Grand Wedding Celebration of Sanz Rebbe’s Great-Grandson Draws Thousands in Israel
A lavish wedding ceremony took place at the large hall in Kiryat Sanz, celebrating the marriage of Shmuel David Berger, a distinguished student of the Sanz Yeshiva and son of Rabbi Yaakov Berger, head of the Kiryat Sanz kollel in Netanya. The bride is the granddaughter of the Rebbes of Nadvorna Haifa and Antonia. The event was honored by the presence of the Sanz Rebbe, who joyfully participated and enhanced the celebration.
The festivities included traditional Hasidic customs, such as the distribution of sweets by the young child of the Mielan Rebbe during a separate celebratory event marking his three-year-old son’s upsherin (first haircut) combined with a festive meal commemorating the yahrzeit of Rabbi David Moshe of Kretshnif. The Kretshnif Rebbe also recently marked the 57th anniversary of his father’s passing with a bar mitzvah celebration for his great-grandson.
In parallel, various Hasidic communities across Israel and abroad held significant religious and communal events. For example, thousands of Vizhnitz Hasidim were called to gather at the Western Wall for prayers for the recovery of their Rebbe ahead of the High Holy Days. The Skulen Hasidim in Lakewood observed the fast of the 17th of Tammuz with extended Torah study sessions and a special tish (gathering) led by their Rebbe, who personally distributed valuable gifts to participants.
Other notable events included the grand wedding of the granddaughter of the Mishkoltz Rebbe in Petah Tikva, the engagement celebration of the grandson of the Koson Rebbe, and a farewell address by the Bobov 45 Rebbe to his yeshiva students before their summer camps. Additionally, the Pittsburgh and Spinka Rebbes were seen together enjoying a retreat in Austria.
These events highlight the vibrant and deeply rooted Hasidic traditions and communal life, marked by joyous celebrations, religious observances, and strong leadership presence across various Hasidic dynasties in Israel and the diaspora.
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