Ben Zion Aryeh Leibish Halberstam
Ben Zion Halberstam (b. 1955) is the Grand Rebbe of Bobov, rabbi of the Bobover Hasidim, in the main Bobover Synagogue on 48th street in the Boro Park section of Brooklyn. He is the son of Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam of Bobov.
Upon the death of his half-brother, Rabbi Naftali Halberstam, he ascended to control of the Hasidic dynasty. His control is being fiercly challenged by Rabbi Mordecai David Unger, the son-in-law of the previous leader.
Rabbi Ben Zion Halberstam, is considered the reigning Bobover Rebbe not only by an overwhelming majority of Bobover Chassidim but by the vast majority of Orthodox Jewry as well. Additionally, he is recognized as the rightful heir to and leader of Bobover Institutions worldwide by all of the major Orthodox Jewish Organizations. This no doubt is due in no small part to the fact that at the funeral of his sainted father, the late Grand Rabbi Shlomo Halberstam, he was chosen and declared by the congregation and the chassidim as the Rav Hatzair ("Young Grand Rabbi") at the same time his brother Rabbi Naftali Halberstam was declared Grand Rabbi.
All Chassidic Jews at the time heaved a collective sigh of relief as it was hoped that this declaration would preclude a power-struggle upon the passing of Rabbi Naftali Halberstam as he left no sons to whom to pass on the mantle of Grand Rabbi. Sadly, his son-in-law broke away from the main body of Bobover Chassidim and declared himself Bobover Rebbe and enjoys a small following localy. Grand Rabbi Benzion Halberstam occupies the seat of honor in his father's place, enjoys the full confidence and support of the full congregation and is surrounded by nearly all of those who supported and received blessing from both his father and brother for over 60 years.
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