Members of Montreal's Belz orthodox Jewish community are wrapping up several days of festivities to mark a rare visit by their spiritual leader.
A large crowd attended a midnight procession last night to honour Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, who is making his first visit to the city in two decades.
Community member Chezky Reiss says thousands of out-of-towners have come for the events, which included street celebrations, festive meals and prayer services.
He says the organizers have made efforts to minimize traffic disruptions in order to avoid the tensions that have flared in the past between the Hasidic community and some of their non-Jewish neighbours.
He says the community sent out letters and started a Twitter account to warn residents about street closures and the large cheering crowds that have gathered to catch a glimpse of the long-serving spiritual leader.
Reiss says the rabbi is expected to keep a lower profile for the remainder of his visit, which ends Tuesday.
