Vizhnitz Rabbi Appoints New Leader for Afula Community

Hundreds of Vizhnitz Hasidim in Afula Ilit experienced significant excitement this week with the visit of Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager, the Grand Rabbi of Vizhnitz. The visit, described as one of honor and great impression, began at the local young men's yeshiva, where Rabbi Hager observed the students' diligence and delivered a sermon in preparation for the High Holy Days. He then proceeded to inaugurate a new wing at the Talmud Torah, which includes four new kindergarten classrooms, by affixing mezuzahs.

The Rabbi was accompanied by local community rabbis, Menachem Mendel Tabak and Moshe Bentsion Luria, as well as the mayor, his deputies, and other senior public figures. The visit culminated in a large gathering for all Vizhnitz Hasidim in the city.

During the gathering, Rabbi Hager urged the Hasidim to pray for the complete recovery of his father, the Vizhnitz Rebbe, who founded and presides over the Vizhnitz community in Afula. He noted the community's growth from just eight people to nearly 500 families, fulfilling his father's vision of significant expansion. He highlighted the inauguration of the city's 12th kindergarten that day, alongside the yeshiva, kollels, and school.

In a surprise announcement, Rabbi Hager, acting on his father's instructions, appointed Rabbi Meshulam Feivish Feuerstein as the new rabbi of the 'Ahvat Yisrael' community in Afula. The announcement was met with great enthusiasm and shouts of "Mazel Tov." Rabbi Hager thanked the mayor for his support and offered blessings. He then led a spirited dance with the newly appointed rabbi, other community rabbis, and local officials, including Bnei Brak Deputy Mayor Yehoshua Mandel and Afula institution director Yaakov Chaim Zurger.

At the conclusion of the event, attendees received blessings from the visiting Rabbi.