Vizhnitz Rebbe Leads Sukkot Celebrations Despite Frailty

Thousands of Vizhnitz Hasidim celebrated Sukkot and Simchat Torah with their Rebbe, who, despite significant weakness, participated in many holiday events. The Rebbe joined the "Simchat Beit Hashoeva" gatherings almost every evening, leading prayers and Tish (reception) events.

During the holiday, the Rebbe hosted guests in his Sukkah, including a "L'chaim" ceremony for a groom, David Weiss, who is set to marry in the United States after the holidays. The Rebbe presented Weiss with a unique goblet and danced with him privately, acknowledging his dedication.

On Hoshana Rabbah, the Rebbe led a deeply moving Tish, cutting a challah shaped like a ladder, a custom of his late father-in-law. He spoke about the importance of faith, even during difficult times, referencing the custom of striking the Hoshana Rabbah branches on the floor. The Rebbe became emotional, expressing longing for his grandfather, the "Imrei Chaim," and weeping openly, which deeply moved the assembled Hasidim.

During Simchat Torah, the Rebbe led the Hakafot (circuit dances with the Torah scrolls) and a subsequent Tish. In one Hakafah, he blessed couples who had not yet had children. The holiday concluded with a joyous closing ceremony, where the Rebbe's personal assistant, Shaul Grinberger, announced a directive to vote for the "Yahadut HaTorah" list, citing government persecution of religion.

On the day after the holiday, the Rebbe hosted foreign guests for Hakafot and blessings at the Vizhnitz center.