Beitar Illit hosted a major inspirational Shabbat attended by thousands of Hasidim around the teachings of the Hasidic preacher Rabbi Elimelech Biderman. The main events were held at the Matmidim synagogue under Rabbi Mordechai Minzberg’s leadership, with crowds arriving throughout the entire Shabbat. The atmosphere was described as one of fervor, singing, devotion, and longing, and at seudah shlishit, during the later part of the Sabbath meal, Biderman extended the gathering deep into the night. After the time according to Rabbenu Tam, musical instruments were brought to the tish.
The article also reports that, because of Israel’s emergency situation and the conscription crisis, the Dushinsky Rebbe ordered uninterrupted study shifts in the community’s yeshivas, running continuously from 6 a.m. until midnight. Students responded in large numbers.
Several other Hasidic events were highlighted. In Beitar Shemesh, the son of the Skverer Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Mendel Twersky, visited Israel last week and brought his father’s blessing to the community at the dedication and Torah scroll celebration for a new Skverer synagogue in Ramat D. In Bnei Brak, the final sheva berakhot for the son of the late Tzanz-Zhemigrad Rebbe drew many Hasidim, rebbes, and rabbis. In Netanya, children at the Darchei Avot Tzanz school held a Chumash celebration and kissed the Torah. In Bnei Brak’s large Nadvorna synagogue, children received the book of Leviticus from the Nadvorna Rebbe and danced on their fathers’ shoulders.
The digest also notes a major wedding in the Tzanz court in Netanya, where thousands attended the marriage of the Rebbe’s granddaughter, and a large Torah celebration in Szeret Vizhnitz with the Rebbe of Biala and the Rebbe of Dzikov Vizhnitz among the guests. A separate report says Bobov will begin giving a $2,000 grant to the first 60 families who agree to hold simpler private sheva berakhot events, part of an effort to curb rising expenses.
