Discover the Story of Slonim Hasidism: Origins and Principles

Origins and Communities of Slonim Hasidism

Slonim Hasidism was founded in the town of Slonim, in western Belarus, in the mid nineteenth century. Today, most Slonim Hasidim reside in Israel, with communities in Jerusalem, Bnei Brak, Beitar Illit, Kiryat Gat, Chazon Yaakov, Emmanuel, Elad, and Ashdod. Smaller Slonim communities also exist abroad, primarily in Boro Park, Monsey, and London.

The Leaders of Slonim Hasidism

Slonim Hasidism was formally established in the year 5618 (1858). Following the passing of Rabbi Moshe of Kobryn, many Hasidim united under the leadership of his disciple, Rabbi Avraham Weinberg (1804–1883), who was appointed Rebbe. Rabbi Avraham Weinberg is known for his foundational work Yesod HaAvodah, which outlines the core principles and spiritual foundations of Hasidism.

After Rabbi Avraham Weinberg’s passing, leadership passed to his grandson, Rabbi Shmuel Weinberg, the son of Rabbi Yechiel Michel Aharon. Rabbi Shmuel served as Rebbe for thirty two years, until his passing in Warsaw in 5776.

Following Rabbi Shmuel’s death, his two sons assumed leadership. The elder son, Rabbi Yissachar Leib Weinberg, continued his father’s path in Slonim. The younger son, Rabbi Avraham Weinberg, served as Rebbe in the town of Bialystok and later in Baranovich.

After Rabbi Avraham Weinberg’s passing, his son, Rabbi Shlomo David Yehoshua Weinberg, known as the Yadin, was appointed Rebbe. He was referred to as “the young Rebbe,” as he assumed leadership before his marriage.

Slonim Hasidism in Europe During the Holocaust

At the outbreak of World War II, Rabbi Shlomo David Yehoshua Weinberg, the young Rebbe, was serving as Rebbe. During the early years of the war, when Polish Lithuania was transferred to Soviet control, many yeshivot were able to escape to Vilna and from there to Shanghai.

Slonim Hasidim in Israel and the United States repeatedly urged the Rebbe to escape, but he refused. In his final letter to his followers in the Land of Israel before Passover 5700, he addressed the rescue efforts and explained that he could not abandon his followers while they depended on him. He concluded with a prayer that Hashem have mercy on His people facing suffering unlike any other.

In June 1941, following the Nazi occupation of Eastern Poland, the Rebbe was transferred to the Bialystok ghetto. He was deeply respected by underground activists and members of the Judenrat, who frequently sought his counsel. Despite the danger, he refused to shave his beard and concealed it by covering his face. He spent his days assisting the poor and sick and continued to conduct Hasidic gatherings within the ghetto.

In the spring of 5703, most of the ghetto’s residents were murdered. The remaining survivors, including the Rebbe, were transferred to the Kolodchiv labor camp. Testimonies describe his unwavering observance of mitzvot under brutal conditions. He avoided prohibited foods, observed Shabbat to the extent possible, prayed daily with tallit and tefillin, and maintained joy through song and dance even in the camp.

Survivors recalled his calm dignity and deep faith. Before his execution on the fifteenth of Cheshvan 5704, he addressed those around him, teaching that martyrdom sanctifies Hashem’s name and becomes part of Divine glory. He walked to his death with composure and strength, leaving behind a legacy of spiritual courage.

The Slonim community in Europe was almost entirely destroyed, including the Rebbe himself, who was taken for extermination on the eleventh of Cheshvan 5704.

Slonim Hasidism After the Holocaust

After the Holocaust, surviving Slonim Hasidim gathered in the Land of Israel and appointed Rabbi Mordechai Chaim Slonim, known as Rabbi Motl Dayan, as their leader. Although he refused the formal title of Rebbe, he guided the community in practice until his passing in 5714.

Decades earlier, in what later became understood as remarkable Divine providence, Rabbi Avraham Weinberg summoned several of his grandsons in 1873 to immigrate to the Land of Israel. Among them was Rabbi Nach Weinberg, who was only thirteen years old at the time. They settled in Tiberias and established a nucleus of Slonim Hasidism there. At the time, living conditions were extremely harsh, and many Hasidim questioned the directive. Years later, it became clear that this step ensured the survival of Slonim Hasidism, as nearly the entire European Hasidism was destroyed in the Holocaust while the movement was revived in Israel through this early settlement.

After the passing of Rabbi Mordechai Chaim Slonim, Rabbi Avraham Weinberg, the son of Rabbi Nach Weinberg, was appointed Rebbe. Under his decades long leadership, Slonim Hasidism rose from near destruction to become an influential and respected Hasidic movement. He played a major role in establishing ultra Orthodox education in Israel and served as a member of the Moetzet Gedolei HaTorah. He passed away in 1981.

Toward the end of his leadership, Slonim Hasidism split into two parallel courts. One court, known as Slanitz, is led by Rabbi Avraham Weinberg, the son-in-law of Rabbi Shmuel Weinberg. The second and larger court is known as Slonim and is led by Rabbi Shalom Nach Barzovski, also a son-in-law of Rabbi Avraham Weinberg.

Rabbi Shalom Nach Barzovski passed away on the seventh of Av 5760. His son, Rabbi Shmuel Barzovski, succeeded him and currently serves as the Slonim Rebbe and president of the Yeshivat Beit Avraham institutions.

The Revival of Slonim Hasidism in Israel

Despite the near total destruction of Slonim Hasidism in Europe, its revival in Israel was made possible through the early settlement in Tiberias. During the height of the Holocaust, the Yeshivat Beit Avraham was established in Jerusalem on the twelfth of Cheshvan 5702. This institution became the spiritual and educational foundation for the rebuilding of Slonim Hasidism after the war.

Rabbi Shalom Nach Barzovski and Netivot Shalom

Rabbi Shalom Nach Barzovski established and led the Yeshivat Beit Avraham and served in leading roles within the independent education system and the Council of Torah Giants.

His multi volume work Netivot Shalom became one of the most widely studied Hasidic series in the Jewish world. Its success lies in its clear language, modern Hebrew style, and deep focus on education, faith, and human dignity.

Principles and Characteristics of Slonim Hasidism

Slonim Hasidism places particular emphasis on faith, Shabbat, sanctity, and intensive Torah study. Many Hasidim are full time yeshiva students, known for their demanding and in depth learning style.

During the weeks of Shovavim, extended uninterrupted study sessions are held, reflecting the movement’s focus on spiritual discipline and inner growth.

The prayer rite follows the Lithuanian tradition. Great importance is placed on the sanctity of the Land of Israel and the responsibility to remain there whenever possible.

Due to its origins in Belarus, Slonim dress differs slightly from that of other Hasidic groups. Hasidim wear long open coats, with the tallit katan visible, and their sidelocks are worn behind the ears. Hebrew is the primary spoken language.

Notable Hasidim

Rabbi Moshe Klirs, Rabbi of Tiberias
Rabbi Asher Ze’ev Werner, Av Beit Din of Tiberias
Rabbi Avraham Rubin, head of the Badatz Mehadrin kashrut system of Rehovot
Yossi Daitch, member of the Jerusalem City Council