Rebbe’s Zurich Visit Reveals Historic Family Heirlooms

The Bishtna Rebbe made a stop in Zurich on his way to Davos for rest and visited the home of his relative, Rabbi Aryeh Sheinfeld, a leading Torah teacher in the city who is also descended through his mother from the Nadvorna dynasty. The meeting was described as warm and uplifting, centered on shared family heritage and memories.

During the conversation, the two men discussed rare traditions from earlier generations, including customs of the Nadvorna and Bishtna courts, prayer rites, old melodies, and Sabbath songs preserved through the family line. The visit also highlighted historic religious objects kept with special care by the Sheinfeld family.

At the l’chayim toast, an ancient ceremonial cup was brought out. According to the report, it had been used by their shared ancestor, the holy Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna. The Rebbe was also shown the antique shtreimel of Rabbi Yissachar Ber Leifer, the son of Rabbi Mordechai of Nadvorna, known as Rabbi Berchi of Satmar.

The Rebbe, who bears his distinguished grandfather’s name, was said to be deeply moved to see these heirlooms preserved across generations. After about an hour, the two parted in good spirits, and Rabbi Sheinfeld escorted the Rebbe as he continued on to Davos.