Belz Rebbe and Brisk Yeshiva Head Bless 'Hagomel' in Emotional Ceremonies

Thousands of Belz Hasidim and Brisk Yeshiva students experienced a heartfelt Shabbat of gratitude as the Belz Rebbe and Rabbi Avraham Yehoshua Soloveitchik, head of the Brisk Yeshiva, recited the 'Hagomel' blessing for their recoveries. On Shabbat morning, the Belz Rebbe blessed the congregation with the 'Hagomel' prayer marking exactly one year since his surgery last Elul. Concurrently, the Belz Rebbetzin lit an additional Shabbat candle following a new directive issued by the Rebbe earlier that week.

That night, near midnight, a Pidyon Haben ceremony was held for the Rebbe's great-grandson, the son of his grandson Rabbi Yisrael Menachem Nahum Rokach. Meanwhile, at the Brisk Yeshiva hall, Rabbi Soloveitchik, who spent Shabbat in his new apartment near the yeshiva, participated fully in prayers. After being called to the Torah as the Levite, he emotionally recited the 'Hagomel' blessing with tears, reflecting on his severe illness and recovery.

Following the prayer, Rabbi Avraham Kagan, a senior lecturer at the Kamenitz Yeshiva and descendant of the Chazon Ish's minyan, led the congregation in a powerful song of praise and thanksgiving. Additionally, on Friday, a brit milah celebration for the yeshiva head's grandson took place at his home, attended by the Boyan Rebbe, a relative by marriage, who honored the event by standing for the blessings. A warm conversation between the two rabbis followed, with the Boyan Rebbe expressing joy at Rabbi Soloveitchik's good health.