Satmar Rebbe Personally Steps Up to Complete Funding for Shul Expansion

By Y.M. Lowy

The Satmar Rebbe took an unusual step this past Friday night when addressing the chassidim before Kabbalas Shabbos and announcing that he would personally take responsibility for raising the remaining funds needed for the expansion of the historic shul on Rodney Street. He called on the chassidim to join him in the effort, asking everyone to take a share in completing the beis medrash.

The work, finished before the Yamim Noraim, included raising the roof of the beis medrash by one level and lifting the ezras nashim to create room for additional galleries and higher bleachers. The space has been in full use for months.

Even with the building open, the project still required significant funding. The Rebbe told askanim that the beis medrash is too important to let financial gaps delay its final stages and he was going to be personally urging chassidim to take part in the effort. 

His announcement immediately energized the fundraising, marking a new push to finish the campaign.