Yissachar Dov Rokeach was the third Rebbe of the Belz Hasidic dynasty.
Background
He was the second son of Rabbi Yehoshua Rokeach (the second Rebbe of Belz), and served as the third Belzer Rebbe from his father"s death in 1894 until his own death in 1926. Yissachar Dov was born in the town of Belz, Galicia. Yissachar Dov married Basha Ruchama, the daughter of Rabbi Yeshaya Zushe Twersky of Chernobyl and granddaughter of Rabbi Aharon of Chernobyl.
Career
Following his father"s death in 1894, Yissachar Dov acceded to the positions of Rav of the town of Belz and spiritual leader of the Belzer Hasidim. He also stood at the helm of the Machzikei Hadas movement set up by his father. He was an acknowledged leader of Galician Jewry and was renowned as a miracle worker, attracting thousands who sought his blessing.
These scholars were supported by local businessmen.
During, the Russian army invaded and destroyed the town of Belz, which was under Austrian control. Rabbi Yissachar Dov fled to Hungary with many of his Hasidim.
After the war, he lived for approximately two years in Oleszyce, in the home of a chassid named Yisrael Vogel. He returned to Belz to re-establish his court on Tuesday, 2 Shevat 5684 (January 8, 1924), at which time the town was under Polish rule.
He died on Friday night, 30 October 1926 (22 Cheshvan 5687), and was buried next to his father in the Belz Jewish cemetery.
Rabbi Sholom Rokeach (1779–1855)
Rabbi Yehoshua Rokeach (1825–1894)
Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach (1854–1926)
Rabbi Aharon Rokeach (1877–1957)
Rabbi Yissachar Dov Rokeach (b 1948).
Politics
Rabbi Yissachar Dov strongly opposed Zionism, which he saw as a threat to Jewish continuity.