Thousands Attend Belz Hasidim's Pidyon Haben Ceremony Amid Historic Prayer Directive

On Saturday night, thousands of Belz Hasidim gathered for a grand Pidyon Haben ceremony in the Belz Hasidic court, celebrating the redemption of the Admor's great-grandson, the infant son of Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokach. The event featured three distinguished Kohanim, including Rabbi Shamai Kahet Gross, Rabbi Shmuel Mordechai Zelfreind, and Rabbi Yisrael David Ulman, alongside prominent rabbis and rebbes such as Rabbi Menachem Ernster of Vizhnitz and Rabbi Yitzchak Twersky of Skver.

The gathering also highlighted a historic and unprecedented directive issued by the Belz Rebbe the previous weekend. The Rebbe instructed all Hasidic women to add an extra candle to their Shabbat and holiday menorahs each week, dedicating it in a special prayer for "our lost and wandering brethren" to merit returning to their spiritual roots. This instruction was formulated during a special assembly of leading Hasidic rabbis at the Rebbe's residence.

The emotional atmosphere was palpable as the new candle was visibly added to the Rebbe's wife's menorah on Friday evening, marking the start of this new custom. Additionally, during the Sabbath, the Admor ascended the Torah and recited the Birkat HaGomel blessing in honor of the first anniversary of his surgery performed in the previous Elul month.

This event not only celebrated a significant family milestone but also reinforced communal prayers for unity and spiritual return, reflecting the deep religious devotion within the Belz community.