ABOUT – THE HISTORY OF BELZ
Remembering the past
Living its history
The chassidus of Belz fascinates those who have heard about its Rebbes—their wondrous works, illustrious dynasty, and miraculous tales.
THE HISTORIC TIMELINE OF BELZ
1804 | 5564
The Sar Shalom
Rabbi Shalom Rokeach, zt”l, takes on the superhuman task of learning Torah throughout the night for 1000 consecutive nights. On the last night, despite raging snowstorms, Rabbi Shalom headed to the Beis Medrash (Torah study hall) and was joined by Eliyahu Hanavi who revealed to him the innermost secrets of the Torah.
1816 | 5576
The First Rebbe of Belz
The community of Belz anoints Reb Shalom as the first Rebbe of Belz. He married his cousin Rebbetzin Malka, who supported his life mission. The Rebbe initiated a project of building the “Great Belzer Shul,” a structure that dominated the skyline and rose above all else in the Shtetel Belz. At the time, it became the symbolic center of Chassidic Judaism.
1831 | 5591
The Belzer Shul
The Sar Shalom personally oversaw the construction of the shul (synagogue). The completed shul was an architectural masterpiece styled like a medieval fortress and complied with intrinsic halachic and kabbalistic guidelines. The Sar Shalom positioned the shul to face precisely towards the Temple Mount in Jerusalem with no church or shrine between them.
1855 | 5615
The Sar Shalom
Reb Shalom led his congregants for close to forty years. Unfortunately, he passed away on the 27th day of Elul 5615, which fell on the three-day preparation period before Rosh Hashanah, the day of judgment. His son, Reb Yehoshua, explained in his eulogy that his saintly father had been appointed a member of the judicial panel in the Heavenly Court and needed, by Jewish law, three days to prepare himself!
1856 | 5616
The Mittler Rebbe
The Sar Shalom’s youngest son succeeded his father, an uncommon phenomenon for the passing of the mantel. Reb Yehoshua, now known as the Mittler Rav – was blessed with formerly unrecognized talents and charisma. Reb Yehoshua rebranded the image of a Rabbinic Court and introduced a new kind of relationship between a Rebbe and his Chassidim.
1878 | 5638
The Machzikei Hadas
The Mittler Rav joined forces with Reb Shimon Sofer, the Rabbi of Krakow, to establish the organization Machzikei Hadas (upholder of religion). 200 orthodox Jewish communities gave it recognition, and Reb Sofer served as president. In addition, the religious political party published a new, influential newspaper. These successful strategies combated the assimilationist trends of the rising Haskalah (enlightenment) movement.
1894 | 5654
The Frierdiger Rav
As charismatic a leader as his father before him, Rabbi Yissachar Dov was known for his intense Torah study. Expanding on his father’s achievement, Belz was at the forefront of influencing the Chassidic /Chareidi population. He founded dozens of schools to teach Jewish values, constructively battling the trend toward the “enlightened” schools striving to dispel traditional Jewish values.
1914 | 5674
World War I
All of Galicia was a battlefield. Russian troops occupied the Rebbe’s home, study hall, and holy shul. Reb Yissachar Dov fled to Hungary, where he served as an inspiration and a source of comfort to war-torn communities and refugees. After the war, he mobilized efforts to rebuild a world destroyed by the brutal war.
1927 | 5687
Shockwaves After The Great War
After WWI, the Frierdiger Rav tried with all his considerable strength to rebuild the devastated Jewish communities but forfeited his health in the process. Thousands flock to Belz to pay their last respects as the Leader of Galician Jewry was laid to rest. The walls of the great Belz Synagogues dripped with water as though shedding tears along with the mourners.
1927 | 5687
The Saintly Reb Aharon
Reb Aharon, the firstborn son and successor as the fourth Belzer Rebbe was also known as Der Belzer Rav Zechrono Levrocho (OBM), but his predominant title was “Aharon Kedosh Hashem” (The holy and G-dly). He shunned worldly comforts and was devoted entirely to the servitude of His Master. His ascetic appearance and aura of pure holiness were apparent; many likened him to an angel.
