שבת חסידי מכנובקא בעלזא בירושלים סמוך לכותל המערבי | Shabbos in the Old City - Machnovka-Belz Rebbe

Description

A historic and uplifting Shabbos took place this past weekend in the Old City of Yerushalayim led by the Rebbe of Machnovka-Belz together with the supporters and builders of the rapidly expanding chassidus in Beit Shemesh. The gathering, named “Mikdash Melech,” brought together donors, community leaders, and families who are helping build the city’s future — including a new beis medrash in Ramat Daled and the construction of the community’s growing yeshiva, overseen by the Rebbe’s son, Rav Yosef Meir Rokach. In the days leading up to Shabbos, prominent supporters received an elegant personalized gift package delivered to their homes, complete with an individual invitation letter and special items prepared for each family member. Under the direction of producer Chaim Meir Rosenfeld, the event staff worked meticulously to prepare the site and create an atmosphere befitting the Rebbe and the distinguished guests. As Shabbos began, the highlight came when the Rebbe ascended with the guests to a balcony overlooking the Kosel. There, Rabbi of Limanov delivered words of inspiration, welcoming the participants. The Rebbe was then handed a “collective kvittel” containing the names and requests of all the attendees, which he placed inside the siddur from which he davened throughout Shabbos. Following Maariv at the Kosel, Havdalah, and spirited dancing to the niggun of “Ki Nicham Hashem Tzion,” the Rebbe instructed that the kvittel of all the Shabbos participants be placed high between the stones of the Kosel. Shabbos concluded with a grand Melaveh Malka, beautifully arranged in honor of the occasion. Supporters from Beit Shemesh who had participated in the recent fundraising campaigns joined the celebration. Rabbi Yosef Meir Rokach expressed heartfelt gratitude to all who carry the burden of building the mosdos, singling out those deeply involved in establishing the new institutions for the next generation. Among the honored guests were Yitzchok Pindrus, Mordechai Babchik, and Deputy Mayor of Beit Shemesh and Agudas Yisroel chairman Chanoch Dranger, all of whom received a special brachah from the Rebbe and bottles of olive oil for Chanukah in recognition of their assistance. A particularly stirring moment came when Rabbi Hershel Glick announced a new initiative: avreichim would collectively dedicate a “shiur room” in the new yeshiva in Beit Shemesh in honor of the Rebbe. The crowd responded with enthusiasm, contributing significantly on the spot, with the Rebbe himself joining and giving a personal donation.