American Rebbe Leads Uplifting Torah Gathering in Kiryat Herzog for Elul Month

Thousands of Hasidim from various sects gathered in Jerusalem and other locations across Israel to mark the beginning of the Jewish month of Elul with inspiring Torah study and communal events. The historic assembly in Kiryat Herzog featured the Rebbe from America, who urged his followers to engage nightly in studying the Talmudic tractate Sukkah as spiritual preparation for the upcoming Jewish holidays. The head of the Belz kollels energized participants, and the Rebbe distributed honey dishes to all attendees as a symbol of sweetness for the new year.

In parallel, numerous Hasidic communities celebrated significant family milestones, including the grand wedding of the youngest daughter of the Zutshka Rebbe and the bar mitzvah of the eldest grandson of the Rebbe of Rachmastrivka. These joyous occasions were marked by heartfelt prayers, new melodies, and emotional moments of communal bonding.

Other notable events included the Satmar Rebbe’s strict new modesty guidelines banning denim for girls even outside school hours, and the Sanz Rebbe’s visits to twelve Hasidic centers across Israel to bless followers for a good year. The Satmar Rebbe also held a special tish in Monsey commemorating the Yahrtzeit of the Yetev Lev, offering prayers for mercy ahead of the Days of Judgment.

Additional highlights were the brit milah of the grandson of the Tshernobyl Rebbe in Ashdod, the Vizhnitz Rebbe’s upcoming pilgrimage to Meron with hundreds of followers under strict rules prohibiting internet use and cameras, and the large-scale "Pidyon Haben" ceremony in Belz attended by thousands. The Kretshnif Rebbe in Jerusalem led enthusiastic celebrations marking the completion of the Talmudic tractate Shabbat.

Throughout the month, many Rebbes traveled extensively to strengthen their communities, with visits including the Sanz Rebbe’s meeting with Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar in Jerusalem. The period was also marked by efforts to maintain unity, such as the Rachmastrivka Rebbe sending a delegation to reconcile with the Karlin-Stolin Rebbe following tensions. These events reflect the vibrant spiritual life and communal solidarity among Israel’s Hasidic populations during Elul.