1939 | 5699
Belz in Eretz Yisroel
The seed of Belz Chassidus was planted in the Holy Land with the first Belzer Shtiebel in Yerushalayim — thereby instigating the first step towards establishing Belz outside Eastern Europe. Five years later, on 9 Shevat 5704 (1944), two illustrious refugees, the holy Belzer Rebbe and his brother, the Bilgorajer Rebbe, set foot in Eretz Yisroel, and the reconstruction of an empire began.
1939 | 5699
The War Years
Fleeing Nazi persecution, The Rebbe slipped into the Bochnia ghetto incognito. Avoiding the Nazi ‘aktions,’ he was spirited from Bochnia to Krakow and back to Bochnia. His Chassidim attempted in vain to keep his identity secret, as the “Wunder Rabbiner” was on the Nazis ‘most-wanted list. But even the callous Nazi collaborators fell under his spell and helped keep the Rebbe safe and eventually escape the ghetto.
1943 | 5703
The Devastating Aftermath
Throughout the destruction of Belz and the other Eastern European communities, the Rebbe comforted his brethren even as he suffered alongside them. His firstborn son was burned alive in the Central Shul in Premishlan, and, over time, he lost his wife and entire extended family. Yet, despite his loss, he continuously beseeched the Almighty on behalf of his fellow Jews.
1945 | 5705
Arrival to Eretz Yisroel
The two saintly brothers arrive as refugees to Palestine, practically the only survivors of the entire extended Belz families, broken and penniless without any trace of their former glory. Nevertheless, they did not wallow in self-pity. On the contrary, as soon as they arrived, they set about the task of galvanizing the efforts of Jewish communities in Eretz Yisroel to set up relief committees and do everything in their power to save the remnants of European Jewry.
1948 | 5708
The Belzer Rebbe is Born
Both brothers remarry again in the Holy Land. The Bilgorajer Rebbe was blessed with the birth of a son named Yissachar Dov after his saintly father, zt”l. When the Belzer Rebbe was just two-years-old, he became orphaned by his father. His uncle, Reb Aharon, took him under his wing and personally supervised his education, and tended to all his physical needs.
1949 | 5709
Belz Talmud Torah
The first Belz Talmud Torahs (boys’ elementary schools) opened in Tel Aviv, Yerushalayim, and Bnei Brak, followed by a Yeshiva (boys’ high school) in Yerushalayim. The driving force behind the emerging Belz educational program is the Bilgorajer Rebbe, yet his stewardship didn’t last. Unfortunately, he passed away on 25 Cheshvan 5711 (1950), after a short illness.
1957 | 5717
Reb Aharon’s Levaya (Funeral)
Belzer Chassidim are heartbroken when their beloved Rebbe passes away; thousands jam the streets to pay tribute to the great man who cared for so many in his lifetime. From all walks of life, they thronged to Yerushalayim to mourn the passing of a great Torah personality and master of compassion for his fellow Jew. His gravesite has become a shrine visited by thousands each year.
1964 | 5724
The Wedding of the Century
The Crown Prince of the Belzer dynasty marries the granddaughter of the then Viznitzer Rebbe zt”l. Jubilant Chassidim from worldwide throng Bnei Brak to participate in the joyous occasion. They heralded the wedding as an important milestone, indicating that their long wait was drawing to a close and the Belzer throne will once again be occupied.
1966 | 5726
The Rebbe Shlita
Two short years later, the present Rebbe Shlita was ordained in Jerusalem as the Fifth Belzer Rebbe and leader of the Belzer Chassidim. Who, if any, present at the time, would have foreseen the phenomenal success that the Rebbe would have in leading Belz into the future as an international superpower, ranking as one of the greatest Chassidic and Torah movements in the world!
1967 | 5727
First Belzer Kollel Established
One of the first things the Belzer Rebbe shlita accomplished post-coronation was the establishment of a Belzer Kollel (study campus for aspiring Torah scholars who choose Torah studies as their life mission). The Rebbe foresaw the need for future Rabbinic leaders, and today’s leading and renowned Chassidic Rabbanim are from those initial Torah scholars. The Kollel movement expanded, and thousands of talmidei chachamim (Torah scholars) dwelled in Torah day and night.
