Yehoshua Rokeach of Machnovka

Yehoshua Rokeach of Machnovka was born in 1949

Yehoshua Rokeach was born on January 22, 1949. His father was Rabbi Isaac David Rokeach, a grandson of Rabbi Yissachar Dov of Belz. His father's mother was a daughter of Rabbi Yosef Meir Twersky, the first Machnovka Rebbe.

He studied at the Skver yeshiva in New Square. He grew up under the care of his relative Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Twersky, the Skverer Rebbe. He married Chaya Gittel, daughter of Rabbi Shalom Michalowitz of Brody-Radvil.

His great-uncle, Machnovka Rebbe Avraham Yehoshua Heshl Twersky, had no sons and chose him as his successor. He was crowned rebbe at his great-uncle's funeral, after Yom Kippur, by Rabbi Yisrael Mordechai Twersky of Rachmastrivka.

Some Hasidim who left Belz accepted his leadership, and his court became known as Belz-Machnovka. This led to tension and violent clashes with Belz Hasidism. After an agreement with Belz, the name was changed to Machnovka-Belz, and the rebbes now hold friendly ties.

His court has institutions and communities in Bnei Brak, Jerusalem, Elad, Beit Shemesh, London, Borough Park and Monsey. He lives in Bnei Brak and holds an old Torah scroll that belonged to the Baal Shem Tov. He appointed his sons as rabbis of the communities in Beit Shemesh and Beitar Illit.