Congregation Chaside Belz

What if I told you there’s a place right here in New York, a place of resilience and faith, where a Hasidic dynasty, almost extinguished in the Holocaust, was not only rekindled but blossomed? This is the story of Congregation Chaside Belz. Congregation Chaside Belz isn’t just a synagogue. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of the Belz Hasidic community. The Belz dynasty traces its roots back to the town of Belz in 19th-century Ukraine. It was led by Rabbi Shalom Rokeach, known as the Sar Shalom. His descendants continued the lineage, guiding the community through times of peace and persecution. The original Belz synagogue in Ukraine, a magnificent structure resembling a fortress, could hold 5,000 worshippers. Sadly, it was destroyed by the Nazis during World War II. The story of Rabbi Aharon Rokeach, the “Wonder Rebbe,” is central to Congregation Chaside Belz’s survival. He was a target of the Gestapo. Through daring escapes and with help from supporters abroad, he evaded capture. He eventually made his way to Israel, where he began to rebuild. Although he lost his immediate family in the Holocaust, Rabbi Aharon re-established the Belz community in Tel Aviv. He later moved to Jerusalem, where he laid the foundation for the growth of Belz. Today, Congregation Chaside Belz in Borough Park stands as a symbol of this revival. It represents the continuation of a legacy, carried across continents and through generations. The current Rebbe, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, has overseen significant expansion of Belz institutions and communities worldwide. From a few hundred families in 1966, the Belz community has grown to over 10,000 families. Here in New York, the Belz community thrives, a vibrant part of the city’s rich tapestry of cultures and faiths. Congregation Chaside Belz stands as a beacon of hope and a symbol of the enduring power of faith.