Hassidic Rebbes Celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah with Joyful Celebrations

Hassidic communities across Israel marked the Sukkot holiday, including Hoshana Rabbah and Simchat Torah, with fervent prayer, joyous dancing, and communal gatherings. The Rebbe of Bialla in Jerusalem led "Hakafot Shniyot" (second circuits) with a tiny, historic Torah scroll that his grandfather, the "Heilkat Yehoshua" of Bialla, saved from Siberia. Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shachter, a senior Breslov rabbi, officiated Hakafot Shniyot attended by thousands, with Rabbi Lipa Friedman of Satmar honored with holding the Torah scroll. The Rebbe of Toldedot Aharon performed the custom of throwing apples towards his followers for blessings after long hours of prayer and circuits. The Rebbe of Kopychinitz also led Sukkot, Hoshana Rabbah, and Hakafot Shniyot celebrations in Jerusalem. Rabbi Meir Tzvi Bergman, head of a prominent yeshiva, visited the Rebbe of Gur for about 15 minutes to discuss Torah and current events. The Rebbe of Vizhnitz led celebrations for tens of thousands of his followers, including prayer services and festive meals. The Rebbe of Rachmastrivka was deeply engrossed in prayer and observance during Hoshana Rabbah and Simchat Torah. The Rebbe of Toldaot Avraham Yitzchak led his followers in dancing and singing. The Rebbe of Tolna led Hoshana Rabbah prayers. The Rebbe of Gur appeared for Hoshana Rabbah and Simchat Torah prayers after a period of weakness, to the great excitement of his followers. The Rebbe of Boyan received news of a significant donation that would increase scholarships for Torah scholars by 20% during Hakafot Shniyot. The Rebbe of Bnei Brak held a festive meal for Simchat Beit Hashoeva, combining it with the yahrzeit of the "Holy Jew" of Pshishcha. Rabbi Elimelech Biderman led a "Simchat Beit Hashoeva" gathering in a large Sukkah in Jerusalem. The article also includes brief mentions of other Rebbes and their holiday observances, including the Rebbe of Ma'akava and the Rebbe of Vizhnitz, as well as a story about angels finding shoes and socks in paradise after Simchat Torah.