Satmar

Satmar is a Hasidic Jewish religious movement within Orthodox Judaism, named after Satmar (Szatmárnémeti) in the historic Kingdom of Hungary. It was founded in the early 20th century by Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum, who led learning and charitable efforts in what is now Romania and later established a substantial presence in the United States after World War II. Following Teitelbaum’s death in 1979, the movement developed two prominent rival factions, each claiming legitimate leadership and maintaining its own institutions.

The movement is known for strict observance of Jewish law, traditional Hasidic piety, and tight communal discipline. Satmar communities emphasize modest dress, devotional study, and a social network built around synagogues, yeshivas, and charitable organizations. Education and religious life are organized through extensive mosdos (schools) and kollels, with a strong emphasis on Torah study and religious exclusivity within the community.

Geographically, the largest Satmar centers in the United States are in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and the suburban enclave of Kiryas Joel in Monroe County, New York. Smaller communities exist in other parts of the U.S. and abroad. The movement operates a wide array of schools, mosdos, and philanthropic institutions that serve adherents and, in some cases, the broader Yiddish-speaking Orthodox population.

A defining feature of Satmar doctrine is its stance on Zionism; Satmar has been associated with strong anti-Zionist positions, arguing for religious sovereignty to be realized only with the Messiah. This ideological position has influenced political activity and involvement in communal affairs, though practical engagement with secular politics varies by locality and faction.