Congregation Belz

A vibrant melody of celebration once echoed around Congregation Belz. In 2018, Montreal’s Belz community welcomed their spiritual leader, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach. Congregation Belz, a Hasidic community with roots in Eastern Europe, buzzed with excitement. This was the rabbi’s first visit in two decades. He had led the community since 1966. The streets around Congregation Belz were alive with red carpets, dancing, bonfires, and joyous celebrations. Thousands, both local and from afar, gathered at Congregation Belz to honor their revered leader. The rabbi, then 70 years old and rarely seen outside of Israel, received a rockstar welcome. The festivities included bonfires and feasts to mark Lag B’Omer. This Jewish holiday commemorates the revelation of the Kabbalah. The Belz community in Montreal, numbering between 2,000 and 3,000 members, took pride in their leader. Rabbi Rokeach had guided the sect’s post-Holocaust resurgence. This led to the establishment of Belz communities in Canada, Europe, and the United States. Congregation Belz has not always enjoyed peaceful relations with its neighbors. Past tensions, stemming from issues like school bus usage and the establishment of new synagogues, have sometimes flared up. However, during the rabbi’s visit, the community made efforts to minimize disruption and maintain open communication. They even created a Twitter account to share photos and updates. This gesture fostered understanding and lessened friction. Even some non-Jewish community members joined the celebration, drawn in by the vibrant atmosphere surrounding Congregation Belz. The rabbi’s visit, a rare and momentous occasion, brought a wave of unity and joy to the community.