Overview: Rabbi Yaakov Leizer (1907–1998), known as Reb Yankele Leiser, was a Hasidic rabbi and the second Rebbe of the Pshevorsk Hasidic dynasty. He was the son-in-law and successor of Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman, the founder of the post-Holocaust Pshevorsk court in Antwerp, Belgium. Rabbi Leiser led the dynasty from 1976 until his death in 1998.
Early Life
Yaakov Leiser was born on 6 Tevet 5667 (December 1906 or 1907) in the village of Róg near Rymanów, in Galicia, then part of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
His father was Rabbi Dovid Yitzchak Leiser, a Hasid of the Shiniver Rebbe, Rabbi Yechezkel Halberstam of Shinova, a prominent figure in the Sanz Hasidic tradition.
Torah Studies
After his Bar Mitzvah, Yaakov Leiser studied at the Dukla Yeshiva in Galicia. Later, he continued his studies in other Torah institutions in the region, including the yeshiva of Koloshitz.
During his youth, he became associated with leading rabbis and Hasidic figures of Galicia and developed within the traditions of Polish Hasidism.
Rabbinic Position in Yashlisk
Before World War II, Rabbi Leiser served as rabbi of Yashlisk (Jaśliska) in Galicia, Poland.
In this position, he functioned as a community rabbi before becoming closely connected with the Pshevorsk Hasidic leadership.
Marriage and Connection to Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman
In 1934, Yaakov Leiser married Alta Bina Gewirtzman, one of the daughters of Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman, later known as the Pshevorsker Rebbe.
Following his marriage, Rabbi Leiser became closely connected with his father-in-law. He accompanied Rabbi Gewirtzman through many of the major events of the twentieth century, including the Second World War, exile in Siberia, the postwar period in France, and the rebuilding of the Pshevorsk community in Antwerp.
World War II and Siberian Exile
During World War II, Rabbi Leiser and his father-in-law Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman experienced the destruction of Jewish life in Galicia.
After the German invasion of Poland in 1939, the Jewish population of the region was displaced. Rabbi Leiser followed Rabbi Gewirtzman eastward and eventually ended up under Soviet control.
During the war years, both were deported to Siberia, where they remained until after the end of the war.
Postwar Years in France
After World War II, Rabbi Leiser accompanied Rabbi Gewirtzman to Paris, France, where many Holocaust survivors and Jewish refugees had settled.
During this period, Rabbi Leiser continued assisting his father-in-law and became part of the effort to preserve and rebuild the Pshevorsk Hasidic tradition after the destruction of its original community in Poland.
Move to Antwerp
In 1957, Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman moved to Antwerp, Belgium, where he established the new center of the Pshevorsk Hasidic dynasty.
Rabbi Yaakov Leiser moved with him and continued his role as his close assistant and successor-in-waiting.
The Pshevorsk court was established at Mercatorstraat 56 in Antwerp, which became the center of the community.
Becoming Pshevorsker Rebbe
Following the death of Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman in 1976, Rabbi Yaakov Leiser succeeded him as the second Pshevorsker Rebbe.
He led the community from Antwerp for 22 years, maintaining the traditions of the Pshevorsk dynasty.
The Antwerp Pshevorsk community attracted followers from Belgium and other countries, including England, Israel, and the United States.
Leadership
Rabbi Leiser continued the religious customs and practices established by his father-in-law. The Pshevorsk court remained a relatively small Hasidic movement compared with larger Hasidic groups but maintained an international following.
The community's main center remained in Antwerp, where followers gathered for prayers, festivals, and Hasidic gatherings.
Family
Rabbi Yaakov Leiser and his wife Alta Bina Gewirtzman had children, including Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Leibish Leiser, who later succeeded him as the third Pshevorsker Rebbe.
Death and Burial
Rabbi Yaakov Leiser died on 27 Cheshvan 5759 (November 16, 1998) in Antwerp, Belgium, at the age of 91.
He was buried in the Jewish cemetery of Putte, Netherlands, where many members of the Antwerp Jewish community are buried due to Belgian regulations concerning cemetery land use.
After his death, his son Rabbi Chaim Aryeh Leibish Leiser succeeded him as the leader of the Pshevorsk Hasidic dynasty.
Legacy
Rabbi Yaakov Leiser is remembered as the rabbi who continued the Pshevorsk dynasty after the death of its founder, Rabbi Moshe Yitzchak Gewirtzman.
His leadership maintained the existence of the Pshevorsk community in Antwerp and ensured the continuation of a Hasidic tradition that originated in pre-Holocaust Galicia.
Today, the Pshevorsk Hasidic community remains based in Antwerp, with additional communities and followers in other countries.
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