Hasidic Communities Mark First Selichot Prayers of the Season

Across various Hasidic communities, the initial "Selichot" (penitential prayers) services leading up to the High Holy Days have commenced. In Williamsburg, thousands of Satmar Hasidim gathered in their newly renovated and expanded main synagogue for the first Selichot service, led by Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, who was wrapped in his father's prayer shawl. In Bnei Brak, hundreds of Alexander Hasidim convened for their first Selichot service at a temporary auditorium due to ongoing construction of their main synagogue. The Modzitz Hasidim also held their first Selichot service in their new Bnei Brak synagogue, featuring a unique sign to manage responses. The Sanz-Klausenburg Rebbe, currently in Israel, surprised his followers by remaining to lead the first Selichot service, delivering an impassioned sermon. In Petah Tikva, the Miskolcz Rebbe led the Selichot service, drawing in local residents. Thousands of Bobov 45 Hasidim gathered in Borough Park for their first Selichot, where a prayer for the recovery of the Vizhnitz Rebbe was recited. The Vizhnitz Rebbe himself, in Bnei Brak, met with elderly Hasidim ahead of the High Holy Days, while prayers for his recovery continue. Other communities, including Dushinsky, Skuleni-Lakewood, and Munkacs, also held their initial Selichot services, some with unique customs and traditions. The Belz community experienced concern as their Rebbe was initially expected to lead Selichot but was delayed due to illness, with his son leading the prayers instead. He was later taken for medical tests at Hadassah Hospital, prompting widespread prayers for his recovery. In Jerusalem, Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shchter, a senior Breslov leader, led Selichot and blew the shofar at his home. The article also notes the inauguration of a new synagogue for Vizhnitz Hasidim in Ashdod and mentions political developments within the Haredi parties.