rabbi Saadia shlita to remain in Moshav Bareket as the Rebbe’s shliach here, he apparently had this festive occasion in mind. And when I was with the Rishon LeTzion, Rabbi Mordechai Eliyahu shlita, today, I asked him for his blessing for Rabbi Saadia. He made me his messenger for the mitzvah and told me: “A person’s emissary is like himself.” So I bless you in his name with blessings and success. I will conclude: May Hashem bless all of you; may Hashem your G-d

1:43:49 Speaker 16 increase you a thousandfold and bless you and us, as He promised. Happy holiday! Thank you very much.

1:44:02 Speaker 17 Yasher koach, chazak uvaruch, to the head of the local council, Rabbi Aharon ben Shalom. What a wonderful and moving thought you suggested. It is not speculation, and I can hardly say “apparently”: a tzaddik’s foresight is certain and clear. Now we will invite the representative of the head of the Modiin Regional Council, Mr. Yechiel Damti, who was unable to come and honor us with his presence. But his heart is certainly with us, and his representative, Mr. Itzik Damti, is here. Please give us your blessing and that of the council chairman, Mr. Yechiel Damti. Itzik Damti, please.

1:44:56 Speaker 18 Good evening. Ladies, distinguished guests, holy gathering. This evening I want to wish you, Rabbi Saadia Maatuf, blessing and success on behalf of my brother, the chairman of the Modiin Regional Council, who could not come because of illness—may he be well. Blessing and success with all my heart. Go from strength to strength. Thank you.

1:45:27 Speaker 17 “And he said to the reapers, ‘Hashem be with you.’” Thank you, Itzik Damti. Your blessing was brief, but its content was great and abundant. May it be fulfilled down here, within ten handbreadths. And Elisha among the sons of the prophets—he, too, is quite a powerhouse, not just talk. And this whole beautiful evening that we have merited to reach, to come this far. Elisha Hillel, a member of the local council—and what else? A member of the religious council, too. Your blessing for the local rabbi, for this holy community, for this distinguished and exalted occasion. Elisha Hillel, please. Good evening, holy and distinguished audience. With the permission of those presiding at this head table, with the permission of the guest of honor this evening, the local rabbi, Rabbi Saadia Matuf shlita, dear guests and residents: “This is the day Hashem has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.” This is the day of Rosh Chodesh Elul, the month of mercy and forgiveness. This is the day our community, numbering about a thousand people, has awaited for twenty-five years. It is no small thing for an entire community to remain orphaned, without a spiritual leader. Yet, to our great joy, our community is blessed with a devout religious population that zealously preserves its religious character, both in the education of its children and in the community’s conduct throughout its life. While another community might have fallen apart religiously and spiritually without, without a spiritual shepherd, our community, precisely through this long absence of one, has clearly demonstrated its strength, the enduring vitality and depth of its deeply rooted values. Not even the winds have, G-d forbid, uprooted a single tree or sapling from the orchard called Bareket. In it, the verse has been fulfilled in practice: “For Hashem will not forsake His people, nor abandon His inheritance.” Moshe Rabbeinu, peace be upon him, said in his prayer and request: “Let Hashem, the G-d of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation, who will go out before them and come in before them, who will lead them out and bring them in, so that Hashem’s congregation will not be like sheep without a shepherd.” Yes, four thousand years ago—and today, too—the prayer and request of the master of the prophets is relevant

1:48:54 Speaker 17 and fitting for every community and every congregation. Indeed, tonight’s guest of honor, my teacher and rabbi, Saadia ben Shalom Matuf, is a present-day Yehoshua bin Nun. He will go—he will go before the congregation and after it. He will lead and guide it in Hashem’s way. Yet the joy of this evening is tinged with a little sadness, because the modest figure of the elected rabbi’s father, Shalom Yosef Matuf, is absent. He worked devotedly to educate his son from early childhood through his adolescence and young adulthood, ensuring that he studied only in religious Torah institutions. Those years of education have indeed produced this blessed, magnificent fruit. Though his late father is not here in body this evening, his spirit is surely among us and shares in this occasion with us all. May his memory be blessed. In closing, this is the time, at this distinguished gathering, for us all to declare our loyalty to our holy Torah. Let us also declare our loyalty to our chosen leader, who will guard that which is holy. Let all of us, without exception, young and old, unite in true unity around the shepherd of this holy flock. And let us pray to Hakadosh Boruch Hu to place understanding in our hearts, so that we may understand, listen, gain insight and teach, and to instill among us love and unity, peace and friendship, and bring the righteous redeemer speedily in our days. Amen, may it be His will. Thank you very much.

