Hasidic Leaders Lead Selichot Prayers Across US and Israel
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
Hasidic leaders and communities across the United States and Israel commenced the Selichot prayers, a pre-Rosh Hashanah penitential service. Major gatherings were held by Satmar in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and by various Rebbes in Israel, including in Meron, Ashdod, and Netanya, with some services also focusing on communal well-being and political matters.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hasidic communities began Selichot prayers led by prominent Rebbes in the US and Israel.
- Satmar Hasidim gathered in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, for a service led by their Rebbe.
- In Israel, leaders like Rabbi Biderman and various Rebbes led prayers in Meron and other locations.
- The Belz Rebbe's hospitalization prompted prayers for his recovery.
- Other events included synagogue inaugurations and communal gatherings focused on spiritual and technological matters.
Hasidic communities in the United States and Israel marked the beginning of the Selichot prayers, a penitential service recited in the days leading up to Rosh Hashanah. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, thousands of Satmar Hasidim gathered for the first Selichot service led by Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, the Satmar Rebbe. The service took place in the community's historic, recently expanded synagogue. The Rebbe, wrapped in a prayer shawl inherited from his predecessor, led the prayers.
In Israel, Rabbi Elimelech Biderman, a prominent Hasidic preacher, led Selichot prayers at the holy site of Meron, concluding his service in the early morning hours. Before the prayers, he offered a fiery "fire of holiness" in honor of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a revered sage, in the expanded sanctuary.
Other notable gatherings included Vizhnitz Hasidim in Ashdod, who celebrated the inauguration of their new "Yeshuos Moshe" synagogue. In Bnei Brak, the Belz Rebbe's eldest grandson, Rabbi Shalom Rokach, announced that thousands of students would pray separately due to space constraints, with the Rebbe himself joining the morning prayers. The Belz Rebbe was also hospitalized for medical tests, prompting widespread prayers for his recovery.
In Netanya, thousands of Sanz Hasidim attended a Selichot service led by their Rebbe, who delivered an inspiring sermon. Following the service, a special resolution was made to abstain from using email. The Alexander Rebbe visited the settlement of Emanuel in the West Bank to encourage his followers and inaugurate a new study hall. Pinsk Karlin Hasidim in Jerusalem also held their first Selichot service, with the Rebbe leading the prayers and later directing prayers for the recovery of the Vizhnitz Rebbe.
Additionally, the Krechnif Rebbe led Selichot in Rehovot. The article also touches upon other communal events, including a wedding in Kiryat Gat, a gathering for young Breslov followers, and a special event for Zwohil Hasidim focused on combating technological dangers. There were also reports on political developments within the Haredi parties, Degel HaTorah and Agudat Yisrael, regarding potential changes in Knesset representation.
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