Haifa, Israel – Rabbi Eliezer Hager, Seret Vizhnitzer Rebbe, Dies At 91

    6

    FILE - The rebbe of the Seret-Vizhnitzer chasidic dynasty, Rabbi Eliezer Hager on January 12, 2012. Photo by Yaakov Naumi/Flash90Haifa, Israel – The longtime leader of the Seret-Vizhnitzer sect died today after experiencing a cardiac event in Haifa at the age of 91.

    Join our WhatsApp group

    Subscribe to our Daily Roundup Email


    Rabbi Eliezer Hager led the Seret-Vizhnitzer chasidim in Haifa for over 50 years. Son of the Mekor Baruch and grandson of the Ahavas Yisroel, Rabbi Hager was recognized as the next leader of the chasidus from an early age, continuing on the Kosov-Vizhnitz dynasty.

    Rabbi Hager arrived in pre-1948 Israel as an illegal immigrant and was detained at the infamous Atlit Ma’aplim camp in Haifa. He was named to succeed his father as the Rebbe of Seret-Vizhnitz approximately one year after his death. During his lifetime, Rabbi Hager was known as someone who spoke out forcefully against lashon hara, who pursued peace and who reached out to the unaffiliated in an attempt to bring them closer to their roots.

    Rabbi Hager’s health had been declining in recent years and he was hospitalized two years ago with back issues. He has appeared infrequently in public since that time and many of his duties have been carried out by his son, Rabbi Yaakov Hager, son in law to the Biala Rebbe of Bnei Brak.

    Rabbi Yaakov Hager, who has been vacationing in Switzerland, is currently on his way back to Israel for his father’s levaya, which is expected to take place tomorrow.


    Listen to the VINnews podcast on:

    iTunes | Spotify | Google Podcasts | Stitcher | Podbean | Amazon

    Follow VINnews for Breaking News Updates


    Connect with VINnews

    Join our WhatsApp group


    6 Comments
    Most Voted
    Newest Oldest
    Inline Feedbacks
    View all comments
    Insider
    Insider
    8 years ago

    The Seret Vishnitzer Rebbe zt”l was a chaplain and soldier in the (IDF) Isreali Defence Forces. He was a true tzaddik. Chaval al D’avdin.

    Secular
    Secular
    8 years ago

    BDE

    “Rabbi Yaakov Hager, who has been vacationing in Switzerland, is currently on his way back to Israel for his father’s levaya, which is expected to take place tomorrow.”

    Is VIN certain that he was on Vacation in Switzerland, after all it is prohibited to leave Eretz Yisrael. The RambaM in Hilchos Melachim (5:11) states:

    אסור לצאת מארץ ישראל לחוצה לארץ לעולם–אלא ללמוד תורה, או לישא אישה, או להציל מיד הגויים, ויחזור לארץ; וכן יוצא הוא לסחורה. אבל לשכון בחוצה לארץ, אסור–אלא אם כן חזק שם הרעב, עד שנעשה שווה דינר חיטין בשני דינרין.

    Vacationing ..really?

    8 years ago

    Is there another “Visnitzer” rebbe separate from the Seret Vishnitz chasidus or is this the same person?

    Election2014
    Election2014
    8 years ago

    R’ Hager was a true yid who loved everyone who came in contact with him. During my teenage years some 20 years ago I had the honor to spend some time with him mostly when he was resting at his house in Har K’nan on weekends. On many occasions when people who like me weren’t men of the cloth. Religious or not he always made sure they felt comfortable around him. So many times I recall how he just showed empathy for strangers. Myself I went thru a very tough time in those days and he would see me and come over to ask a 15 year old (me) how am I doing, is there anything he can do for me). A true Jew who loved everyone. I will miss him

    Frish
    Frish
    8 years ago

    The tafkid of a tzadik is להחיות רוח שפלים ולהחיות לב נדכאים this was the Rebbe ztz”l
    The סימן of a true tzadik is his tolerance level towards a שוואכערע איד he had a great deal of tolerence for every level Yid. May he be a מליץ יושר for all of us

    Liepa
    Liepa
    8 years ago

    Unfortunately, I didn’t merit the honor to know him but seems like he was a great person. May he indeed be a maylitz yoisher for klaal Yisroel.