The Unyielding Love and Compassion of Rabbi Aharon of Belz

Rabbi Aharon Rokach of Belz zt"l (Elul 1880 - 21 Av 1957) served as the fourth Rebbe of the Belz Hasidic dynasty. Under his leadership, the Belz community was rejuvenated in Israel after the Holocaust. Rabbi Aharon was cherished by Jews, beloved by his peers, always seeking the good of his people and speaking peace to the House of Israel. He was exceptional in ensuring only kind words about Israel were spoken. He refused to hear anything negative about any Jew, even if it were true.

Simultaneously, with his positive outlook, he was regarded as a holy and pure figure, an angel of Hashem. Anyone sheltered under the presence of the revered Rabbi of Belz could plainly see that his holy body was transformed entirely into a spiritual soul. It’s only because his sacred body resided in this world that in certain ways, the Rabbi conducted himself according to the norms of the world, which in and of itself was miraculous.

Reb Aharon’s eating habits were extraordinary, transcending human comprehension. He would only eat late at night, a meager meal prepared according to a special recipe that would spoil any flavor, often less than two kezayit of hamotzi, with several spoonfuls of "soup" made from water boiled with a small onion, a small potato, half a carrot, and one gram of butter. This was all the Rabbi ate in 24 hours!

If one wished, Rabbi Aharon’s immense love for Israel could be summed up in a few words, as he expressed himself. Once, during a visit from a doctor treating his eyes, the doctor noticed that the Rabbi was deep in thought, ignoring the surroundings. The doctor curiously asked what was occupying his thoughts. The Rabbi replied, "I am absorbed in recommending goodness for all of Israel."

This encapsulated his holy life. To think well of every Jew. The words suited the one who spoke them, and it's no surprise he was likened by the sages of the generation to "the Rebbe of Berdichev of our times."

The renowned eulogy delivered by the brilliant Rabbi Joseph Shlomo Kahaneman zt"l, head of the Ponovezh Yeshiva, at the completion of the 30-day mourning for the Rabbi of Belz invoked the Rambam's words: "Every man from all the world’s people whose spirit and motivation guide him to seek Hashem, serves Hashem, and assumes a life of virtue as ordained by G-d, casting off the worldly burdens, is considered sanctified as the holiest of the holy. G-d will be his portion and his heritage for eternity." With restrained pain, he concluded, "We were fortunate to witness such a one in our generation – the Rabbi of Belz! Our earthly eyes saw a sacred body adorned in mortal guise, with an inner sanctity beyond our meager grasp—".

Anyone around him could sense they stood before an angel. However, in one aspect, Rabbi Aharon never disengaged from the world: his holy attention toward others, for the sake of every Jew. Indeed, he was an angel of Hashem, yet an angel of mercy. This remarkable chapter in his life was a significant part of his holy work – to benefit every Jew and ensure not a word of slander was spoken about any Jew.

As he himself testified in his holy language: "In the attribute one is born with, it is permissible to be proud. I was born with the attribute of compassion." Kindness and love for Israel were the essence of Rabbi Aharon's holy life. When a Jew was in distress and entered his presence to mention their plight, it was evident that Rabbi Aharon was more affected by their troubles than his personal ones, which he accepted with complete love. While he himself had no material needs, Rabbi Aharon understood human weaknesses and necessities, striving to ensure no Jew was harmed and every Jew had contentment. This trait shone brightly in Rabbi Aharon and illuminated his sacred, pure persona. The extraordinary and wondrous stories are well-known in every Jewish home about the love for Israel that pulsed in his holy heart, always searching for the good in every Jew with his pure heart striving to do good for all.

The Help That Saved a Hasid from Imprisonment

In the "Neve Achiezer" neighborhood lived R. Avraham Lempel z"l, a Hasid devoted entirely to Belz. He was privileged to bask in the dust of the holy Rebbe's feet, first under Rabbi Yissachar Dov and then Rabbi Aharon. He shared a profound story. Before the war, following his marriage, he earned his livelihood in the textile trade, buying bulk materials cheaply and selling them at a premium, thus earning a living honestly. However, at times he operated unofficially without reporting income to the authorities, until one day he was caught for tax evasion and faced severe trial and a potentially harsh sentence. During those days, he encountered a legal and clear business opportunity. Still, wary from past experiences, he hesitated to close the deal, choosing instead to seek a blessing from Rabbi Aharon of Belz z"l. Before entering the holy room, R. Avraham decided not to mention the trial out of embarrassment, focusing solely on the new business deal, yet with his mind keenly aware of the looming trial.

