Hassidic Communities Celebrate Sukkot with Joyous Gatherings
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hassidic communities celebrated Sukkot with Simchat Beit HaShoeva events.
- Notable gatherings occurred in Bnei Brak and Jerusalem.
- The Babov Rebbe is expected for a visit to Jerusalem.
- Various Admorim led prayers, meals, and dancing.
- Community leaders and rabbis participated in the festivities.
Across Israel, Hassidic communities marked the Sukkot holiday with elaborate celebrations, including the traditional "Simchat Beit HaShoeva" (Rejoicing of the Water Drawing ceremony). In Bnei Brak, the "Chayey Olam" Breslov community, led by its president Rabbi Uziahu Alchorat, held a festive meal followed by dancing and prayers for the rebuilding of the Temple. The celebrations were reminiscent of the ancient Temple festivities.
Jerusalem also saw significant holiday gatherings. The community of Torat Chaim, led by Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Morgenstern, hosted numerous attendees, including Rabbi Tzvi Meir Zilberberg, for hours of prayer and dancing. The Admor of Mebakesh HaShem in Bnei Brak also led a spirited Simchat Beit HaShoeva, sharing food and grape juice with his followers.
The Babov Hasidic dynasty is anticipating a significant visit from their Rebbe to the Old City of Jerusalem, near the Temple Mount, for Shabbat Shira. This visit, postponed in recent years due to security concerns, is a major event for the community.
Other notable celebrations included the Kretschneif of Jerusalem Rebbe's festivities in Jerusalem, the Sanz Rebbe's "Hakafot Shniyot" (Second Circuit Dancing) which reportedly moved attendees, and a unique Sukkot closing ceremony by the Mokhnovka-Belz Rebbe featuring a costumed gabbai.
Further celebrations took place in D'arg, Bialla, and Satmar communities, with gatherings for prayer, dancing, and Torah study. The Satmar 'man of peace,' Lipa Friedman, was honored with holding the Torah scroll during a ceremony led by Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shachter. The Tolna Rebbe danced with a small Torah scroll rescued from Siberia, and the Vizhnitz Rebbe led prayers and hosted festive meals.
In a notable meeting, Rabbi Meir Tsvi Bergman visited the Gerrer Rebbe for discussions on Torah and current events. The Rachmastrivka Rebbe and the Tolded Abraham Yitzchak Rebbe also led their communities in prayer and celebration, with the latter's elders dancing on a table. The Boyan Rebbe received news of a significant donation to increase stipends for Torah scholars during his Simchat Beit HaShoeva. Finally, the Tshebin Rebbe concluded the holiday by throwing blessed apples to his followers.
Mentioned