Thousands of Belzer chassidim and talmidim of Yeshivas Brisk experienced an emotional Shabbos of gratitude and thanksgiving, as both the Belzer Rebbe and the Brisker rosh yeshiva, Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik, recited the bracha of Hagomel following their respective illnesses and recoveries.
On Shabbos morning, during Krias HaTorah at the Belzer beis medrash, the Belzer Rebbe recited Hagomel, marking exactly one year since the surgery he underwent during the month of Elul last year.
In another expression of thanksgiving, the Belzer Rebbetzin lit an additional candle before Shabbos in accordance with a new practice instituted by the Rebbe this past week.
A family simcha took place on Motzoei Shabbos shortly before midnight, when a pidyon haben was held for the Rebbe’s great-grandson, a son of his grandson, Rav Yisroel Menachem Nachum Rokeach.
Meanwhile, an especially emotional scene unfolded at Yeshivas Brisk, where Rav Avrohom Yehoshua Soloveitchik, the rosh yeshiva, spent Shabbos in his new apartment adjacent to the yeshiva and participated in all of the tefillos.
During Krias HaTorah, Rav Soloveitchik received the aliyah of Levi. The rosh yeshiva then recited Hagomel, breaking down in tears as he gave thanks following the severe illness and medical ordeal that had left him critically ill and bedridden.
The moment was particularly moving for the talmidim and mispallelim who had followed the rosh yeshiva’s difficult medical condition and had davened intensely for his recovery.
At the conclusion of davening, Rav Avrohom Kagan, a senior mispallel at the yeshiva and a rosh mesivta at Yeshivas Kaminetz, broke into a powerful song of praise and thanksgiving to Hashem. Rav Kagan’s father had been a member of the Chazon Ish’s minyan.
An additional simcha took place on Friday, when a bris was held at Rav Soloveitchik’s home for his grandson.
The Boyaner Rebbe, who is related to the family through the mechutan, came to participate in the bris and was honored with amidah labrachos.
Following the bris, the Boyaner Rebbe and Rav Soloveitchik shared a warm conversation, with the Rebbe graciously inquiring about the rosh yeshiva’s health and well-being.
{Matzav.com}
