A long-awaited step toward shalom between two prominent chassidic leaders took place Thursday afternoon, when the Vizhnitzer Rebbe of Bnei Brak, Rav Yisroel Hager, spoke by telephone with his brother-in-law, the Satmar Rebbe, Rav Aharon Teitelbaum, following several years of estrangement between them.

The conversation, which took place after an extended period during which the two Rebbes had not been in contact, was the culmination of quiet efforts by the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s sons to restore the relationship between their father and their uncle.

The efforts began approximately a year and a half ago, when the Vizhnitzer Rebbe was in Los Angeles for medical treatment.

At that time, the Rebbe’s son, Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, Av Bais Din of Vizhnitz Elad, acting at the request of his brothers, reached out to his uncle, the Satmar Rebbe, in an effort to begin repairing the longstanding rift.

The initial contact opened a discreet channel of communication between the two families, with the hope that the relationship between the Rebbes could eventually be restored.

Over the ensuing year, the efforts toward shalom experienced periods of progress as well as setbacks. Although the initiatives did not immediately produce a breakthrough, contact between the sides was maintained discreetly, allowing the possibility of reconciliation to remain open.

In recent weeks, the Vizhnitzer Rebbe again expressed to members of his family his deep pain over the prolonged separation from his brother-in-law, a situation that he felt had been forced upon him.

His sons subsequently renewed their efforts to bring about a reconciliation.

Working in coordination with his brother, Rav Yaakov Mordechai Hager, the Rebbe’s son Rav Chaim Meir Hager, Av Bais Din of Vizhnitz, became personally involved in the matter, establishing direct contact with the Satmar Rebbe and members of his household.

The renewed efforts ultimately bore fruit Thursday, when arrangements were made for the two Rebbes to speak by telephone.

The conversation took place in a warm, familial atmosphere, with the Satmar Rebbe expressing particular concern for the health of his brother-in-law.

During their discussion, the Satmar Rebbe inquired about the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s medical condition and extended heartfelt wishes for a complete and speedy refuah sheleimah, renewed strength, and a full return to good health.

The exchange was especially meaningful in light of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s health difficulties and the many tefillos being offered by his chassidim for his recovery.

News of the conversation spread quickly among chassidim, generating considerable emotion and relief following years of separation between the two Rebbes.

The development was welcomed as an encouraging step toward restoring the longstanding family relationship and bringing an end to the painful estrangement.

Particular appreciation was expressed for the efforts of the Vizhnitzer Rebbe’s sons, who worked patiently and discreetly over an extended period to bring about the conversation.

{Matzav.com}