The three principals of Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas Torah and Ahavas Yisroel are the foundation and guiding force behind the community of Nikolsburg, which is headquartered in Monsey, New York.

Nikolsburg is the name of an ancient city in the Czech Republic. One of the early leaders of the Chassidic movement, the saintly Torah giant Rabbi Shmuel Shmelke Horowitz, spread his light from this city in the eighteenth century.

The Grand Rebbe of Nikolsburg, Rabbi Yosef Yechiel Mechel Lebovits, is a descendant of the saintly Rebbe Shmelke, and therefore his Chassidic community bears the name of the city where its founding father had lived.

The current Nikolsburg community is an inspiration to behold. A mere several decades since its reestablishment on American soil, Nikolsburg is today a center of Torah, Divine service and acts of Chesed on a continuous basis. Its very name has become synonymous with the three pillars on which the community stands: Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas Torah and Ahavas Yisroel.

The Rebbe was raised in the loving home of his noble parents, Rabbi Baruch Yehuda and Yentel Lebovits, of blessed memory. His father, an exceptional personality in his own right, was instrumental in saving many Jews during the Holocaust, and he valiantly helped revive Jewish life after that terrible period of destruction.

The Rebbe’s parents bestowed him with the legacy of their saintly ancestors, among them the holy Ba’al Shem Tov, Rabbi Shmelke of Nikolsburg, and Rabbi Zishe of Anipoli. After his father’s passing, his mother married the saintly Skulener Rebbe, and through this union the Rebbe was privileged to have a strong personal connection with this holy leader of Klal Yisroel.

His grandfather, the famous Chaba Rav of Israel, was known as a great tzaddik and miracle worker. People came to him with all sorts of difficult problems and with his holy powers he would evoke heavenly mercy on their behalf. The Rav would often invite his dear grandson, the Rebbe, to sit beside him as he prayed for a person in need of salvation.

The Rebbe studied in the famous Satmar Yeshiva, under the tutelage of the revered Satmar Rebbe, Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum. The Rebbe was also among the select students to have regular private sessions with the Satmar Rebbe, spending time with this great sage every Wednesday.

In addition, the Rebbe had a strong personal connection with a number of other tzaddikim, among them: The Rebbe of Kalev, who shared with him many Torah secrets; and the Rebbes of Shopron, Kasho, Skolia, Spinka, Kiviashd, and more. He absorbed everything these great people had to offer, and nowadays passes on their teachings and legacy to his followers.

Even as a young man, people began flocking to the Rebbe for guidance and inspiration. His following began informally, as people from all walks of life clung to his every word. Eventually, the number of Chassidim grew, until it evolved into a community of Torah and Chassidus that has earned great stature in the Jewish world.

At first, the Rebbe held court in Williamsburg, a Chassidic section in Brooklyn, New York. Later on the Nikolsburg headquarters was relocated to Monsey, in Rockland County, from where the great light of Ahavas Hashem, Ahavas Torah and Ahavas Yisroel is spread to the entire world.