Vizhnitz Rebbe to Lead Hundreds of Followers on Historic Pilgrimage to Israel

A year after promising his devoted students, the Vizhnitz Rebbe of Monsey is set to arrive in Israel next week with two large charter planes carrying hundreds of yeshiva students and followers. The pilgrimage, scheduled for Parshat Ki Tavo, will center on a historic Shabbat at the holy site of Meron. The Rebbe will land in Israel on Wednesday and will be accompanied by large groups of Hasidim who joined the journey from the United States.

Preparations are underway to accommodate thousands of Hasidim at Meron, where the pilgrimage will begin on Friday night with a grand spiritual gathering near the tomb of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai. The event will feature teachings from the Rebbe and a festive candle lighting with music and dancing led by Rabbi Elimelech Biderman.

Throughout Shabbat, participants will pray and celebrate in the sacred atmosphere of Meron. On Sunday, the Rebbe will continue visiting other holy sites across the Galilee, including graves of Tannaim, Amoraim, and disciples of the Baal Shem Tov in Meron, Safed, and Tiberias. On Monday morning, he will lead prayers at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, then travel to Bnei Brak to pray at the Vizhnitz dynasty leaders’ resting place. The Rebbe will also visit the residence of his grandfather, the Amrei Chaim, in the Vizhnitz housing complex for blessings and guidance ahead of the High Holidays.

The Rebbe is expected to hold additional sacred events during the week before returning to Monsey. For those unable to join the pilgrimage, there is an opportunity to submit kvitlach (notes for blessings) to be mentioned by the Rebbe, provided they commit to increasing their study hours to support the success of the journey.