The Vishnitzer gabbai HaRav HaChossid R’ Hershel Katz has won the chassidus’ raffle and he will by flying to the USA, accompanying the rebbe shlita.

The former rebbe zt”l, the Yeshuos Moshe announced a special fundraising event over 30 years ago, calling upon chassidim to donate $1,000 annually to assist avreichim in need and their families. This has been the ritual since the rebbe’s declaration and the current rebbe is continuing the tradition.

In addition, the rebbe has been looking for new ways to raise badly-needed funds during these difficult times leading to the raffle that offered participants four prizes. First prize was a designated place in the main beis medrash, something that money cannot buy today. The second prize was a seat for the Yomim Nora’im. The third prize was food and lodging for the Tishrei yomim tovim and the final prize included taking part in the rebbe’s trip to the United States in Cheshvan.

The drawing was held late motzei shabbos, before slichos. The gabbai is known for his dedication over decades as he was always on call for the Yeshuos Moshe ZT”L and as he continues today.

Interestingly, for R’ Hershel, it was a win but he would have been traveling with the rebbe in any event. Nevertheless chassidim explain that they are pleased for no one was more deserving to win that particular prize, citing their praises for the loyal gabbai.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)