Concern is mounting throughout Vizhnitz and across the Chassidish world over the condition of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, who has been undergoing difficult medical treatments for approximately two years.

The Rebbe’s son, HaRav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, issued an emotional plea to chassidim and Yidden around the world to increase their tefillos for his father, saying that the Rebbe’s condition remains far from good.

Speaking through the Vizhnitz telephone system before Shabbos, Rav Yaakov Mordechai broke down as he described the suffering his father has endured.

“This is an emergency cry everywhere — men, women and children, and all of Klal Yisroel: Why are you sleeping? The condition of the Rebbe, our father, 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, with terrible suffering. It is already impossible to watch and bear. We need a healthy and strong Rebbe, and unfortunately, the doctors say they still do not see the end.”

He urged the public to take advantage of the special days of Elul to storm Shomayim with tefillos, saying that there is no path other than placing one’s trust in the Ribono Shel Olam and begging for rachamim.

Vizhnitz leaders instructed chassidim to recite the fourth sefer of Tehillim on Friday night as a zechus for the Rebbe. Rav Yaakov Mordechai also called on individuals to undertake personal improvements in tefillah and maasim tovim.

The concern has spread well beyond Vizhnitz. On Shabbos morning, after receiving an aliyah, the Belzer Rebbe instructed that a Mi Shebeirach be recited for his brother-in-law, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe, whose name for tefillah is Rav Yisroel ben Leah Esther.

Last week, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey traveled to Moshav Ora to visit his cousin. Due to the Rebbe’s condition, only four accompanying individuals were permitted inside, and the two Rebbes spent an extended period speaking privately.

During Shalosh Seudos this Shabbos, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Monsey also called upon the tzibur to daven for the Rebbe, declaring that “the generation needs him.”

Despite his weakened condition, plans are currently being made for the Rebbe to participate in the first Selichos next Motzei Shabbos, when thousands of chassidim are expected to gather. In the meantime, organized groups of chassidim have been traveling to Moshav Ora to submit kvitlach to the Rebbe, with visits being arranged in advance.

The public is urged to continue davening for the complete refuah of Yisroel ben Leah Esther b’soch shaar cholei Yisroel.

(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)