Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY - Satmar Rabbi's Son On New Move

Williamsburg, Brooklyn, NY - One of the Hasidic heirs in the holy war for leadership of the Satmar sect is moving to Brooklyn to stake his claim.

Rabbi Aaron Teitelbaum is leaving the Hasidic enclave of Kiryas Joel in Orange County after 23 years for Williamsburg, where his younger brother, Rabbi Zalman Teitelbaum, has been recognized as leader of that congregation.
Aaron was expected to arrive last night at his Williamsburg residence and begin sitting shiva, and he will remain in Williamsburg at least until Monday and later establish his primary residence in the area, supporters said.
Asked to explain the move, one prominent supporter said, "It's the Satmar headquarters."

Zalman's supporters said Aaron was welcome in their father's home, at Bedford Avenue and Ross Street - but a larger group would cause a disruption. "He can come here and sit. But if he wants to come with a big group, we'll block the door. We are in charge," said Joel Braver.

With both brothers claiming to be the top rabbi, tension could reach a boiling point tomorrow at sundown when followers of both brothers plan to flock to Brooklyn to celebrate the Shabbas in the streets of Williamsburg.