From Ruins to Revival: How Belz Hasidism Became a Global Powerhouse

Belz Hasidism, once on the brink of extinction during the Holocaust, has undergone an extraordinary revival to become one of the five largest Hasidic dynasties in the world. With approximately 10,000 families across Israel and the globe, the Belz Hasidic court is now a vibrant empire of Torah, spirituality, and community service. At the heart of this resurgence lies the magnificent beit midrash (study hall) in Kiryat Belz, Jerusalem—one of the most majestic synagogues in the world, and the central hub of Belz life and learning.

Origins: The Vision of Rebbe Shalom Rokeach

The Belz Hasidic court was founded in the early 19th century by Rebbe Shalom Rokeach, known as the "Sar Shalom," a prominent disciple of the Seer of Lublin. Initially studying Hasidic teachings in secret under the Maggid of Lutzk, Rebbe Shalom later became the rabbi of Belz, where he openly promoted Hasidic principles. He spearheaded the construction of a grand synagogue—insisting that every part of it, from foundation to roof, be built exclusively by Jews. Legend holds that before starting construction, he remained awake for a thousand consecutive nights in Torah study, culminating in a vision of Elijah the Prophet teaching him the laws of synagogue construction.

The Sar Shalom became renowned for his healing abilities, believed to stem from his intense Torah study. As he ran his fingers over holy texts, he claimed they absorbed sanctity, enabling him to heal the sick simply through touch. He prophesied that Belz would remain a center of Torah and fear of Heaven until the coming of the Messiah—a vision that would guide the dynasty through generations.

Growth and Influence Through the Generations

Rebbe Shalom was succeeded by his son, Rebbe Yehoshua Rokeach, under whom Belz flourished. Tens of thousands of Hasidim followed him across Galicia and Hungary. A staunch opponent of the Reform movement and the Haskalah (Enlightenment), Rebbe Yehoshua founded the historic newspaper Kol Machzikei Hadas and the Machzikei Hadas political movement—an unprecedented Haredi political body that even secured seats in the Austrian parliament. Despite his ideological rigor, he showed great love for every Jew, saying, “Just as we try to explain a difficult Rambam, so too must we explain a difficult Jew.”

Rebbe Yissachar Dov Rokeach, the third Rebbe, led the community through World War I, enduring exile and hardship as Belz's synagogue was converted into a wartime hospital. His leadership strengthened ties with Jewish youth, many of whom were drifting from tradition.

Tragedy and Triumph: The Holocaust and Rebirth

The fourth Rebbe, Rabbi Aharon Rokeach, witnessed the decimation of his entire family during the Holocaust. With the help of devoted Hasidim, he escaped the Nazi regime through a perilous journey that took him across Europe and into the Land of Israel in 1944. He settled in Tel Aviv, where the remnants of his community slowly began to regroup. Despite the trauma and loss, Rebbe Aharon emerged as a revered spiritual figure, embodying self-discipline and angelic devotion.

In the early post-war years, Belz was nearly silent, barely able to gather a minyan. Yet under Rebbe Aharon's guidance, the seeds of revival were sown. Upon his passing, leadership passed to his young nephew, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach, then just nine years old. The Hasidim decided to wait until the "child," as he was called, came of age.

(Illustration photo: Flash 90)

The Modern Era: Building an Empire of Torah and Kindness

At age 18, Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach was crowned the fifth Rebbe of Belz. Under his leadership, the Hasidic court experienced monumental growth. He established Kiryat Belz in Jerusalem, home to thousands of Hasidim, and constructed a beit midrash echoing the glory of the original Belz synagogue in Galicia. This massive complex houses everything from Torah libraries and yeshivas to kosher certification offices, emergency response centers, and charitable services.

The Belz network now includes extensive educational institutions for both boys and girls, a rabbinical court (Badatz Machzikei Hadas), and a weekly magazine, HaMachane HaCharedi. Outreach is a major pillar, led by the Zohar organization, which operates seminars, camps, and a returnee yeshiva called Torah Ve’Emunah. These programs are responsible for bringing many Jews back to Torah observance.

Music, once a minor aspect of Belz life, has flourished under the current Rebbe. He launched a Hasidic choir, encouraged the composition of original melodies, and even wrote tunes himself. Today, Belz boasts over 60 music albums, with many songs now sung far beyond the Hasidic world.

A Spiritual Leader for All Jews

The current Rebbe is not only the spiritual anchor for Belz Hasidim but also a guiding voice for Jews worldwide. He is closely involved with the outreach network Hidabroot and frequently advises its leaders. In 1975, after a decade of childlessness, the Rebbe was blessed with a son, Rabbi Aharon Mordechai Rokeach, who now has 13 children. In 2013, the wedding of his eldest son marked a symbolic and emotional milestone: the first Belz wedding of a Rebbe’s grandson since the Holocaust, celebrated as “the largest Haredi wedding in history.”

Notable Belz figures today include Rabbi Elimelech Firer, founder of Ezra LeMarpeh and famed for offering medical guidance, and MK Israel Eichler, a prominent voice in Israeli politics. The Hasidic court is also home to celebrated composers like Rabbi Yosef Tzvi Breyer, Rabbi Yirmiyahu Damen, Shlomo Kalish, and producer Yosef Moshe Kahana.

Conclusion:
From the ashes of European Jewry to the bustling streets of Jerusalem, Belz Hasidism has not only survived but thrived. It stands today as a testament to faith, perseverance, and the enduring power of Torah. Guided by visionary leaders, anchored in deep tradition, and infused with outreach and song, Belz continues to shape the spiritual destiny of the Jewish people—just as the Sar Shalom foretold.