With tremendous sadness, we inform the community of the passing of The Rachmastrivka Rebbe, of Boro Park. Admor R’ Chai Yitzchak Twerski ZT”L was 92 years old.
He was known worldwide as the Holy Light emanating forth from Brooklyn. People came to for his chizuk, shailos and warmth from all over the globe. His passing will leave a deep void in the community.
The Levaya will be held in the Boro Park Beis Medrash, 45th St between 12th Ave and Utrecht, at 3:30 – 4:00 pm. There will be another short Levaya at 7:00 pm in Monsey, after which the body will be taken to kevurah.
Rachmastrivka is a Chasidus named after the town of Rotmistrivka, Ukraine. It is an offshoot of the Chernobyl dynasty dating back to the 19th century.
The founder of the dynasty, Rebbe Yochanan Twersky (1816-1895), was the youngest son of Rebbe Mordechai Twersky, the Maggid of Chernobyl. He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Pinchos of Kalk. He died on 4 Nisan 5655 (1895) in Rachmastrivka.
Up until today, there were two Rebbes, whose Kehillos are located in Borough Park and in Yerushalayim. Los Angeles is also home to a significant Rachmastrivka community. The Rebbe in Jerusalem is a nephew of the one in Borough Park, since the previous Rebbe in Israel died in 2004, and his son took over his mantle of leadership in Israel.
Rachmastrivka is one of the larger Chassidishe groups. The two Rebbes had a very close relationship. This has continued into the next generation; the new Rebbe in Jerusalem visited New York on September 14, 2006 and stayed with his uncle.
Hamakom Yinacheim Eschem.
Sad news: The Rachmastrivka Rebbe was niftar. He was the elder Rebbe and Boro Park was a more elevated place because of his presence.
What struck me most was his utter simplicity – for anyone familiar with Chernobyl, no surprise. I once saw him perusing sefarim outside Pinter's.
— Yochonon Donn (@Yochidonn) August 16, 2023
✡️ — PHOTOS: Gerer Rosh Yeshivah Harav Shaul Alter visiting now the Rachmastrivka Rebbe in Boro Park. pic.twitter.com/hs5DXBWmp0
— Belaaz News (@TheBelaaz) November 2, 2021