1973 | 5733
Mechon Maseh Rokeach – מכון מעשי רוקח
The Chassidus of Belz is famed for its unique davening nusach – prayer nuances. Though most Chassidic communities pray according to the Sephardic nusach (prayer customs), Belz made some alliterations based on its Chassidic minhagim (customs) and/or Kabbalistic reasonings. Thus, the Belzer Rebbe shlita established Mechon Maseh Rokeach – an enterprise that updates and prints siddurim, machzorim, and various prayer books for the Belzer community.
1973 | 5733
Historic Visit To The USA
The Belzer Rebbe shlita visited his chassidim in America for the first time since his coronation. Thousands of chassidim plus Jews from all walks of life came to hear the Rebbe’s passionate speech and to receive his brachos. The Belzer Rav shlita showed his support to the various US Belzer establishments by staying for over a month and encouraging them to in Torah and maintain a connection with Belz in Eretz Yisroel.
1975 | 5736
New Link To The Belz Dynasty
Belz Chassidim worldwide were ecstatic with the news of the birth of Reb Aharon Mordechai Rokeach shlita to the Belzer Rav shlit’’a and Rebbetzin tlit’’a. Everyone felt that the Simcha was their own. Following many childless years, this monumental event rebounded the Belz dynasty. Reb Aharon Mordechai was named after his revered grandfather – the Bilgaray Rav zt’’l, and his great-uncle, Reb Aharon of Belz tz’’l.
1976 | 5736
Bais Malka Girls School
The Belzer Rebbe shlita felt that it was imperative to establish a Chassidic school where girls could mingle in their circles plus receive a stellar education based on the traditions of Belz, with an emphasis on building good character traits, and a curriculum compliant with educational requirements. The school was named “Bais Malka” after the noble first Belzer Rebbetzin Malka.
1977 | 5737
Kiryat Belz Launched
The cornerstone was laid in Kiryat Belz (housing project) on the outskirts of Jerusalem for the Belz World Center. The grandiose groundbreaking event was attended by thousands of Belzer Chassidim, Rabbis and Jewish dignitaries, delegates from all the Israeli political parties, and well-wishers from around the world, including an envoy with a personal message from the American president.
1977 | 5737
Outreach Programs & Yeshivas
Following the Yom Kippur War, many Jews were floundering spiritually and emotionally. The Belzer Rebbe shlita saw the need to reach out to assimilated Jews by establishing the Achdus HaNoar Organization – an outreach program embracing Jews who seek connection. Its success developed into establishing Torah V’Emunah – a kiruv Yeshiva for Baalei Teshuva (Jews who return to their roots) Hidabroot, a 24/6 TV kiruv channel, and Tzoha, outreach seminars and retreats for affiliated and unaffiliated Jews.
1980 | 5741
Khal Machzikei Hadas
Until now, legal and halachic community matters have been addressed by the central Beis Din of Yerushalayim. As the Belz kehilla (community) grew exponentially, the Belzer Rebbe established its own judicial body, Khal Machzikei Hadas, the first community Beis Din in Israel that was responsible for kosher certifications, marriage arrangements, judicial rulings, etc. The “Hachtarah/crowning event” was the first in Chassidic circles, which all communities have followed.
1980 | 5741
Hamachne Hachareidi – Weekly Publication
A new medium to filter secular readership was the launch of the Hamachne Hachareidi – a weekly Chassidic newspaper publication with chareidi news, inspiring content, and educational tidbits. The Belzer Rebbe shlita felt it was imperative to print reading material appropriate for a Torah home. The paper is a replica of Kol Machzikei Hadas (a chareidi newsletter established by Reb Yehoshua of Belz tz’’l to combat secularism at the time).
1980 | 5740
The Hachtorah (Crowning)
Legal matters in the Belz Jewish community – marriage arrangements, judicial rulings, etc. – were taken up by outside rabbinical authorities. Finally, the Rebbe decides to create a new beis-din within Belz to administer Torah law. The Hachtorah / “crowning” event was the first in Chassidic circles, which most communities have since followed.