Entering with awe, he presented the kvitel (request note). Rabbi Aharon read it and blessed his business success, but suddenly lifted his eyes and looked alternately at R. Avraham and the kvitel. "If you can do a kindness for someone, you must do it—even for a non-Jew," he said. Not comprehending the significance, R. Avraham thought it was 'the language of Rebbes.' But soon after, the message became clear...

At one station, while waiting for a train, he noticed a distressed woman searching desperately for something. Remembering the Rabbi's words, he approached and asked if she needed help. Her reply was that he wouldn't be able to help her, but he insisted, "Perhaps I can assist you." She explained that she lost her purse containing important documents and money. When asked how much was involved, she replied, "Twenty-five rans."

Following the Rabbi's teaching, R. Avraham handed her the full amount. When she inquired when and where she could repay him, he kindly assured it was a complete gift. Moved by his kindness, she handed him a business card, indicating her workplace./

"I noticed," R. Avraham later recounted, "she was a judge in the grand city of Lemberg, but didn’t give it much thought and placed the card in my pocket."

"Shortly after, I received a court summons instructing me to appear on such and such a day at the district court in 'Lemberg.' With assured faith in my soon-to-be salvation courtesy of Rabbi Aharon's blessing," he recounted, "I wondered how it would unfold. On the appointed day, I went confidently to the court, immediately recognizing the same judge I had helped at the train station among the panel. At the start of the proceedings, before any accusations were formalized, the judge stood up decisively and defended me, 'It's inconceivable to hold him guilty, for this very man went beyond the letter of the law to help me; surely he wouldn't break it!' Her testimony concerning my integrity resulted in the immediate closure of the case, freeing me in peace."

Rabbi Aharon of Belz was renowned for his exceptional diligence in always finding merit within every Jew, unable to speak or hear ill of a Jew. It is told once that a prominent Zionist leader visited Belz and entered his presence. After his departure, Rabbi Aharon worried the leader might enter the Beit Midrash and spread misleading ideas. Yet, he didn't wish to call him "wicked" directly. Instead, he sent a message warning the synagogue, "There’s a righteous person speaking like a wicked one," advising no one should come within his vicinity.

The "Jews-Gentiles" Concept

During the first elections for the Knesset, Rabbi Aharon of Belz zt"l endorsed voting for the united religious front, which included the four major religious parties. Beforeward, R. Berish Ortner was sent to the holy one to request his signature on this proclamation. As R. Berish began explaining the situation to the Rebbe, he remarked how all observant Jews had united to fight together against the "Jewish Gentiles." Hearing this, the Rebbe interrupted, "It's forbidden to speak this way about Jews," and instructed R. Berish to wash his hands three times and dry them with his towel. He then commanded him to say "Jews, Jews" ten times before continuing, "Now continue, but don't use such terms again."

Jews Mistakenly Observing Shabbat as Friday

R. Yisrael Friedman of Antwerp once brought a new hat to Rabbi Aharon of Belz zt"l, joyously informing him it was specially ordered from Czechoslovakia. The hat languished unused in the Rebbe's abode for a long time until one of his aides suggested revitalizing it. Rabbi Aharon replied, "How can I use it when he said it was ordered especially for me, and perhaps there are Jews employed there who think Shabbat is Friday?" The Rebbe gave this designation to those Jews who, while observing Shabbat, perhaps kept it on the wrong day, showcasing his language's purity and unyielding defense of Israel.

