Újfehértó Religious Leaders

The first rabbi mentioned as serving the community of Újfehértó seems to have been Rabbi Chaim Meir Ze'ev ZELENFREUND, who served from 1822 to 1825. From there he went on to accept a position in Vinrhoadiv/Sevlus.

In 1881, Rabbi Naphtali Hertska ZILBERMAN accepted the position of Rabbi of Újfehértó. Many people sought his blessings, as he was known as a miracle worker. After his death, in 1897, his sons refused to accept his vacated position. Therefore, his stepson, Rabbi Shaul ROSENBERG, was appointed Rabbi of Újfehértó, a position he held for 45 years. After his passing, his son, Rabbi Amrom ROSENBERG, became chief rabbi.

Around 1898, the famed Hasidic leader, Rabbi Sholom Eliezer HALBERSTAM, set up his court in Ratzfert (Újfehértó). Over time, hundreds flocked to seek his guidance. He was murdered in Auschwitz, at the age of 82.

During WWI, another famed Hasidic rabbi had his court in Ratzfert (Újfehértó): Rabbi Yissachar Dov ROKEACH, also known as the "Belzer Rebbe." He was one of Galicia's greatest religious leaders, fleeing his hometown of Belz and arriving in Ratzfert towards the end of the summer of 1914, where he remained until Nisan 5677 (March/April 1917), after which he moved on to Munkács. During his years in Ratzfert, the village vibrated with Hasidic Jewish life.

Following are photographs and brief narratives of those who served the spiritual needs of Újfehértó.

If you have any questions or a photo to contribute, click HERE to contact me.

(Click the images below to view a larger image.)

Rabbi Sholom Leizer HALBERSTAM Courtesy: Paul LINHARDT, USA photographer unknown (Head of Hasidic court in Ratsfert) Rabbi HALBERSTAM was in his 90s when he was transported to Auschwitz and murdered. Click HERE for additional information. Rabbi Shaul ROSENBERG Courtesy: Yad Vashem Archive, permission for use on this shtetl page given. Rabbi of Újfehértó Click HERE for additional information.
Rabbi Moshe TEITELBAUM z"l Credit: The Guardian, 2002 Non-commercial use permitted. Rabbi Moshe TEITELBAUM was born in Ratzfert and is best known as the author of Beirach Moshe, a five-volume Hasidic commentary of the Bible. Click HERE for additional information.

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Created by: Marshall J. KATZ, USA Compiled by: Eugene KATZ, USA with assistance from The Guardian, 2002 Yad Vashem Archive Amos Israel ZEZMER, France and the following JewishGen members/descendants and contributors of Újfehértó Jewish families: Eugene KATZ, USA Paul LINHARDT, USA Ari TESLER, Belgium

Updated: 17 January 2024 RLB

Copyright © 2009 Eugene Katz All rights reserved.

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