Jewish Leaders Celebrate Sukkot and Simchat Torah Across Israel
Translated & summarized from Kikar HaShabbat by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Jewish leaders celebrated Sukkot and Simchat Torah with religious ceremonies.
- "Second hakafot" ceremonies were held in multiple locations.
- Rabbis led festive meals and prayers for the rebuilding of the Temple.
- Several Admorim presided over holiday observances.
- Photographer Shuki Lerer documented many of these events.
Across Israel, prominent rabbis and their followers marked the conclusion of Sukkot, Simchat Torah, and the subsequent "second hakafot" celebrations with fervent religious observances. The Admor of Skuleni led a spirited "second hakafot" ceremony in Jerusalem, where congregants danced and sang traditional melodies. In Bnei Brak, the community of "Chayey Olam" Breslov celebrated "Simchat Beit Hashoeva" with a festive meal and dancing, praying for the rebuilding of the Temple.
Other notable celebrations included the Admor of Torat Chaim, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Morgenstern, who hosted many Jerusalem residents for "Simchat Beit Hashoeva" and "second hakafot." The Admor of Mebakesh HaShem led a joyous celebration in Shikun V' in Bnei Brak, distributing kugel and grape juice. The Admor of Babov is expected to visit the Old City of Jerusalem for Shabbat Shira, a visit postponed due to security concerns.
Further celebrations took place with the Admor of Kretschneif Jerusalem, the Admor of Sanz, and the Admor of Munkacs Belz, who concluded the holiday with gatherings and blessings. The Admor of Darg held "second hakafot" in Bnei Brak, while the Admor of Kaliv and the Admor of Skuleni celebrated together in Jerusalem.
Additional observances included the Admor of Bialla dancing with a small Torah scroll saved from Siberian exile, and Rabbi Yaakov Meir Shachter leading "second hakafot" with thousands in attendance. The Admor of Toldot Aaron performed the ritual of throwing blessed apples, and the Admor of Kopczynice led celebrations in Jerusalem. Rabbi Meir Tzvi Bergman visited the Admor of Gur for discussions on Torah and current events.
Concluding the holiday period, the Admor of Vizhnitz led his followers in joyous celebrations, and the Admor of Rachmastrivka engaged in fervent prayer and "second hakafot." The Admor of Tلدot Avraham Yitzchak concluded the holiday with a "tish" where elders danced, and the Admor of Tolna performed the "hakafot" in white garments. The Admor of Gur also appeared for "second hakafot" after a period of weakness.
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