Vizhnitz Chassidim Urged to Pray Amidst Rebbe's Severe Weakness

Tens of thousands of Vizhnitz Chassidim worldwide are expressing deep concern over the deteriorating health of their Rebbe, who is reportedly suffering from an unprecedented and severe weakness. The Rebbe has been battling a serious illness for the past two years, undergoing arduous treatments in Israel and abroad. Since May 2025, he has been residing in a guesthouse in Moshav Ora, near Hadassah Ein Kerem hospital, occasionally visiting his residence in Kiryat Vizhnitz, particularly for holidays and family celebrations.

In recent days, the Rebbe's condition has worsened significantly. Yaakov Adler, a close associate and described as the Rebbe's "right hand" during his illness, broke his usual silence to issue an unusual phone message urging all Chassidim to intensify their prayers. Adler stated, "In the past two days, our master has been suffering from a terrible and heavy weakness, unlike anything seen in the last two years."

In parallel, the Rebbe's son, Rabbi Yaakov Mordechai Hager, Av Beis Din of Vizhnitz Elad, released a heartfelt recording calling on thousands of Chassidim to abandon all else and dedicate themselves to prayer and supplication for their father's strength, emphasizing the auspiciousness of Rosh Chodesh (the new Jewish month).

Rabbi Hager implored the public to pray at the graves of righteous figures in Israel and abroad, to pour out their hearts at the Western Wall, and to supplicate at holy sites, including the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai in Meron. The Chassidic community is uniting in prayer for the Rebbe, identified as Rabbi Israel ben Leah Esther, for a complete and swift recovery.