More than a year has passed since he became Rebbe, and every day that goes by, the chassidim become more attached to him
Photo: AEGedolimphotos.com
When I heard that the new Sadigura Rebbe was traveling to the United States for the first time since becoming rebbe, I rejoiced. Although neither I, nor my forbears, have a connection to Sadigura, I merited to see this young, humble rebbe often. He was a modest avreich, talmid chacham, and yerei Shamayim who came often to visit his father-in-law, Rav Osher Chaim Sternbuch, who lives a few houses away from me.
I knew he was the son of the Sadigura Rebbe, but even without knowing that, you could tell that this was a very distinguished young man. I’d watch him accompany his father-in-law to davening, walking with a measured, dignified pace — a genuine Ruzhiner prince.
And then, his world turned over. His father passed away, leaving behind hundreds of shattered, grieving chassidim. In his will, his father appointed him as the successor, although he was just 24 years old. And all at once, he went from a quiet kollel yungerman to a rebbe of chassidim.
But still, when the Rebbe comes to Antwerp to visit his wife’s family, he goes back to his first love — to the kollel bench, to those same chavrusas and sugyos. We, the neighbors, already know when the Rebbe is here. When we see the gabbai waiting for him outside the door to escort him to the kollel; sometimes, other rebbes and prominent personalities come to visit. Then the Rebbe comes from kollel, graciously accepts his visitors, and returns right after the visit.
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