Rebbes Lead Sukkot Celebrations Across Israel

Throughout the intermediate days of Sukkot, various Hasidic Rebbes led prayer services and festive gatherings across Israel, with a particular focus on the city of Bnei Brak. The Rebbe of Kozmir was seen in intense prayer for the recovery of his aide, Chaim Rosenbaum, who suffered a stroke last summer. The Rebbe of Alexander participated in the recitation of Hallel with the Four Species, joined by Rabbi Aharon Tussig, spiritual supervisor of the Alexander Yeshiva.

In Spinka, the Rebbe was observed dancing with his followers and tenderly comforting a crying child during a Simchat Beit Hashoeva celebration. The Rebbe of Modzitz performed the ritual of shaking the Four Species while reciting Hallel, using a particularly large and beautiful etrog. The Rebbe of Munkacs-Belz observed a unique tradition where one of his grandsons holds the Torah scroll during the Hoshanah Rabbah prayers, adorned with a traditional fur hat.

The Rebbe of Naral, considered the elder Rebbe of Bnei Brak, was seen with the Four Species alongside his son, Rabbi Aharon Shapira, an expert on the laws concerning them. Hundreds of D'Arg Hasidim witnessed the Rebbe's performance of the Four Species ritual, with his voice amplified for all to hear, a new addition this year that also extended to the Hakafot and Hoshanah Rabbah ceremonies.

Other notable celebrations included the Rebbe of Zutshk, who led a joyous Simchat Beit Hashoeva, and the Rebbe of Toldos Aaron, whose Sukkot festivities in Jerusalem attracted a diverse crowd, including those wearing knitted kippahs and Sephardic Jews, all dancing together. The Rebbe of Vizhnitz also performed the ritual of shaking the Four Species in his private Sukkah in Bnei Brak.

Amidst the holiday celebrations, there were also reports of concern for the health of the Rebbe of Gur, who was experiencing weakness, and critical news regarding the Rebbe of Dzhirka in the United States, with followers praying for his recovery. The Rebbe of Munkacs-Belz held a festive meal in honor of the Ushpizin (guests) of the holiday.