The Teaneck residents are getting excited! The Rebbe is coming again. Less than a year since the Biale Rebbe of Bnei Brak visited Teaneck, hundreds are excitedly anticipating his return.
Everyone wants to understand what is it that draws so many people to see the Biale Rebbe again and again? What is it that causes thousands of people from different backgrounds to seek the rebbe?
The Shadchante Is Waiting For Your Phone Call
A shy young couple waited to see the Rebbe. What was their story? The woman shared: “I was in shidduchim for years, and nothing was working out. Last year I heard that the Biale Rebbe was coming to New York. I made an appointment and waited along with everyone else. My turn came and I went into the Rebbe, nervous with anticipation. The Rebbe told me, “Call the shadchante today, she’s waiting for your call.” I had given up on calling shadchanim, but the Rebbe’s words gave me the push to try again. I decided to give it a chance and called a shadchante I knew. As soon as I called, the shadchante exclaimed, “Wow, it’s so bashert that you called now! I just got a name of a wonderful bachur who could be perfect for you. But if you hadn’t called, I wouldn’t have thought of calling you!” This phone call made with the Rebbe’s bracha brought me my shidduch, and b”H we’re happily married for a few months.”
I Got Engaged After the Tisch
A young man shared his story: “A year ago I got shirayim from the Rebbe. The Rebbe told me, “Mazel tov! You’re getting engaged!” I was dating then and wasn’t at all sure where things were heading. After the Rebbe’s bracha everything went quickly, and 10 days later we were engaged! Now I came to the tisch with my wife to get a bracha from the Rebbe for a happy life together.”
I Was Sure I Was Finished But The Rebbe Saved My Life
When a person has a million dollars it’s not enough; they want more and more. Sometimes it works and sometimes … that happened to me. At a young age I joined my father’s business and right away I wanted the whole world: another property, another purchase. My portfolio grew, and the bank gave me loans and I continued buying and buying, until one day the bank foreclosed my account, without advance warning. The bank saw that my income wasn’t exceeding my expenses and seized everything. I was embarrassed to leave my house. I was totally depressed.
On Friday night I went to shul near my house and I saw a commotion outside. A guest came: the Biale Rebbe! There was going to be a tisch at my neighbor’s home. My neighbor practically forced me to come, promising it would be worth it. Before Kiddush the Rebbe spoke and I felt he was talking to me. The Rebbe said that even when everything seems black, even when a Yid thinks he lost everything, if he strengthens his emunah then he’ll never be alone and there is a way out of every situation. To make a long story short, with the Rebbe’s bracha and help, I came to be one of the greatest sponsors of the Rebbe’s mosdos and got out of the deep muddle I was in. I am now back in real estate and I remember to give maaser from all of my profits. I thank Hakadosh Baruch Hu for sending the Rebbe to me to extricate me from my predicament.
The Rebbe Shlita
Twenty-two years ago, the Rebbe was barely in his early 30s when the yoke of leadership of Biale Chasidus Bnei Brak was thrust upon him. His greatness and guidance reached far beyond the borders of Bnei Brak as the Rebbe chose to draw his brethren from all over the world close to him by encouraging and helping them. The Rebbe is leader and mentor of a most respectable chasidus which is centrally based in Bnei Brak and has branches in Jerusalem, Beitar Illit, Ashdod, Beit Shemesh and Modi’in Eilit. This has added a newold hue to the leadership of Biale chasidus. Every day hundreds of people from varying backgrounds, Sephardim and Ashkenazim alike, Ultra-Orthodox and those who have just donned a kippah, from Cholon to Bat Yam, Beersheba to Eilat, all stream to one address. The Rebbe opened his door and his heart to the whole of klal Yisrael. Welcoming them with his compassionate heart and warm smile. People enter his room carrying a heavy load of troubles and worries; when they leave, however, they are lighthearted and hopeful.
Biale Chasidus’ holy lineage stems from a holy sage named Rabbi Yaakov Yitzchok from Peshischa. This revered tzaddik lived some 200 years ago and was known to all as the “holy Jew” — the “Yid Hakadosh” from Peshischa. He was a disciple of the holy “Chozeh of Lublin” who was a direct fourth descendent of the holy Baal Shem Tov. The Yid Hakodosh was the greatest of Polish rabbis, rabbi to the leaders of Gur, Kotzk, Alexander and other great luminaries. Generations of tzaddikim in succession continued the tradition of the “Yid Hakodosh.” This chain was continued from father to son until the flame was kindled in our generation by the holy tzaddik and Rebbe: Reb Yechiel Yehoshua from Biale, may his holy memory be blessed. He was the grandfather of our revered Rebbe, a direct descendent of five generations to the Yid Hakadosh.