Rabbi Chaim Biran zt"l recounted ("More Abundant Living", Jerusalem 2006) Rabbi Aharon Greenfeld's service to Rabbi Aharon of Belz: "Once, a craftsman came to repair something at the Rebbe's Tel Aviv home. A visitor recalled seeing him smoke publicly on Shabbat. This was made known to the Rebbe, who responded skeptically saying it couldn’t be, likely it was a weekday. Challenged again with certainty, Rabbi Aharon suggested asking the artisan directly. When queried, the artisan himself calmly sided with the Rebbe, stating, 'It was indeed before Shabbat.' The Rebbe then instructed both the artisan and the visitor to each donate a box of candles to the synagogue and tasked the aide with obtaining three boxes on his account, expressing love and elevation for Israel's sacredness."

The "Yeḥidut" Beginnings ...

Rabbi Mordechai Shmuel Ashkenazi, rabbi of Kfar Chabad, tells: "When Rabbi Aharon of Belz zt"l arrived in the Holy Land, he stayed for some time in Jerusalem with my honorable grandfather, Rabbi Shneur Zalman Ashkenazi a"h. He took an interest in my grandfather’s family and mentioned that when his son, my father Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi a"h, arrived in the country, he should meet him. Truthfully, when my father visited in 1945 on his way from Shanghai to New York, he indeed visited Rabbi Aharon of Belz.

"My father, Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi, had just recently suffered a stroke, and its impact was evident. Rabbi Aharon noticed this and said to him: 'You may not be my Hasid, but for the honor of the hosting (your father, Rabbi Shneur Zalman), I will suggest three things, and adhering to them will maintain your health: 1. Avoid listening to music; 2. Do not consume dairy products; 3. Refrain from going to the graves of the righteous.'

"My father observed these instructions and proceeded to the United States. As known, until the 10th of Shevat in 1951, the Lubavitcher Rebbe had steadfastly refused to accept the leadership. When Hasidim approached the Rebbe for guidance in their different affairs, he would instruct them to visit the Tomb of the Rebbe. When my father, Rabbi Meir Ashkenazi, wrote to the Rebbe, he received the same directive. My father recounted to the Rebbe about Rabbi Aharon's instructions, including the directive to not visit graves of the righteous. The Rebbe responded, 'Since you’re not his Hasid, you might have asked the reasoning behind this practice. Nevertheless,' he added, 'since it was uttered by a great Rabbi, heed it.' 'But who will answer my questions?' pressed my father. Then the Rebbe rose, donned his hat, and girded his belt, beginning the first yeḥidut in this way."

"Years ago, I heard this story, initially not grasping its full depth. Yet, after retelling it some years ago, a Jewish Hasid from Poland approached me, saying he fully understood the instruction about not visiting graves, recognizing that in his prophetic vision, Rabbi Aharon discerned the unfolding matters, eventually facilitating a portion of the Rebbe’s acceptance of leadership..."

Aharon the son of Batya-Ruḥama Asks Forgiveness from the Western Wall

Rabbi Nachum Rabinowitz tells of the Rebbe's immense humility: "In my youthful years, I would travel at times to Tel Aviv to stay with the Rebbe. One motsei Shabbat in 1946, as I bade farewell on my return to Jerusalem, the Rebbe asked me to visit him in his room shortly. Upon entering, he asked if I could do him a favor."He continued, 'I feel it’s necessary to be at the Western Wall once a week, yet it's challenging for me. Could you be my emissary and go in my stead?' Adding, ' When you go for me – don’t go for yourself. And only go when I dispatch you.' He paused and continued, 'When you reach the Western Wall, don’t be idle. Say the following: 'Aharon the son of Batya-Ruḥama asks forgiveness from the Western Wall. As it’s difficult for him to make the journey, I am his emissary.' Initially, I was hesitant, and then asked how many chapters of Tehillim to recite. With a dismissive gesture, the Rebbe replied, 'Ah, ah, ah. As much or little as you choose. One chapter or the entire book.' Additionally, he instructed to conclude with his name and request fulfillment of all blessings he confers on Jews."

At thirteen, Moreh Ash encountered the Rebbe of Belz, receiving a blessing before laying tefillin for the first time. On this occasion, three directives were shared by the Rebbe with every bar mitzvah boy: 1. Pray with a clean body, 2. Avoid speech while wearing tefillin, 3. Don't wander during prayer. The Rebbe concluded, "If you adhere to these regulations, you shall become great in Israel!" Gabbai R. Shalom Pogel noted this was the first time witnessing such a profound remark from the Rebbe.