1988 | 5749
Historic Visit To Belz תשמט
The Belzer Rebbe shlita, together with an entourage of ten people, traveled for the first time to the town of Belz, still under the Russian communist regime, to pray at the holy gravesites of Belz’s ancestors on behalf of Belzer Chassidim and world Jewry. After communism fell, Chassidim started visiting the tzion’s (gravesites) of Reb Shalom zt’’l, Reb Yehoshua zt’’l, Reb Yissocher Dov Rokeach tz’’l, and Rebbetzin Malka zt’’l, the first Belzer Rebbetzin.
1988 | 5749
Worldwide Gathering For Belz Chassidim
Since thousands of Chassidim worldwide came to celebrate the Bar Mitzvah of Reb Aharon Mordechai Rokeach shlita, the son of the Belzer Rebbe shlita, the Rav seized the opportunity to form a ‘Hisvadas Oilamas – worldwide gathering’ for all Belzer Chassidim at Jerusalem’s Binyenei HaUma with over 5,000 chassidim and Rabbonim present. The event marked fifty years since the initial establishment of a ‘Belzer Shtibel’ in Israel. The gathering fortified the Chassidim’s connection, pride, and honor to belong.
1989 | 5749
Bar Mitzvah Of The Century
Each milestone of Reb Aharon Mordechai Rokeach shlita was celebrated by thousands of Belzer Chassidim worldwide. The Bar Mitzvah occasion was an emotional Simcha for the Belzer Rav shlita and his followers – since Reb Aharon Mordechai was an only child – each event highlighted the rich beauty of the Belzer lineage. The Bar Mitzvah was held in the half-finished Great Belz Shul, where many Chassidic leaders, Israeli dignitaries, and high-ranking guests were present.
1993 | 5753
The Royal Belz Wedding
Reb Aharon Mordechai Rokeach shlita married Sara Leah Lemberger (the ‘Yinger Rebbetzin’), daughter of the devout Makover Rebbe shlita of Kiryat Ata. The wedding was a historical and large event that chareidi Jewry had never seen. The wedding was a testament to the miraculous recovery from near-total annihilation in the Holocaust. Many esteemed Rabbanim and dignitaries attended, including the groom’s grandfather – The Viznitzer Rebbe zt’’l, and Rav Shach zt’’l.
1995 | 5755
A New Generation Is Born
Since Reb Aharon Mordechai Rokeach’s shlita wedding day, Belz has never stopped celebrating happy occasions. A year later, the Chassidus celebrated the birth of the Belzer Rebbe’s shlita first grandson. The ‘’chut hameshulash” – the “three-ply-cord” would not be severed. Brissim, kiddushim of the Rebbe’s grandsons and granddaughters, became commonplace, then bar mitzvah celebrations, and the legacy carries on.
2000 | 5760
Chanikas Habayis – Beis Medrash Hagodol
The monumental edifice took 15 years to complete – its ornate beauty, interior decor, and magnanimous dimensions entailed laborious work, exuberant costs, and meticulous effort. Thousand of Chassidim from around the world came to celebrate this special event. With pomp, music, and heartful prayers, Belzer chassidim, dignitaries, and Yerushalmi Jews escorted the Belzer Rav shlita into the new Shul. The Great Belz shul is a landmark destination for Jews visiting Eretz Yisroel.
2003 | 5763
Merkaz Mosdos Belz – Belz Institutions In Israel
From when Reb Aharon of Belz zt’’l opened the first Belz Yeshiva in 1949, the Belz student body multiplied enormously. Then another four Yeshivas opened, and by now, there are hundreds of Belz educational intuitions. Merkaz Mosdos Belz was established as a one-umbrella fundraising organization to fundraise for all Belzer educational, outreach, and community service organizations in Israel. Its central headquarters is in the United States, with more branches worldwide.
2013 | 5773
A Monumental Wedding
Some 25,000 chassidim worldwide converged in Kiryat Belz to attend the wedding of Reb Sholom Rokeach shlita, the eldest grandchild of the Belzer Rebbe shlita, with Chana Basya Paneth, a graduate of Belz school. The wedding’s highlight was the Chuppah and Mitzvah Tantz, in which the Belzer Rebbe shlita officiated and danced to thunderous songs from exuberant chassidim in attendance. A few more siblings followed this wedding.
