Thousands to Pray for Vizhnitz Rebbe's Health Ahead of Heart Procedure

The Vizhnitz Rebbe, Rabbi Yisrael ben Leah Esther, is scheduled to undergo a heart pacemaker implantation procedure at Hadassah Ein Kerem Medical Center in Jerusalem on Tuesday morning at 8:30 AM. In anticipation of the procedure, tens of thousands of Hasidim worldwide are being called upon to intensify their prayers for his swift and complete recovery.

Special prayer gatherings will take place in all Vizhnitz Hasidic communities, both in Israel and abroad. These will include prayers at the tomb of the Vizhnitz rebbes in Bnei Brak, near the Western Wall, at the holy site of Meron, and a group of Hasidim will travel specifically to the tomb of Rabbi Elimelech of Lizhensk in Poland to offer special prayers.

The Hasidic community is urging all of Israel to join in praying for the Rebbe's recovery, "among the sick of the people of Israel." This call for prayer comes shortly after the Rebbe presided over the joyous engagement celebration of his granddaughter, the daughter of Rabbi Yaakov Mordechai Hager, the Av Beit Din of Vizhnitz Elad. During the celebration, the Rebbe was seen encouraging singing, particularly a tune whose acronym he specially adapted for the Hebrew year 5787.