Hassidic Rebbes Celebrate Holidays with Joyful Gatherings

During the concluding celebrations of the Sukkot holiday, Hassidic Rebbes across Israel led their communities in joyous gatherings and religious observances. The Rebbe of Munkacs-Belz held a "Tish" (a Hassidic gathering with prayer and song) to mark the end of the holiday. During this event, a longtime gabbai, Rabbi Yisrael Miller, dressed as a shepherd, entertaining the children of the community with stories and candy.

Other Rebbes also led significant events. The Rebbe of D'arg held Hakafot Shniyot (second circuits with the Torah scrolls) in Bnei Brak, which lasted for many hours. The Rebbes of Kaliv and Skuleni celebrated Sukkot together in Jerusalem, with the Rebbe of Skuleni making a surprise visit to the Kaliv community, followed by a reciprocal visit from the Rebbe of Kaliv.

The Rebbe of Bialla in Jerusalem led Hakafot Shniyot with a small, historic Torah scroll that his grandfather had saved from Siberia. In Bnei Brak, the Rebbe of Toldos Aaron performed the custom of throwing apples for good fortune during Hakafot Shniyot, with thousands of followers trying to catch them.

Rabbi Meir Tzvi Bergman, Rosh Yeshiva, visited the Rebbe for about 15 minutes to discuss Torah matters and current events. The Rebbe of Boyan in Jerusalem received news of a significant donation that would increase stipends for scholars by 20% during Hakafot Shniyot.

Throughout the holiday period, various Rebbes, including those from Rachmastrivka, Kopychintz, Vizhnitz, and Tolna, led their followers in prayer, song, and festive meals, with many events documented by photographer Shuki Lerer. The Rebbe of the Rebbe also appeared for prayers on Hoshana Rabbah after a period of weakness, drawing large crowds of his followers.