Thousands of Belz Hasidim Celebrate Brit Milah of Rebbe’s Great-Grandson
Thousands of Belz Hasidim gathered this morning to celebrate the brit milah (circumcision) of the great-grandson of the Belz Rebbe. The infant is the firstborn son of Rabbi Israel Menachem Nahum Rokach and grandson of Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokach. The Rebbe himself was honored as the sandek (ceremonial holder), while the Gaavad of Makova recited the blessings. The child was named Moshe Yehoshua in memory of the great-grandfather, the revered Rebbe known as the "Yeshuot Moshe" of Vizhnitz.
The event was widely documented, capturing scenes from the initial gathering to the festive brit milah celebration. This occasion is part of a series of recent Hasidic events, including yahrzeit commemorations, weddings, and Torah study milestones across various Hasidic communities in the United States and Israel.
Among other notable events, the Belz community in Boro Park held a yahrzeit meal for Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Liska, and the Nikolsburg Rebbe’s summer camp in Wadsworth, USA, became a hub of continuous prayer and hospitality. Additionally, hundreds celebrated the wedding of the grandson of the Darg Hasidic Rebbe, with many prominent rabbis in attendance.
In parallel, the Satmar Rebbe mourned the destruction of the Temple during Tisha B’Av in New York, visiting a local synagogue and later conducting a communal Havdalah ceremony. The Satmar Rebbe also visited the Shawangunk prison to offer support to Jewish inmates.
Preparations are underway for a historic bar mitzvah celebration of the Rachmastrivka Rebbe’s grandson in Givat Ze’ev, expected to draw thousands despite concerns over potential disruptions. Meanwhile, the grandson of the Ziditshov Rebbe is set to be released from military detention after 20 days, with the community planning a large welcoming event.
These events reflect the vibrant spiritual life and communal solidarity within the Hasidic world, marked by joyous celebrations, solemn commemorations, and ongoing religious dedication.