1:50:59 Speaker 19 For all Israel is righteous, [unclear]. You would reap goodness and reap life. For all Israel is righteous, [unclear]. You would reap goodness and reap life. Long life, peace, peace; [unclear]. And He will send blessing in the work of our hands, [unclear] peace. Long life, peace, peace; [unclear]. And He will send blessing in the work of our hands, [unclear] peace.

1:51:53 Speaker 17 Amen to your song, Shalom Hillel, amen and amen. And Elisha [?] expresses his heartfelt, sincere blessing on behalf of your distinguished community to the esteemed Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Matuf. I was asked to say that one of the women of Bareket, formerly of Bareket, [unclear], requested that the words of Torah also be in memory of Simcha Ovadia ben Mansour, who was taken from us many years ago while still young. The eve of Rosh Chodesh Elul is the anniversary of his passing. May his soul be bound in the bond of life. Also, earlier, Rabbi Asher Gadlo shlita, the regional rabbi, came personally to honor the rabbi a few hours before the ceremony and wrote to him. He was unable to attend because of a relative’s wedding in Ashdod at which he must officiate. He came today, offered his blessing in person, and asked us to convey it this evening: he blesses his friend Rabbi Saadia Matuf with success in fulfilling his role, and that he merit to increase and glorify Torah, in good health and with satisfaction from his community. We also received a blessing from Mr. Yehoshua Yishai, deputy director-general of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, and from Professor Avner Chai Shaki, a member of the Knesset, former minister of religious affairs and a longtime fighter for the integrity of the Jewish people on the “Who is a Jew?” issue. He was unable to come, sent his blessing, and did much to make this evening happen. And now, with songs—Yehudaleh Matuf. The program continues with this wonderful, attentive audience. Is Yehudaleh with us? Welcome Yehudaleh with applause, song and music in honor of the installation, together with Shalom Hillel’s orchestra. Yehudaleh, please.

1:54:20 Speaker 20 Torah and teachers, the Torah of light [unclear]. In my younger days I took an interest; [unclear]. On silent days my voice [unclear]. Only [unclear] will leave me [unclear]. [unclear] despite [unclear]; the yetzer hara [unclear]. My physical self [unclear]; the yetzer hara [unclear]. On silent days my voice [unclear]. Only [unclear] will leave me [unclear]. Slowly, slowly, silence falls [unclear] my father. He looked at the world a little, and at the evil in people’s hearts. In my heart and with all my heart, [unclear]. Look over there, toward time, [unclear]. The fire [unclear], the sun [unclear]. [unclear] with the blue skies, [unclear] with the child [unclear]. In my heart and with all my heart, [unclear]. Do not lift the palm trees; [unclear] shadows overlapping? It is in my mouth, it is in my heart; [unclear] shadows overlapping? You will ask, you will be occupied; [unclear] shadows overlapping?

1:58:42 Speaker 21 Applause for Yaeli Zelig.

1:58:47 Speaker 20 Feather, feather, [unclear]. [unclear] a free heart; fly far away. [unclear] will come, [unclear] will come; all day long it is good for him. [unclear] will come, [unclear] will come; all day long it is good for him. On the wings of the wind [unclear], the beginning of freedom. On the wings of the wind [unclear]. [unclear].

2:00:27 Speaker 21 Give everyone a round of applause.

