Sanz-Gribov Rebbe of Borough Park Passes Away at 70, Founder of Major Hospitality Network

The Sanz-Gribov Rebbe of Borough Park, Rabbi Baruch Halberstam, passed away at the age of 70 after a prolonged illness. Known for his exceptional kindness and dedication to hospitality, he founded the "Hospitality of Borough Park" organization, providing lodging and meals to thousands of guests and charity workers. Born in Brooklyn in 1955, he was the eldest son of the previous Sanz-Gribov Rebbe and descended from a long line of rabbis from Sanz, Hungary.

Rabbi Halberstam was deeply connected to the Satmar community, having studied at the Satmar yeshiva and maintained close ties to the Satmar Rebbe. He married the daughter of Rabbi Yechiel Michel Rottenberg of Kasan, linking him to the Belz dynasty. Despite his prominent role, he lived modestly and quietly, dedicating himself to charity and hospitality without seeking publicity.

He assumed leadership of the Sanz-Gribov community in Borough Park six years ago, following his father’s passing in 2020. His health declined over the past two years, and despite widespread prayers for recovery, he passed away recently. He is survived by his wife, children, many rabbinic sons-in-law, his elderly mother, brothers who are also rebbes in various Sanz communities, and notable brothers-in-law from other Hasidic dynasties.

The funeral took place on Monday morning at the Sanz synagogue on 48th Street in Borough Park, with burial at the Sanz section of the New Jersey cemetery. Rabbi Halberstam is remembered as a figure embodying kindness and devotion, leaving behind a blessed and learned family continuing his legacy.