A profound sense of mourning has descended upon Boro Park and the wider Chassidic world following the petirah Monday evening of the Sanzer Rebbe of Boro Park, Harav Hatzaddik Reb Boruch Halberstam, zt”l. He was 70 years old.

The Rebbe, a descendant of the Divrei Chaim of Sanz, zt”l, was widely known for his extraordinary dedication to chesed and hachnosas orchim and for his open door to Yidden from across the community.

The Rebbe was the eldest son of the previous Sanzer Rebbe of Boro Park, zt”l, and carried the distinguished lineage of the Sanz dynasty. He was a son-in-law of Harav Yechiel Michel Rottenberg, zt”l, of Kosson-Kozova.

For many years, the Rebbe stood alongside his father and devoted himself to the needs of the community. He became especially known as a pillar of hachnosas orchim in Boro Park, arranging accommodations for hundreds of guests over the years, whether in private homes or designated facilities, while ensuring that visitors had their needs taken care of.

Following the petirah of his father on 12 Tammuz 5780, the Rebbe, as the eldest son, assumed his father’s position and continued the Sanz legacy in Boro Park. He led the Sanz Beis Medrash on 48th Street near 16th Avenue, where mispallelim and community members turned to him for guidance, assistance, and encouragement.

Several years ago, the Rebbe became seriously ill and endured a prolonged period of tremendous suffering, including numerous hospitalizations. Despite his difficult condition, hopes remained that his health would improve.

Over the past several days, however, his condition deteriorated significantly. Earlier Monday, as Klal Yisroel was urged to increase their tefillos on his behalf, the name “Simcha” was added as a zechus for a refuah sheleimah.

Tragically, on Monday evening, the Rebbe returned his neshama to its Creator at the age of 70.

His petirah leaves his family, Chassidim, mispallelim, and countless individuals who benefited over the decades from his remarkable generosity and chesed deeply bereaved.

The Rebbe leaves behind a distinguished family of sons, sons-in-law, grandchildren, siblings, and relatives, including numerous Admorim and Rabbanim who continue the illustrious Sanz dynasty.

The Levaye will take place tonight 10:30 from the Sanz Bhm"d at 16th Avenue and 48th Street.

Yehi zichro baruch.