2014 | 5774
THE EIGHTH GENERATION IS BORN
Who would have believed that the Chassidus of Belz, which was almost annihilated during the war, and following many childless years of the Belzer Rebbe shlita, that Belz would revive once more? The birth of a daughter to Reb Sholom Rokeach shlita, the eighth generation of Belz, is added to the dynasty. In many subsequent births of great-grandchildren – the proud great-grandparents and grandparents take pride in their children and celebrate their birthdays together.
2017 | 5777
Convention For Belzer Chassidim
Over 12,000 Belzer Chassidim from around the world gathered at the Arena Stadium in Jerusalem to mark fifty years since the Belzer Rav shlita accepted the Rabbinic mantle. The Belzer Rav shlita’s mission was to strengthen the chassidim’s connection saying: “Each person is a thread in the fabric of Belz; the more threads intertwined, the stronger its makeup and the harder to pull apart!” The Rav also strengthened his chassidim’s resolve to combat the struggles of this generation with the Torah and unity.
DIE SHTETELE BELZ
Belz is a small city in Western Ukraine situated near the Polish border. Pre-WWII, Belz’s air would vibrate with excitement, warmth, and holiness when thousands of chassidim thronged the Rebbe’s court to celebrate Jewish holidays. Today, the spiritual Shtetel of Belz has been transplanted in Eretz Yisroel and is very much alive and thriving in the heart of Yerushalayim.
RABBI SHALOM ROKEACH
Also known as:
THE SAR SHALOM
THE ERSHTER RAV (First Rebbe)
1779 – 1855
Rabbi Shalom Rokeach zt”l was the founder of the Belz dynasty. Reb Shalom’s remarkable perseverance enabled him to spend hours immersed in Torah study. In fact, after spending 1000 consecutive nights studying, the prophet Eliyahu revealed himself to Reb Shalom and disclosed the mysteries of the Torah. Reb Shalom initiated and oversaw the construction and majestic completion of the Great Shul in Belz.
RABBI YEHOSHUA ROKEACH
Also known as:
THE MITTLER RAV (Middle Rebbe)
1825-1894
Rabbi Yehoshua Rokeach zt”l, the youngest son of Reb Shalom, was appointed to assume leadership. His talents and charm were instrumental in guiding and forming the phenomenon of chassidus as it is known today. Unlike the previous era, where chassidim dwelled in Torah learnings from its Rebbes, this new generation attracted followers of a simple nature who remained staunch chassidim throughout their lives.
RABBI YISSOCHER DOV ROKEACH
Also known as:
THE FRIERDIGE RAV (Previous Rebbe)
1851 – 1927
Rabbi Yissochor Dov Rokeach zt”l was the Mittler Rebbe’s third son. He was a dynamic leader with an uncanny understanding of the prevailing political trend. Under his leadership, the Belzer influence spread dramatically. Religious and lay leaders sought his advice and support. In addition, he was known for his passion for Torah study—promoting it by establishing numerous yeshivas and schools at the time.
RABBI AHARON OF BELZ
Also known as:
DER RUV ZICHRONO LIVRACHA
1880 – 1957
Rabbi Aharon Rokeach zt”l was the firstborn son and successor of the Frierdige Rav. His aura of pure holiness was apparent, prompting many to liken him to an angel. Reb Aharon zt”l and his holy brother, Reb Mordche Bilgerei zt”l, miraculously fled the Nazis and reestablished the chassidus of Belz in Eretz Yisroel. His gravesite is a place of pilgrimage, where thousands in need of salvation come to pray.
RABBI YISSOCHAR DOV ROKEACH
Also knows as:
THE BELZER REBBE
1948 –
Rabbi Yissocher Dov Rokeach shlita is the son of The Bilegerei Rebbe zt”l and nephew of Reb Aharon zt”l, who raised him like a son after becoming an orphan at age two. On the ninth passing anniversary of the late Belzer Rebbe, the present Rebbe was ordained as the Fifth Belzer Rebbe. Under the Rebbe’s leadership, the chassidus of Belz transformed into an international superpower that ranks as one of the world’s greatest chassidic and Torah movements.
