Yeshivat Nahar Shalom

A historic Kabbalistic yeshiva in the heart of Jerusalem, dedicated to Torah study, spiritual growth, and community support.

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Yeshivat Nahar Shalom

6 Shilo Street (corner of Agrippas Street)

Jerusalem, Israel

For mail:

P.O. Box 1884

Jerusalem 9102701, Israel

02-622-2560 / 02-622-3001

Fax: 153-775001874

m6222560@gmail.com

Sun–Thu, 9:00 AM – 7:00 PM

© 2026 Yeshivat Nahar Shalom. All rights reserved.

Donations from the United States are received by Friends of Nahar Shalom Inc., a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 27-2007035), which supports Yeshivat Nahar Shalom in Jerusalem. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.

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What's New

Pidyon Nefesh on Hoshana Rabbah

By Yeshivat Nahar Shalom Staff•September 22, 2026
Pidyon Nefesh on Hoshana RabbahKabbalist Rabbi Benayahu ShmueliSfat Emetthe Rama mi-Fano wrote that from Rosh Hashanah until the sixth hour of Hoshana Rabbah, there are 486 hoursBen Ish Chai, Year 1, Vezot Haberakhah

Beating the Willow (Chavtat HaAravah) On Hoshana Rabbah, the Four Species are set aside, and the willows (aravot) alone are taken. Our Sages explain that the willow specifically—symbolizing one who possesses neither learning (taste) nor good deeds (scent)—demonstrates the power of every Jew to draw close, be included in the collective of Israel, and ask for heavenly salvation.

beating the aravot

Pidyon Nefesh on Hoshana Rabbah

Sealing of the "Pitka Tova" (The Deliverance of a Good Decree) for a Good and Blessed Year

7 Tishrei 5787 (18/09/2026) | 09:15

With Hashem's help, our venerable teacher and master, Head of the "Nahar Shalom" Yeshivah of Kabbalists, the Kabbalist Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli (may he live long and good days), will perform a Kabbalistic Pidyon Nefesh (Ransom of the Soul) according to the intentions (kavanot) of the Rashash, on the auspicious day of Hoshana Rabbah, following the commandment of beating the aravah (willow).

Submit your names and the names of your family members, and the Rabbi will perform the redemption for you during this auspicious time. With Hashem's help, may you merit a Pitka Tova—a good and blessed year.

Details of the Event

The Pidyon Nefesh ceremony will take place, Hashem willing, on:

Friday, 21 Tishrei 5787 (02/10/2026)

Hoshana Rabbah · Following the commandment of beating the willow

  • Submitting names for Pidyon Nefesh: 51 NIS per name
  • Names may be submitted for family members and others

The Greatness of Hoshana Rabbah

Our Sages spoke extensively on the greatness of Hoshana Rabbah and the power of repentance (teshuvah) and prayer on this day:

  • 486 Hours of Repentance: The Rama mi-Fano wrote that from Rosh Hashanah until the sixth hour of Hoshana Rabbah, there are 486 hours (TaF"V hours) in which the Jewish nation repents and increases in good deeds and precious commandments (Ma'amar Hikur Din, Part 2, Ch. 24).
  • The 51st Day – A Day of Salvation: Our master, the Ben Ish Chai, wrote that from the first of Elul until Hoshana Rabbah, there are 51 days (N"A days)—days of repentance through which salvation is wrought. Therefore, the day is named Hoshana Rabbah ("Great Salvation"), as on this 51st day (N"A), there is a great salvation for man, as it is written: "Save now, grant success now" (Ben Ish Chai, Year 1, Vezot Haberakhah).
  • Inclusion of the Willow: The Sfat Emet explains that the abundance of prayers on this day is because Hoshana Rabbah is a day when even those likened to the willow—having neither taste nor scent—can be saved. From the deep awareness that man is lacking and in need of Hashem's salvation, he merits salvation (Sfat Emet, Sukkot 5650).

Beating the Willow (Chavtat HaAravah)

On Hoshana Rabbah, the Four Species are set aside, and the willows (aravot) alone are taken. Our Sages explain that the willow specifically—symbolizing one who possesses neither learning (taste) nor good deeds (scent)—demonstrates the power of every Jew to draw close, be included in the collective of Israel, and ask for heavenly salvation.

Pidyon Nefesh at an Auspicious Time

On Hoshana Rabbah, following the commandment of beating the willow, our master and teacher, the Kabbalist Rabbi Benayahu Shmueli (may he live long and good days), will conduct the Kabbalistic Pidyon Nefesh with the Rashash's intentions.

You may submit your name and the names of your family members to be included in the Pidyon Nefesh held at this auspicious time, with wishes for a Pitka Tova—a good and blessed year!

To Submit your name for a standard Pidyon Nefesh, press on the link

https://www.nahar-shalom.org/donate/pidyon-nefesh

which might not necessarily be on Hoshana Rabbah.

To ensure your participation in the Hoshana Rabba Pidyon Nefesh

Contact the Yeshiva's Jerusalem office by Wednesday the 12th of Tishrei (5787)

https://www.nahar-shalom.org/contact