A significant chapter in Boro Park reached its conclusion Wednesday evening, as three prominent dayanim signed a psak din clarifying the Stuchiner kehillah’s continued identity under the previous Rebbe’s grandson and the separate path of the Ropshitz-Stuchin kehillah.
The decision sets out the titles of the Rebbes and the use of the Stuchiner name in institutions and publications, distinguishing the continuation of the original kehillah from the independent kehillah led by Harav Mordche Menashe Zilber.
Under the ruling, Harav Eliezer Yehoshua Yudkowsky, shlita, the previous Stuchiner Rebbe’s grandson, retains the exclusive title of Stuchiner Rebbe. He continues the established kehillah inherited from his grandfather, rather than forming a new court.
Harav Zilber, shlita, whose separate kehillah was previously known as Toldos Yehudah d’Chasidei Stuchin, may lead it under the name Ropshitz-Stuchin and the title Ropshitz-Stuchiner Rebbe, which has already been adopted.
The psak din was issued by a beis din headed by Rav Shimon Yitzchok Schlesinger, together with Rav Yekusiel Zalman Gross and Rav Chaim Aharon Monderer.
In addition to establishing the titles, the ruling prohibits the Ropshitz-Stuchin kehillah from using Toldos Yehudah or similar names. Ropshitz must appear before Stuchin and in the same size on materials bearing the combined name. The ruling also addresses seforim: publication of the previous Rebbe’s “Minchas Yehuda” requires Stutchine Rebbe’s permission, while other Torah writings associated with the dynasty may be published subject to the naming conditions.
The proceedings were completed in an unusually short period, giving both communities clear guidelines for their respective identities and activities.
With the psak din signed, the established Stuchiner kehillah can continue its mesorah under the previous Rebbe’s grandson, while Ropshitz-Stuchin moves forward independently within the framework set by the beis din. The dayanim also called for peace and respect between the kehillos.
(Press release)
