Pesach seder
Photo: Yaakov Saar, GPO
Prominent rabbi: Celebrating Pesach abroad a distorted custom
'Jews must be close to the holy sites during the holiday,' Religious Zionist Rabbi Zalman Melamed writes in weekly op-ed
"There is nothing more distorted than celebrating Pesach (Passover) overseas," prominent Zionist Rabbi Zalman Melamed said in a weekly op-ed published in the Komemuyot Movement's pamphlet.
The holiday is still two-and-a-half months away, but the religious press is already filled with ads offering attractive travel deals to numerous destinations abroad.
"During the holiday, we call on people to be close to the (Jewish) holy sites, to the Land of Israel and to Jerusalem, and not drift away from holiness, God forbid," the rabbi wrote.
Melamed praised the organizers of the "Pesach Operation," which is aimed at filling the capital with worshipers during the holiday.
"Talks regarding the division of the holy city of Jerusalem, which stem from weakness and lack of faith, obligate us to strengthen our bond with (the capital)," he said in the article.
"Those who are able purchase homes in the Old City, the City of David and the surrounding area are called upon to do so."