2:00:29 Speaker 20 So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed on every other path? [unclear]. [unclear] again. So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed on every other path? [unclear] again. [unclear] again. So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed on every other path? [unclear] again. [unclear] again. So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed? So that you may succeed on another path? [unclear] again. [unclear] again.

2:01:53 Speaker 21 Well done! [unclear]. Let’s sing one more song before he leaves. Yehudaleh, please.

2:02:06 Speaker 22 Afterward, there will also be a short round of [unclear] and dancing with joy and gladness of heart. [unclear].

2:02:15 Speaker 20 May it be Your will. May it be Your will. May it be Your will. May it be Your will, Hashem our G-d, G-d of Israel, that the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days, [unclear]. That the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days, [unclear]. That the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days, [unclear]. That the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days, [unclear]. That the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days, [unclear]. That the Beis Hamikdash be rebuilt speedily in our days, [unclear]. Many thanks to Yehudaleh Matuf, this wonderful child, a young singer. [unclear] the youth. [unclear] Yehudaleh, [unclear]. [unclear] still young. Children, children... Well done to the youth orchestra, Shalom’s orchestra from Kiryat Yehudah. A few brief words. We will soon hear a warm blessing, but not before we thank Moshe Sharon of the Yad Lakol free-loan fund for [unclear]. Thank you to Avigdor Chazan, a good neighbor from Kiryat Yehudah, for his generous donation of five hundred shekels. And the rabbinic appointment certificate. But first, a short blessing—from whom? With Hashem’s help, after the rabbi receives the rabbinic appointment certificate. A short blessing, ah, a short one from our dear Ovadia Saadia. Please. Where’s the applause?

2:07:16 Speaker 23 Good evening to this entire... holy gathering. I see all of the Jewish people here. I’m not used to speaking at a lectern like this. You know me—I only speak at the lectern at [unclear], joyfully, at the end of [unclear], as you all know. So I’m moved to be speaking here, and perhaps it isn’t even fitting for me to speak. I put together a few words to express my humble opinion. You can see that I don’t know how to speak, so I wrote them down. They may be appropriate, or they may not. You can judge afterward. Yes, judge afterward. But before I say them, I want to bless Yehuda, my boy, the son of Noach, that you too should be heard at the conclusion—or that you should sing in the Beis Hamikdash, may it be built soon. Now I want to speak. These are words; some may be good and some may not. I know that I’m an ordinary person. At home and at work, I don’t go to places where people give speeches.

2:08:48 Speaker 24 Child, child!

2:08:52 Speaker 23 With the help of Heaven, greetings to Rabbi Saadia. Saadia, if Hashem has raised you to the rabbinate, it is a very difficult task, a great burden. Moshe Rabbeinu, peace be upon him, worked hard for this people. Saadia, our parents were not quarrelsome people; they were people of kindness, from [unclear] until now. This moshav can testify to that. Saadia, you will have people who oppose you. You see that I’m not speaking well right now? You will have people who oppose you, but you must repay anyone who does you harm with good. Saadia, these next words are unpleasant, but I will say them. May Hashem save you from a hostile enemy, an oppressor, a swindler, a taker and a jealous person. Show kindness to great and small alike, and pursue peace. That was the path of the first rabbi, Rabbi Shalom Yitzchak—or, excuse me, Rabbi Yitzchak. He used to say to be among those who are insulted, not those who insult others. He would waive the honor due him. You should be like that. This is what Hakadosh Boruch Hu wants, and He will help you in everything you do. I also want to say here that Rabbi Shalom pursued peace. In every home, he too would waive the honor due him, exactly as I said here. I hope Rabbi Saadia will follow the path of Rabbi Shalom. He was an upright man, faithful to his people. And I’ll tell you, Saadia, I don’t say this lightly. Deep down I’m not happy, but this is what I hear, and I hope for it. Why do I say that? Because I know, more or less—that’s how I am. There are people, I’m sure, from the moshav and this entire holy gathering, who understand. We hope to heed the instruction, because it comes from Hashem. As that rabbi said—I saw him as a king—perhaps Hakadosh Boruch Hu is already arranging for there to be someone, and He chose specifically a humble man, a G-d-fearing man who is even bashful.

