On Monday, January 27, Rabbi Simantov Yanetz, the esteemed leader of the Bukharian Jewish Congregation of Briarwood, had the honor of hosting Rav Yosef Dovid Teitelbaum, the Sassover Rebbe from Eretz Yisroel. I had the privilege of accompanying Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchak Friedman, the leader of K’hal Beis Yosef D’Ulem, whose rebbetzin is related to the Rebbe, to meet him at Rabbi Yanetz’s residence in Briarwood for a meaningful visit and l’chaim.

The Rebbe was subsequently welcomed at the home of Mr. Roman Davydov, the shul’s president, where Rabbi Yanetz led a siyum on Maseches Kiddushin. The Rebbe inspired the community by sharing divrei Torah and engaging with individuals, offering brachos and guidance.

During his address, the Rebbe highlighted the importance of t’filah b’tzibbur, particularly the necessity of attending Shacharis with a minyan. He articulated that beginning the day with communal davening brings siyatah dismayah (divine assistance) and fosters an environment where children grow up with yiras Shamayim (reverence for Heaven), following the path of Hashem Yisbarach.

The Sasov Legacy

The Sassover Rebbe comes from a distinguished lineage of Torah and chasidus, having established a legacy of leadership that honors the traditions of his father, Rav Lipa Meir Teitelbaum ztk”l, the Sassov-Keretzky Rebbe, and the son-in-law of Rav Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar. Following Rav Lipa Meir’s passing, his two sons assumed leadership roles. HaGaon HaRav Yosef Dovid Teitelbaum, the current Sassover Rebbe in Kiryat Yismach Moshe in Ganei Tikva, Israel, is a son-in-law of the Rebbe Dovid Moshe of Kretchnif and a disciple of the previous Klausenberger Rebbe. His brother, Rav Chanoch Heynach Teitelbaum, serves as the Sassover Rebbe in Monsey. The Rebbe’s eldest son leads a Sassov kehillah in Borough Park, while others guide communities in Betar, Bnei Brak, and Yerushalayim, perpetuating the family’s influence in strengthening Torah and chasidus across generations.

Rabbi Yanetz, who was raised in the Rebbe's Yismach Moshe community, has previously commented on the Rebbe’s remarkable journey of being orphaned at the age of 11 following his father's passing, a pivotal moment that led to the dissolution of the Sassover chasidus. At just 18, the Rebbe undertook the monumental task of rebuilding the dynasty into the thriving Sasov community it is today, with hundreds of devoted followers. It is within this community that the Rebbe draws individuals closer to Torah and mitzvos through his signature warmth, love, and positivity. He uniquely emphasizes the sweetness of Torah and forms deep, personal connections with everyone, dedicating time to his followers and traveling weekly to Yerushalayim and Bnei Brak to teach shiurim and engage personally with every student afterward. At the recent program, the Rebbe continued this tradition, offering each attendee a personal blessing, leaving an impression on the Briarwood community. Worldwide, parents seek the Rebbe's guidance in raising their children. Recognized as one of the Chasidic world's most influential figures, the Rebbe has assisted countless young men through his outreach efforts, drawing them closer to Torah and mitzvos.

Beyond his leadership and influence, the Sassover Rebbe carries a deeply personal narrative of divine intervention that saved his life nearly two decades ago, shortly after a son’s wedding in Ashdod. At 2 a.m., still an hour away from Yismach Moshe, the Rebbe suddenly experienced pressure in his chest. Although his entourage arrived safely, the Rebbe soon realized he could not find his house key. Acting swiftly, the gabbaim contacted all his sons, who were unable to locate their keys, except for the chosson back in Ashdod. Without a key, the group proceeded to the nearest open urgent care center, where a nurse quickly diagnosed the Rebbe as suffering from a heart attack. He was immediately transported to Sheba Tel HaShomer Hospital for emergency open-heart surgery. This unexpected delay proved to be lifesaving, as a physician later indicated that had the Rebbe returned home to rest that night, it is presumed he would not have awakened. The Rebbe has stated that while en route to surgery, he implored the Almighty for more time, citing the heartfelt reason of losing his father at an early age and vowing to dedicate himself to guiding Chasidic youth, particularly bochurim, closer to Hashem. His efforts in guiding and inspiring Briarwood are a continuation of that heartfelt plea.

In addition to his outreach work, the Rebbe serves as a Rosh HaYeshivah in his community, and oversees two kollelim.

By Shabsie Saphirstein