Amukah, home to the kever of the tanna Yonasan ben Uziel, is famed as a place where tefilos for shiduchim are readily accepted. While the origins of this tradition remain shrouded in mystery, thousands of eligible young men and women make the pilgrimage there each year to ask Hashem to send them their basherte speedily.
The Talmud (Taanis 26b) teaches that the 15th of Av was celebrated as a tremendous Yom Tov, a date that was set aside for matching up Jewish couples. The eligible girls of Yerushalayim would gather in the fields on this day to be chosen by suitable young men. Building on this theme, later seforim describe the 15th of Av as a day that bears a special segulah for finding one’s zivug.
The Talmud (Taanis 31a) has more to say about the 15th of Av. "דמוסיף יוסיף ודלא מוסיף יאסף" By this date the summer solstice has passed, and the short summer nights begin to grow longer. Since the nighttime is meant to be dedicated for Torah, as of the 15th of Av we are all obligated to extend our nighttime Torah study sessions.
No one better appreciates the significance of learning Torah through the night than the elite group of men who occupy the network of Kollel Chatzos worldwide. If anyone’s prayer deserves special attention on the 15th of Av, it is that of the devoted scholars of Kollel Chatzos. And that is why they were chosen to represent Klal Yisroel in Amukah on Chamishah Asar B’Av.
In addition to this special event, Kollel Chatzos sends representatives to daven at Amukah all year round.