The Chelkas Yehoshua
Prewar Poland boasted of the Rebbe’s grandfather, Reb Yechiel Yehoshua, zt”l as one of its greatest leaders. However, his fame reached a pinnacle during the terrible Holocaust when he sanctified Hashem’s name, first in occupied Poland and later in the freezing Siberia. When he reached Israel all the great rabbis acknowledged him as a great tzaddik.
The Lahavas Dovid
Next in line was the Rebbe’s father, the holy Rabbi Dovid Mattisyahu, zt”l. He was renowned and famous for his purity and greatness. During his lifetime his father appointed him as head of Yeshivas Biale. During his travels throughout the world he revived the brokenhearted with his moving prayers and heartfelt talks. People were drawn to him from afar. His tall handsome profile reminded many of his holy father’s image.
The Rebbe continues to tow this beautiful golden chain. However, he does not suffice with leading his own community. He is concerned about the welfare of all of klal Yisrael. Several times a year he leaves the comforts of his home and visits countries and communities where no other Chasidic rebbe has ever visited before. He embraces those who have strayed. He strengthens, encourages, motivates and directs until another Jew has found his way back to our Father in Heaven.
The Swords of Iron War
If every year before Pesach the Rebbe is busy helping widows and orphans, this year, since the start of the war on Oct. 7, 2023, the Rebbe can’t sleep at night. The Rebbe says Tehillim every day together with the yeshiva bachurim, so that the Biale chasidim finish the entire Tehillim every day on behalf of the hostages and soldiers who are fighting for Am Yisrael. Every day, soldiers on their way to battle come with their parents for a bracha from the Rebbe. The Rebbe takes their names and doesn’t stop davening for their safety.
Chizuk for Soldiers
Biale’s chesed organizations have been there for the soldiers since the start of the war. Biale followers arrived at the meeting places in the north and south with containers full of meat and delicacies and held barbecues for the soldiers with singing and dancing and where every soldier received a large care package before leaving for battle. Biale friends from around the world also sent vital supplies for the soldiers. We all hope and pray that all the soldiers come home safely with victory for Am Yisrael.
The Father of the Orphans
The Rebbe’s institutions are famous throughout Israel. The center is based in Bnei Brak, and there are branches all over the country. However, his favorite project is the welfare of “his” orphans. The Rebbe is father to 15 biological children and countless numbers of grandchildren. However, hundreds of children throughout the world call him “Father.” Among the many institutions which are under his auspices are two yeshivas in Beitar Illit called “Mishnat Shimon” and “Iyun Hatorah.” Batei Midrash and kollels for young men are spread out in Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Beitar Illit, Modi’in Eilit, Ashdod and Beit Shemesh. However, the institutions for widows and orphans are under the Rebbe’s direct administration. This fund supports the widows and orphans.
The desolate orphans receive everything they need of the best quality and quantity. This includes clothing, shoes, scholarships, dorm service and, of course, pocket money. All this is naught compared to the personal attention the Rebbe bestows upon them. As far as the Rebbe is concerned they are his fully adopted children. His house is their house, their worries become his own. The Rebbe is following their studies and makes sure they have personal tutors. Case in point: the Rebbe, who had just returned from a trip to the U.S. one Erev Pesach, told his driver to take him to visit his orphans directly from the airport. His own family and children can wait — his orphans come first. Upon his arrival the Rebbe gave each orphan gifts and pocket money enough for everything they needed for Yom Tov. Only then did he make his own way home to his family and Yom Tov preparations.
The Rebbe Knows!
A couple enters the Rebbe’s chambers; both have written a request with their names and the names of their children. Each name had a different request. One was having trouble in school, another needed help in his business. The Rebbe looks on the kvittel and tells the husband, “You should take a walk with your wife once a week! If you will respect your wife, your problems will be solved.” The woman burst out crying. This is the first time they met the Rebbe, and he was aware of everything going on between the couple. The Rebbe is unconcerned about the tens of people waiting outside and patiently expounds on the importance of domestic peace. The Rebbe gives them detailed instructions on how to bring their hearts closer. The Rebbe tells them that the key to happiness and success as well as nachas from their children lies in the respect shown between the parents. And so another couple exits with a happy smile on their faces. After a while the Rebbe’s secretary receives a note from the wife saying: “The Rebbe saved our marriage!!!”
The Rebbe’s Lodging
These days are happy ones for the residents of Teaneck as they anxiously prepare to meet once again with their beloved Rebbe. The Rebbe will be staying in Teaneck beginning Monday, March 24 at the home of the honorable hosts, Dr. and Mrs. Jerald and Esther Friedman, 1626 Buckingham Road.
Now the residents of Teaneck have this unique opportunity. Those who have not yet had the merit of meeting the Rebbe and would like to book an appointment for a personal consultation, blessing or advice, call the Rebbe’s private secretary (English speaking) at (917) 272-4045; on WhatsApp, (516) 231-0379; or send an email to [email protected].
