Rebbe Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz had company — 44 boys, all of whom have lost their fathers

The “groisse Va’ani”’ is a rite of passage for generations of chassidishe children. The words of the pasuk and Rashi’s explanation in parshas Vayechi on Yaakov Avinu’s clarification to Yosef of why Rochel was laid to rest at the side of the road, are recited together with Yiddish teitch in a traditional sing-song. Fathers wait eagerly for their sons to recite the Va’ani at the Shabbos table. But what of those boys who have no fathers?

At a private Shabbos spent on “vacation” in the northern town of Chatzor, Rebbe Yisrael Hager of Vizhnitz had company — 44 boys, all of whom have lost their fathers. In addition to listening to the children say the Va’ani for him, the Rebbe made time to speak privately with each boy over Shabbos.

(Originally featured in Mishpacha, Issue 843)