Sanz-Grabov Rebbe Rabbi Baruch Halberstam Passes Away at 70 in Borough Park

Rabbi Baruch Halberstam, the revered Sanz-Grabov Rebbe and founder of a renowned charitable hospitality network in Borough Park, New York, passed away at age 70 after a prolonged illness. Born in Brooklyn in 1955, he was the eldest son of the previous Sanz-Grabov Rebbe and the grandson of Rabbi Lipa Manan, a post-war rabbi in Hungary. Rabbi Halberstam studied at the Satmar yeshiva and maintained a close spiritual connection to the Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Yoel Moshe Teitelbaum.

He married the daughter of Rabbi Yechiel Michel Rottenberg of Kasan and lived a modest life in the same small apartment since his wedding. Known for his humility and dedication to charity, he established the "Dvar Brooklyn" hospitality organization about 25 years ago with his wife, providing full meals, lodging, and support to emissaries, charity collectors, and those in need. He personally ensured that every visitor left well cared for and actively raised funds for these efforts.

In 2020, Rabbi Halberstam was appointed to succeed his late father as the Sanz-Grabov Rebbe at the main synagogue on 48th Street in Borough Park, where he led the community for six years. His health declined over the past two years due to a serious illness, and despite prayers from the Jewish community, he passed away recently. His funeral took place on Monday evening, August 24, 2026, from his synagogue to the cemetery in New Jersey.

He is survived by his elderly mother, his wife, and their children, including four sons who are rabbis and married to prominent rabbinic families. He also leaves behind numerous brothers who are rebbes of various Sanz communities and many distinguished rabbinic in-laws. His brother, the Sanz-Grabov Rebbe of Kiryat Yoel, recently celebrated his daughter's wedding. Rabbi Halberstam's legacy of charity and spiritual leadership is expected to continue through his family and followers.