Rabbi Yeshaya Steiner (1851–1925), universally known as Reb Shaya'la of Kerestir, was one of the most beloved and unique Hasidic masters of Eastern Europe. Operating out of the small town of Bodrogkeresztúr (Kerestir) in northeastern Hungary, his legacy is fundamentally built on an intense devotion to a single, profound virtue: feeding the hungry.

While many Hasidic rebbes were primarily sought after for their complex philosophical discourses or esoteric kabbalistic insights, Reb Shaya'la famously focused his spiritual devotion on the physical well-being of his fellow human beings.

Life and Philosophy

Born in a small Hungarian village, Reb Shaya'la was orphaned at a young age and became a close disciple of Rabbi Tzvi Hirsch of Liska. After his mentor's passing, he settled in Kerestir, where he established his own Hasidic court.

Unlike conventional courts centered around vast study halls, Reb Shaya'la’s court resembled a massive, 24/7 kitchen and hospitality house. He frequently quoted his mentor, stating that while other rabbis spent their late-night hours pondering holy texts, his own divine service was ensuring that poor travelers, local laborers, and any passing stranger had a warm bed and a hot meal. He would personally slaughter animals (acting as a shochet), bake bread, and serve guests at his table.

The "Rat Amulet" and His Lasting Legacy

In Jewish culture today, Reb Shaya'la is widely recognized even by those unfamiliar with Hasidic history due to a fascinating folk tradition involving his portrait.

The origin of this tradition traces back to several stories where local communities or individuals suffered from devastating rodent infestations that threatened their livelihoods. Reb Shaya'la allegedly blessed them or commanded the rodents to leave, instructing them to go to a neighbor who could afford the loss or declaring the storage areas safe. Over time, the tradition evolved into placing his picture in areas vulnerable to pests.

Kerestir Today

Nearly a century after his passing on the 3rd of the Jewish month of Iyar in 1925, the town of Bodrogkeresztúr has become a massive pilgrimage site. His former home has been restored and converted into a permanent hospitality center that serves free food and offers lodging to tens of thousands of visitors annually—particularly around his Yahrzeit(anniversary of death).

The spirit of "Kerestir" has also inspired dozens of global charity initiatives, soup kitchens, and hospitality houses across Jewish communities worldwide, all operating under his name and carrying forward his core belief: no one should ever go hungry.