Vizhnitz Leader Visits Afula, Appoints New Rabbi for Growing Community

Hundreds of Vizhnitz Hasidim in Afula Illit gathered this week for a significant visit by Rabbi Chaim Meir Hager, the Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz. The visit commenced 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 affix mezuzahs in a new wing of the Talmud Torah, which includes four newly inaugurated kindergarten classrooms.

The visit was attended by local rabbis, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Tabak and Rabbi Moshe Bentsion Luria, along with the city's mayor, his deputies, and other senior public figures. The highlight of the visit was 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 Grand Rabbi of Vizhnitz, who founded the Vizhnitz community in Afula.

Rabbi Hager expressed his excitement about the community's growth, noting it began with just eight individuals and now comprises nearly 500 families. He pointed to the ongoing expansion of educational institutions, mentioning the inauguration of the city's 12th kindergarten that day, in addition to the existing yeshiva, kollels, and school.

In a surprise announcement, Rabbi Hager, acting on the instructions of his father, appointed Rabbi Meshulam Feivish Feuerstein as the new rabbi for the 'Ahvat Yisrael' community in Afula. The announcement was met with great enthusiasm and cheers from the assembled crowd. Rabbi Hager thanked the mayor for his support of the community and offered blessings. The event concluded with joyous dancing involving Rabbi Feuerstein, other rabbis, and community leaders, followed by attendees receiving blessings from Rabbi Hager.