The Rachmastrivka Rebbe, HaRav Chai Yitzchok Isaac Twersky, is hospitalized yesterday with complications of pneumonia. Doctors say that he has experienced some improvement. He is still connected to a respirator, however, to ease his breathing patterns.

The Rebbe is a son of Rav Yochanan Twersky, the previous Rachmastrivka Rebbe zt”l, and a son-in-law of Rav Yaakov Yosef Twersky, the previous Skverer Rebbe.

The Rebbe is an internationally known tzaddik, who leads his bais medrash and kehillah in Boro Park, Brooklyn. He is the uncle of the other Rachmastrivka Rebbe in Jerusalem.

Mosdos Rachmastrivka include a Beis Midrash, Yeshivos and Kollelim.

The Rebbe lives on 45th street between 12th and 13th. The Ohel Yochanan Shul is between 12th and 11th in Brooklyn. The Rebbe generally sees people in his home.

The Rebbe had been previously hospitalized last Tuesday, the third day of Chol Hamoed due to a bout of pneumonia. He returned home Wednesday, and was home for Yom Tov and Shabbos. Unfortunately, the Rebbe suffered a setback on Sunday, Isru Chag. He was hospitalized once again.

It is hoped that the respirator will be removed either on Tuesday or Wednesday.

In the meantime, Jews throughout the world are continuing to daven for Harav Chai Yitzchak ben Esther Rivka. On Sunday night hundreds of Chassidim travelled to the kever of the Skverer Rebbe and recited the entire Sefer Tehillim. In the Rachmastrivka Bais Medrash in Boro Park, the entire sefer Tehillim was recited as well, both on Sunday afternoon and again at 6:00 AM this morning. Minyanim were set up both in Meron and at the Kosel.

(Charles Gross – YWN)