2:12:01 Speaker 23 Great and small alike. You must respect the great and the small equally. May you succeed, with Hashem’s help.

2:12:12 Speaker 25 So we bless Rabbi Saadia. Rabbi Saadia. Even if [unclear], please let us understand him, and may there be only peace and good in our community under the leadership of Rabbi Saadia Matuf. And before we conclude, as always, with song and music, with the singer, whose name is also Shalom—and this is the praise of Moshav Bareket. Even if we sometimes sound a little innocent, we are all brothers in this moshav. With praise and joy, we will bring this honored evening to a peaceful close. I just want to present the letter of appointment to the rabbinate, which bears the names of all the distinguished people who came, as well as those who joined in offering their blessings though they could not attend. To Rabbi Saadia ben Shalom Matuf, rabbi of Moshav Bareket: May he serve with distinction in the rabbinic seat of our esteemed moshav, lead Hashem’s congregation to the wellsprings of Torah and reverence for Him, increase and glorify Torah, and guide its residents along the paths of truth and peace. May it be the will of our Father in Heaven, Who chose the Torah, Moshe His servant and Israel His people, and Who returns His Shechinah to Zion in mercy, to spread His shelter of peace over us, over all Israel and over Jerusalem, His holy city, and to protect the State of Israel from every trouble and enemy. May He grant life, favor and kindness to our honored rabbi, shlita, strengthen and fortify him with understanding, and [unclear]. May he succeed in his exalted spiritual work, leading the residents of the moshav beside still waters, calmly and gently, in health, peace and serenity, for many long years. May Hashem grant him success in leading the residents of Moshav Bareket, guiding and directing them along the paths of faith and Judaism, the glory of our people and our love from generation to generation. May Hashem give him strength and power to increase the honor of Heaven and bring glory to the House of Israel and His holy land. May he serve for many years, and may his tenure be a blessing to our moshav. In his days and in ours, may Yehuda be saved, Israel dwell securely, and the redeemer come to Zion. Amen. [Unclear], and may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. To all the distinguished signatories who took part in this evening: I am happy and honored to present this to the rabbi, and to thank, on your behalf, the person who prepared

2:15:07 Speaker 25 it so beautifully and artistically, with all his heart, for the Matuf-Chamiel family, and his wife, Revital Darbo. May you have abundant favor and kindness from Heaven, and may you be inscribed and sealed for a good year. The honored rabbi is invited to come forward, receive the letter of appointment, and recite a Mi Shebeirach. [Unclear], and peace be upon you—and know how to dance until we work up a sweat. The radiance of a mitzvah is the radiance of joy. Please, honored Rabbi.

2:15:45 Speaker 26 “To you I will give this land, this land, this land,” and [unclear], “and give the blessing of the earth.” “To you I will give this land, this land, this land,” and [unclear], “and give the blessing of the earth.” Everyone, come on! Honored students, wonderful—let’s have a round of applause. “For all the land that you see, to you, to you, to you I will give it, and to your descendants forever.” “For all the land that you see, to you, to you, to you I will give it, and to your descendants forever.” “To you I will give a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of truth and life.” [Unclear], “the blessing of the earth.” “To you I will give a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of truth and life.” [Unclear], “the blessing of the earth.” “For all the land that you see, to you, to you, to you I will give it, and to your descendants forever.” “For all the land that you see, to you, to you, to you I will give it, and to your descendants forever.” “To you I will give a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of truth and life.” [Unclear], “the blessing of the earth.” “To you I will give a land flowing with milk and honey, a land of truth and life.” [Unclear], “the blessing of the earth.” Whoever wants to raise a glass for another round. Whoever wants to give a tip.

2:18:44 Speaker 27 If I have [unclear]. With the parents, with the parents.

2:18:54 Speaker 26 May He Who blessed our forefathers bless the woman Gila bas Susan, so that her husband Avigdor Hassan may merit complete health of body and soul. May Hakadosh Boruch Hu hear his prayer and save them from every trouble and distress, and from every affliction and illness. May He send him a complete recovery from his illness, speedily and soon, and let us say: Amen.

