Rebbe Yerucham Leiner of Radzin (1888–1964). Son of Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heschel, author of Likutei Divrei Torah, and nephew of Rebbe Gershon Henoch Leiner, known as the Ba’al HaTekhelet. He was a brilliant scholar, corresponding with the Maharsham of Berezhany, who even included a halachic response to him in his She’eilot u’Teshuvot Maharsham. His genius articles were published in contemporary Torah journals. He authored numerous works in Talmudic and Kabbalistic studies, including Notes on the Jerusalem Talmud, Notes on the Zohar, The Vilna Gaon: Master of the Revealed and Hidden Torah, and Zikaron L’Rishonim.
Rebbe Yochanan Twersky of Tolna (1906–1999). The fourth Tolna Rebbe, born in Tulchin, Ukraine. He was known for his humility and righteousness, considered one of the 36 hidden tzadikim of his generation. He was close to the Gerrer and Karliner Rebbes. After marrying, he settled in Montreal, Canada, and in 1955 immigrated to Israel, living in Bayit VeGan, Jerusalem, where he became widely known. Many sought his guidance, and his tishen (gatherings) attracted large crowds.
Rebbe Elazar Twersky (1893–1976). Rebbe of Paltishan (Folticeni) in Romania and later in the United States. Born in Belz, he was the son of Rebbe Shlomo Twersky (son of Rebbe David of Skver) and Feiga Rochel, daughter of Rebbe Aryeh Leibish Rokach of Makarov, making him a descendant of Rebbe Yehoshua of Belz. He was raised by his uncle, the Maharid of Belz, who treated him like a son. By age 15, he was already recognized as a scholar and innovator in Torah study, with most of the Talmudic tractates fluent on his tongue. At 16, he married into the Sadigura dynasty.
In 1919, his uncle, the Belzer Rebbe, instructed him to assume leadership as Rebbe for Skver-Chernobyl Chassidim in Romania. He soon gained a large following due to his charismatic personality, scholarly brilliance, and eloquence. In 1920, he became Rav of Paltishan, where his followers built him a large Beit Midrash. He followed Belz customs, and after his father’s passing in 1921, he had a vision in a dream instructing him to add the unique Chernobyl custom to the Kaddish prayer, saying "Veyekarev ketz Meshicheiha" ("May the end of the exile be hastened").
One of his notable students in Bucharest was Rebbe Eliezer Zusia Portugal, the Skulener Rebbe, whom he ordained and instructed to lead as Rebbe of Skulen. In 1949, he immigrated to the United States, settling in Borough Park. He first served as Rebbe of Skver in Williamsburg, in his uncle’s Beit Midrash, but later founded the Paltishan Beit Midrash in Borough Park.
He was highly revered by Rebbe Yoel Teitelbaum of Satmar, who expressed extraordinary admiration for him, as well as by Rebbe Yosef Grünwald of Pupa, who considered himself his chassid. Twice a year, he spent Shabbat in Williamsburg, where the Pupa Rebbe personally served him like a devoted attendant, distributing his leftovers (shirayim) and arranging seats at his tish.
