Chaim Halberstam

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Rabbi Chaim Halberstam of Sanz (1793-1876) (Hebrew: חיים הלברשטאם מצאנז), known commonly as the Divrei Chaim after his magnum opus on Halakha. He was the founder of the Sanz dynasty and was a famous Hasidic leader.

The Divrei Chaim was born in 1793, in Tarnograd, Poland. He studied under Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz who was his teacher (mentor). He went on to move to the town of Sanz (Nowy Sącz in Polish) where he founded a Hasidic dynasty. He attracted many followers due to his great piety. The Sanz dynasty is not around today but is succeeded by the Sanz-Klausenberg and the Bobov dynasties.

The Divrei Chaim was acclaimed by the leading rabbis as one of the foremost Talmudists, Halachic and Kabbalistic authorities of his time, he received queries from communities all over the world. His responsa, as well as his Torah commentaries, published under the title Divrei Chaim, reflect his Torah greatness, his humility, and his compassionate nature. He was a champion of the poor and established many organizations to relieve them of their poverty. His compassion and generosity was legendary; he literally gave away everything he had for the needy; and went to sleep pennyless.

During his 46 years as Rabbi of Sanz; that city was transformed into a vibrant center of Hasidism attracting tens of thousands of followers. Among his disciples, are counted such leaders as Rabbi Zvi Hirsh Friedlander of Liska, Rabbi Solomon HaCohen of Radomsk, Rabbi Meir Horowitz of Dzhikov, and the Yetev Leiv of Sighet. The Divrei Chaim's seven sons all became famous Rebbes. His seven daughters all married Chassidic leaders.