Vizhnitz Rabbi Visits Afula Elite, Appoints New Community Rabbi

The Grand Rabbi of Vizhnitz, Rabbi Yisrael Hager, conducted a religious tour in Afula Elite on Sunday. The visit began at the young men's yeshiva, where he observed the students' diligence and delivered a sermon in preparation for the High Holy Days. He then proceeded to a mezuzah-hanging ceremony for four new kindergarten classrooms in the Talmud Torah institution.

Rabbi Hager was accompanied by local community rabbis, Menachem Mendel Tabak and Moshe Bentsion Luria, as well as the mayor, his deputies, and other 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, the founder and president of the Vizhnitz community in Afula.

Reflecting on the community's growth, Rabbi Hager noted that it began with only eight people and now comprises nearly 500 families. He expressed satisfaction with the ongoing expansion, citing new buildings and educational institutions, including the city's twelfth kindergarten inaugurated that day, alongside yeshivas, kollels, and a school.

In a surprise announcement, Rabbi Hager, acting on his father's instructions, appointed Rabbi Meshulam Feivish Fuerstein as the new rabbi of the 'Ahvat Yisrael' community in Afula. The appointment was met with great excitement and celebration. Rabbi Hager thanked the mayor for his support and bestowed blessings upon him. The event concluded with dancing, including a special dance with Deputy Mayor of Bnei Brak, Yehoshua Mendel, and Afula institutions manager, Yaakov Chaim Zurger. Attendees then received blessings from the visiting rabbi.