The Belz Empire
When the Belzer Rebbe shlita embarked on his quest to rebuild the Belzer Empire, he made an important strategic decision. He did not attempt to rebuild a Shtetele, instead he set about creating a network of Torah institutions that would educate a new generation in the unique Belz tradition, thereby guaranteeing the future of Belz.
Connect with Belz of Yesteryear – Connect with Belz today
DIE SHTETELE BELZ
Established:
Belz is a small city in Western Ukraine, situated near the Polish border. Pre-WWII, the very air in Belz would vibrate with excitement, warmth and holiness when thousands of chassidim thronged to the Rebbe’s court to celebrate Jewish holidays. Today, the spiritual Shtetel of Belz has been transplanted in Eretz Yisroel and is very much alive and thriving in the heart of Yerushalayim.
RABBI SHALOM ROKEACH
Also known as:
THE SAR SHALOM
THE ERSHTER RAV (First Rebbe)
1779 – 1855
Rabbi Shalom Rokeach OBM was the founder of the Belz dynasty. Reb Shalom’s remarkable perseverance enabled him to spend hours immersed in Torah study. In fact, after spending 1000 consecutive nights studying, the prophet Eliyahu revealed himself to Reb Shalom and disclosed the mysteries of the Torah. Reb Shalom initiated, and oversaw the construction and majestic completion of the Great Shul in Belz.
RABBI YEHOSHUA ROKEACH
Also known as:
THE MITTLER RAV (Middle Rebbe)
1825-1894
Reb Yehoshua Rokeach OBM, the youngest son of Reb Shalom, was appointed to assume leadership. His talents and charm were instrumental in guiding and forming the phenomenon of chassidus as it is known today. Unlike the previous era, where chassidim dwelled in Torah learnings from its Rebbes, this new generation attracted followers of a simple nature who remained staunch chassidim throughout their lives.
RABBI YISSOCHER DOV ROKEACH
Also known as:
THE FRIERDIGE RAV (Previous Rebbe)
1851 – 1927
Rabbi Yissochor Dov Rokeach OBM was the Mittler Rebbe’s third son. He was a dynamic leader with an uncanny understanding of the prevailing political trend. Under his leadership, the Belzer influence spread dramatically. Religious and lay leaders sought his advice and support. In addition, he was known for his passion towards Torah study—promoting it by establishing numerous yeshivas and schools at the time.
RABBI AHARON OF BELZ
Also known as:
DER RUV ZICHRONO LIVRACHA
1880 – 1957
Rabbi Aharon Rokeach OBM was the firstborn son and successor of The Frierdige Rav. His aura of pure holiness was apparent, prompting many who liken him to an angel. Reb Aharon and his holy brother, Reb Mordche Bilgerei, miraculously fled the Nazis and reestablished the chassidus of Belz in Eretz Yisroel. His gravesite is a place of pilgrimage, where thousands in need of a salvation come to pray.
RABBI YISSOCHAR DOV ROKEACH
Also knows as:
THE BELZER REBBE
1948 –
Rabbi Yissocher Dov Rokeach Shlita is the son of The Bilegerei Rebbe, and nephew of Reb Aharon who raised him like a son after becoming an orphan at age two. On the ninth passing anniversary of the late Belzer Rebbe, the present Rebbe was ordained as the Fifth Belzer Rebbe. Under the Rebbe’s leadership, the chassidus of Belz transformed into an international superpower that ranks as one of the world’s greatest chassidic and Torah movements.
THE BELZ EMPIRE
When the Belzer Rebbe zt”l embarked on his quest to rebuild the Belzer Empire he made an important strategic decision. He did not attempt to rebuild a Shtetele, instead he set about creating a network of Torah institutions that would educate a new generation in the unique Belz tradition, thereby guaranteeing the future of Belz.
Take a peek at how Belz has evolved from the pre-war shtetl shul to a massive, imposing, state-of-the-art building – befitting the kingdom that Belz really is.
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