Crowds Mark 10 Years Since the Passing of the Zlotchov Rebbe

Crowds gathered in Bnei Brak for the central hilula seudah marking 10 years since the passing of the Zlotchov Rebbe, Rabbi Mordechai of Zlotchov, known as the Ma’orei Mordechai.

The gathering was held in memory of the Rebbe, who was remembered by his followers as an ohev Yisrael and as a tzaddik whose life was marked by suffering, faith and deep spiritual strength.

Rabbanim, admorim, talmidei chachamim and members of the Zlotchov community took part in the event, which focused on the Rebbe’s legacy, his avodas Hashem and his connection to those who came to him for guidance and encouragement.

During the seudah, several speakers addressed the crowd, including the Chassidic dayan Rabbi Avraham Yaakov Itzkowitz, the Kaliver Rebbe, the Rebbe’s successor and current Av Beis Din of Zlotchov, and other senior rabbinic figures.

The speakers described the Rebbe as a figure of unusual holiness and inner strength, emphasizing the way he continued to serve Hashem and strengthen others despite the physical suffering he endured. They spoke of his warmth toward every Jew, his devotion to Torah and tefillah, and the atmosphere of compassion that surrounded his court.

Much of the evening focused on the Rebbe’s reputation as a person to whom people turned in times of pain and difficulty. Those who spoke recalled how he received Jews from many backgrounds, listened to their troubles and offered words of comfort, direction and chizuk.

The Rebbe’s teachings, associated with the name Ma’orei Mordechai, continue to be studied by his followers. Speakers said his path combined Chassidic fire, humility, emunah and a deep sense of responsibility for the suffering of others.

The hilula also served as a moment of connection for the Zlotchov community, a decade after the Rebbe’s passing. Participants joined in divrei Torah, divrei hisorerus and niggunim, while reflecting on the influence he continues to have on his chassidim and on those who were close to him.

The event closed with a call to continue following the Rebbe’s path of Torah, tefillah, ahavas Yisrael and faith even in difficult circumstances.