2:19:11 Speaker 27 Amen. Moshiach, Moshiach, Moshiach. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. Moshiach, Moshiach, Moshiach. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. Moshiach, Moshiach, Moshiach. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. Moshiach, Moshiach, Moshiach. Oy, oy, oy, oy, oy, oy. A piece of heaven. [Unclear] every connection. [Unclear] wherever there is love. A piece of heaven. [Unclear] wherever there is love, and love, and love, love, love.

2:20:17 Speaker 26 And all the generous people too, [unclear], I ask that you bless [unclear]. We are some of the residents of [unclear], part of this conversation, and each of you should come [unclear]. I have just finished and said [unclear]. [Unclear]. [Unclear]. Na-na-ni-ni-ni, hey-di-ni-na-ni-nu, ay-la-ya hey-da-lo-yu, ay-la-ya hey-da, oy-oy-va-nu, ay-la-ya hey-da. “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, everlasting entrances, so that the King of Glory may enter.” “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, everlasting entrances, so that the King of Glory may enter.” Ay-ya-ya-yi-yu, ay-ya-yi, ay-ya-ya-yi-yu, ay-ya-ya-yi. “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, everlasting entrances, so that the King of Glory may enter.” “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, everlasting entrances, so that the King of Glory may enter.” Ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya, ay-ya. “Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, everlasting entrances.” Ya, ya, ya. “The King of Glory. Lift up your heads, O gates, and be lifted up, everlasting entrances.” Ya, ya, ya. “The King of Glory.” This is the King of Glory. Do His will. The King did His will. [Unclear]. Do the King’s will. Do His will, and [unclear]; see what will come to you. Be strong and courageous. Ay-la-di. Di. Di. [Unclear] the yetzer hara. [Unclear] love. And may he live and endure. David, King of Israel, lives and endures. David, King of Israel, lives and endures. David lives; the King of Israel lives and endures. David, King of Israel, lives and endures. David, King of Israel, lives and endures. David, King of Israel, lives and endures. With all my strength.

2:25:38 Speaker 26 [unclear]. [unclear]. A living and enduring King, a living and enduring King, a living and enduring King. He goes before the salvation. A living and enduring King, a living and enduring King, a living and enduring King. He goes before the salvation. He and King David, and like You, blessed are You, blessed is He, King David, [unclear], mighty like King David, [unclear], mighty, and with everlasting greatness and kingship. [unclear]. Ay, ay, ay. Wah, wah, wah. Ay, ay, ay. [unclear]. Wow, wow, wow. Ay, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya. [unclear]. Ay, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya. [unclear]. Ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya.

2:29:29 Speaker 26 Ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear].

2:30:06 Speaker 28 A lively song!

2:30:07 Speaker 26 Ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya. Ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ay, ya, ya, ya, ya. Ay-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai. Ay-lai, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya. Ay-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai. Ay-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai. Ay-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai, lai-lai. Ay-lai, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya, ya. I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach; I believe. Ay, ya, ya, ya. And though he may delay, nevertheless I will wait for him, I will wait for him every day to come; I believe. Ay, ya, ya, ya. And though he may delay, nevertheless I will wait for him, I will wait for him every day to come; I believe.

2:31:23 Speaker 29 [unclear], [unclear]. Even now, now, [unclear], now.

2:31:40 Speaker 26 I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach; I believe. I believe with complete faith in the coming of Moshiach; I believe. Ay, ya, ya, ya. And though he may delay, nevertheless I will wait for him, I will wait for him every day to come; I believe. Ay, ay, ay, ay. And though he may delay, nevertheless I will wait for him every day to come; I believe. Thank you very, very much. On behalf of everyone here, I want to thank our emcee. A thousand thanks to Yosef Matuf. Hello, Yosef Matuf. Thank you. Let’s get back to the music. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. [unclear]. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. Light is sown for the righteous, and joy for the upright of heart. [unclear]. I danced with You, I danced with You.