Belz Rebbe Hospitalized, Rosh Hashanah Prayers to Be Split

The spiritual leader of the Belz Hasidic dynasty, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, was hospitalized for medical tests following a period of weakness. Thousands of Hasidim gathered at the Great Synagogue for the "First Selichot" prayer service, expecting the Rebbe's appearance, but were informed he was suffering from severe weakness and would not attend. His son, Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokeach, led the prayers instead. Shortly after, the Rebbe was transferred to Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem for comprehensive examinations.

Sources within the Hasidic community stated the tests are a follow-up to his weakness, and the public has been urged to recite Psalms for his swift and complete recovery. During a large gathering for Psalms recitation, the Rebbe's eldest grandson, Rabbi Shalom Rokeach, announced a significant change for the upcoming Rosh Hashanah (New Year) prayers, decided upon by the Rebbe himself.

Due to severe overcrowding and increasing space limitations in the main prayer hall, the prayer services will be divided. Thousands of young students will pray in a separate section, the "Groyse Shtibel," while married men (avreichim) will pray in the main hall of the Great Synagogue. The new arrangement dictates that the Rebbe will divide his time between the two locations.

For the morning prayers and Torah reading, the Rebbe will join the young students in the "Groyse Shtibel." Afterward, he will move to the main hall for the Shofar blowing ceremony and the Musaf (additional) prayer with the avreichim and other Hasidim. This decision has elicited mixed reactions, with joy among the students for the opportunity to pray with the Rebbe, and a deep hope for his speedy recovery and return home from the hospital.