Rebbe's Joyful Sukkot Celebrations Across Israel

Throughout the intermediate days of Sukkot, various Hasidic rebbes across Israel led "Simchat Beit Hashoeva" (Joy of the Water-Drawing Festival) celebrations, drawing thousands of followers. In Bnei Brak, the Rebbe of Modzitz, Chaim Rosenbaum, performed the "Na'anuim" (shaking of the Lulav and Etrog) while reciting Hallel with ancient melodies. He used a particularly large and beautiful Etrog, a tradition among the Modzitz Hasidim. Also in Bnei Brak, the Rebbe of Mahnovka Belza was seen participating in the Hallel prayers and Na'anuim. A special custom observed during Hoshana Rabbah involves one of the Rebbe's grandsons holding the Torah scroll in the center of the synagogue while the congregation and the Rebbe circle the bimah.

The Rebbe of Narol, the eldest Rebbe in Bnei Brak, was seen holding the Four Species during Hallel prayers at his residence. His son, Rabbi Aaron Shapira, serves as a leading authority on the laws of the Four Species. In Darg, the Rebbe's voice was amplified during Hallel, Hakafot, and Hoshana Rabbah prayers, a new addition this year. The Rebbe of Zutchka led a spirited Simchat Beit Hashoeva in his large Sukkah in Bnei Brak, encouraging singing and dancing.

In Jerusalem's Mea Shearim neighborhood, the Toldot Aaron synagogue became a vibrant center for the holiday, attracting a diverse crowd of Hasidim, Litvaks, Sephardim, and even those wearing knitted kippahs, all dancing together. The Rebbe of Kretshnif Kfar Ata is preparing for major celebrations in Jerusalem, including a VIP section for foreign dignitaries and a special "Paranasa Tisch" (table for livelihood blessings).

Concerns were raised among Gur Hasidim due to the Rebbe's weakness and absence from prayers, possibly due to exposure in the Sukkah. In a critical condition, the Rebbe of Dzhirka is being prayed for by his followers worldwide. Other celebrations included the Rebbe of Alexander's festive meal, the Rebbe of Machnovka Belza's Tisch in Bnei Brak, the Rebbe of Temesvar's recitation of "Shir Hama'alot" (Songs of Ascents), and the Rebbes of Kozhmir and Uzhorod holding their respective meals. The Rebbe of Spinka Ramat Aaron's celebration featured his son leading the singing, while the Rebbe of Dushk led his Tisch. The Rebbe of Vizhnitz performed the Na'anuim in his private Sukkah, and the Rebbe of Lelov celebrated with dancing after Kiddush. The Rebbe of Spinka commemorated the 50th anniversary of his predecessor's passing with a special Tisch, and the Rebbe of Darg's Sukkah was adorned with an impressive art installation.

Separately, reports mentioned a legal appeal filed by the Ger Sh. Markowitz faction regarding a building evacuation in Ponevezh, Prime Minister Netanyahu urging UAE President bin Zayed to deny prior knowledge of the October 7th attacks, and a moving scene of Kohanim (priests) reciting blessings at the Western Wall. Other news included the tearing down of Israeli flags in the Galilee by Arabs, a confrontation involving National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, criticism of a "draft dodgers' march" in Bnei Brak, and a significant statement by Rabbi Gershon Eidelman expressing concern about the current situation, even with American opposition. A reported draft dodger incident in Bnei Brak led to traffic disruptions, and the Wall Street Journal revealed Egypt contacted Netanyahu multiple times before the October 7th massacre.