Hasidic Rebbes Gather for High Holidays, Attend Services and Blessings

Thousands of Hasidim from across Europe converged in Antwerp, Belgium, for Selichot prayers on the eve of Rosh Hashanah, gathering in the main prayer hall of the Pshevorsk Hasidic dynasty. The event took place in the early morning hours.

In Bnei Brak, Israel, numerous Hasidic rebbes participated in the ancient custom of "Hatarat Nedarim" (annulment of vows) to enter the new year free of any oaths. Some rebbes appeared before senior rabbis and judges, while others met with elder Hasidic figures. Photographers documented these solemn moments from various Hasidic courts, including Nadvorna, Premishlan, Sadigura, Makhanovka-Belz, Temesvar, and Modzhitz.

During Rosh Hashanah, tens of thousands of Hasidim and religious individuals filled prayer halls in Bnei Brak for services and spiritual elevation. The photographer Shuki Lerer captured images from gatherings at the end of the holiday in the courts of Vizhnitz, Darag, Sadigura, Shevet Halevi, Makhanovka-Belz, Modzhitz, and Kozmir.

The Modzhitz Rebbe experienced a health scare on the first night of Rosh Hashanah, feeling chest weakness and being taken to the hospital. Despite medical advice, he insisted on being admitted to Mayanei Hayeshua Medical Center. The following morning, he discharged himself to lead the prayers at his synagogue, with the community urged to pray for his recovery.

Other notable events included the Sanz-Klausenburg Rebbe's departure for the United States after a visit to Israel, where he prayed for hours at the Western Wall. The Nadvorna Rebbe made his first visit to his synagogue in Kiryat Gat, inspecting the ongoing construction. In Uman, Ukraine, a baby girl was born safely to a mother near the tomb of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, and a 7-year-old Israeli boy who went missing in Uman was safely returned to his parents.