It is with great sadness that Matzav.com reports the petirah this evening of the Sanzer Rebbe of Boro Park, Rav Boruch Halberstam zt”l, who was renowned for decades of extraordinary chesed and hachnosas orchim. He was 70 years old.
A descendant of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, the Rebbe was particularly known for opening his heart and home to Yidden from throughout the community. His dedication to hachnosas orchim became one of the defining features of his life.
The Rebbe was the oldest son of the previous Sanzer Rebbe of Boro Park zt”l, continuing the distinguished lineage of the Sanz dynasty. He was the son-in-law of Rav Yechiel Michel Rottenberg zt”l of Kosson-Kozova.
For many years, Rav Boruch worked at his father’s side while devoting himself extensively to communal needs. He earned a reputation as one of Boro Park’s great addresses for hachnosas orchim, arranging places for thousands of visitors to stay over the years. Whether guests were accommodated in private homes or other designated facilities, the Rebbe worked to ensure that their needs were properly addressed.
Following his father’s petirah, Rav Boruch, as the eldest son, succeeded him and assumed responsibility for carrying forward the Sanzer legacy in Boro Park. He led the Sanzer Bais Medrash on 48th Street near 16th Avenue, becoming a source of guidance, encouragement and assistance for mispallelim and members of the broader community.
Several years ago, the Rebbe became seriously ill, beginning a lengthy and painful period marked by considerable suffering and repeated hospitalizations.
In recent days, the Rebbe’s condition took a significant turn for the worse. Earlier today, the name Simcha was added as a zechus for a refuah sheleimah. Sadly, tonight, the Rebbe was niftar.
The Rebbe leaves behind a distinguished family of children following in his ways.
The levayah is taking place now at the Sanzer Bais Medrash at 16th Avenue and 48th Street in Boro Park.
Yehi zichro baruch.
