What is "rachmastrivka"

Rachmastrivka is a Hasidic dynasty named after the town of Rotmistrivka, Ukraine. It is an offshoot of the Chernobyl dynasty dating back to the 19th century.

The founder of the dynasty, Rebbe Yochanan Twersky, was known for his humility. He was the son-in-law of Rabbi Pinchos of Kalk. He died on 4 Nisan 5655 (1895) in Rachmastrivka.

There are currently two rebbes, whose courts are located in Borough Park, Brooklyn, New York and in Jerusalem, Israel. The rebbe in Jerusalem is a nephew of the one in Borough Park, since the previous rebbe in Israel died in 2004, and his son took over his mantle of leadership in Israel.

Rachmastrivka is one of the larger Hasidic groups. The two rebbes have a close relationship with no tension between them. This has continued into the next generation; the new rebbe in Jerusalem visited New York on September 14, 2006 and stayed with his uncle.