Concern continues to mount throughout Vizhnitz and the broader chassidishe world over the condition of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, as his son issued an emotional and urgent appeal for tefillos, saying that his father is undergoing extremely difficult treatments and is in need of great rachamei Shomayim.
The Vizhnitzer Rebbe is currently staying in Moshav Ora while receiving treatment. On Shabbos morning, after receiving an aliyah, the Belzer Rebbe instructed that a Mi Shebeirach be recited for the complete refuah of his brother-in-law, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther.
Ahead of Shabbos, the Vizhnitzer bais din called upon chassidim to recite the fourth book of Tehillim on Friday night as a zechus for the Rebbe’s recovery. The Rebbe’s son, Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, av bais din of Vizhnitz Elad, also delivered a tearful message to Vizhnitzer chassidim and Jews everywhere, pleading with them to intensify their tefillos.
Speaking in a recording distributed through the Vizhnitz information line, Rav Yaakov Mordechai said: “An emergency cry from every place, to men, women and children and to all of Klal Yisroel: Why are you sleeping? The condition of the Rebbe, our father and shepherd, is very far from good. The Rebbe is undergoing very difficult treatments that weaken him. For two years already, the Rebbe has been suffering greatly from the illness, and these are terrible sufferings. It is already impossible to watch this and endure it. We need a healthy and strong Rebbe, and, G-d forbid, there is no end in sight, that is what the doctors are saying.”
Rav Yaakov Mordechai went on to invoke his father’s constant emphasis on maintaining a close connection with the Ribono Shel Olam, urging the public to use the special opportunity of the month of Elul to plead for the Rebbe’s recovery.
“How much our father always speaks about being connected to the Ribono Shel Olam, and our strength is only through our mouths, to ask of HaKadosh Baruch Hu, especially during these days, when it is written in the seforim hakedoshim that the King is in the field, when it is possible to ask more of HaKadosh Baruch Hu. We are asking for a gift from HaKadosh Baruch Hu. The Rebbe said that 5787 is an acronym for ‘Tehei Shnas Zayin Freilach.’ This is what we see with our father, that constantly, even in this condition, he remains freilach with HaKadosh Baruch Hu, happy with HaKadosh Baruch Hu.”
The emotional appeal comes amid continued concern over the Rebbe’s health and heightened efforts throughout Vizhnitz to increase tefillah for his recovery.
Last week, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey traveled to Moshav Ora to visit his cousin, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe. Because of the circumstances, only four accompanying individuals were permitted to enter. The two Rebbes spent an extended period together, speaking privately for approximately an hour.
The Vizhnitzer Rebbe subsequently sent his son, Rav Chaim Meir Hager, av bais din of Vizhnitz, together with his gabbai, Rav Ben Tzion Stanger, to spend Shabbos in Meron with the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey.
During Seudah Shlishis, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey called upon those assembled to increase their tefillos for the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s recovery, stressing that “the generation needs him.”
Preparations are meanwhile underway for the upcoming Shabbos Selichos. The Vizhnitzer Rebbe is not expected to spend Shabbos in the Vizhnitz neighborhood, but plans call for him to arrive on Motzoei Shabbos for the first Selichos, which will be recited in the presence of a massive crowd. Thousands of chassidim are expected to travel from communities across Eretz Yisroel for the occasion.
In the meantime, organized transportation is bringing groups of Vizhnitzer chassidim from cities throughout Eretz Yisroel to Moshav Ora, where they are being received by the Rebbe for kvittlach. The visits are being arranged in advance through a registration system as Vizhnitzer chassidim continue to intensify their tefillos for the refuah sheleimah of Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther.
{Matzav.com}
