The Buffalo Rebbe Tzion, also known as the Buffalo Ohel or Buffalo Kever (באפלו ציון), is the sacred Kever (resting place) of the Tzaddik, Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz — the first Chassidic Rebbe buried in the United States. It’s located in Pine Ridge Cemetery, Buffalo, New York.
Buffalo Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz Zion & Ohel
אוהל, קבר וציון רבי אליהו יוסף רבינוביץ האדמו”ר מליניץ סלאוויטא באפאלו
Buffalo Rebbe Tzion Location:
Address:
📍 645 Pine Ridge Heritage Blvd
Cheektowaga, NY 14225, United States
The Tzion is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and includes an indoor space for visitors. Located directly along the street, it is easily accessible at any time. Free street parking is available immediately beside the Tzion, with virtually no walk required from your vehicle. The entry code is discreetly posted on the door in Alef-Beis (Hebrew letters).
Candles, matches, siddurim, Tehillim, paper, and pens are available on site. Visitors may write a kvitl (personal prayer note), light a candle in memory of the Tzaddik, daven, and spend time in prayer and reflection at his Kever. There are no restroom facilities at the Tzion.
The Buffalo Rebbe Tzion (ציון באפאלו) is located at the corner of Pine Ridge Road and Maryvale Drive, within the entrance area of B’nai Israel Cemetery, part of the historic Pine Ridge Heritage complex. This sacred site, also known as the Buffalo Ohel (אוהל באפאלו), is the Kever of the Tzaddik, Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz, the first Chassidic Rebbe buried in the United States.
הציון פתוח 24 שעות ביממה, בכל ימות השנה, וכולל מקום פנימי למבקרים. הציון ממוקם ממש לצד הרחוב, והגישה אליו נוחה בכל שעה. חניה חינם ברחוב זמינה מיד בסמוך לציון, וכמעט שאין צורך ללכת מהרכב. קוד הכניסה מופיע באופן דיסקרטי על הדלת באותיות אלף בית.
נרות, גפרורים, סידורים, ספרי תהילים, נייר וכלי כתיבה זמינים במקום. המבקרים יכולים לכתוב קוויטל (פתק בקשה ותפילה), להדליק נר לזכר הצדיק, להתפלל ולשהות במקום לתפילה ולהתבוננות ליד קברו. אין במקום שירותים.
דער ציון איז אפן 24 שעה א טאג, א גאנץ יאר, און עס איז דא אן אינעווייניקסטער פלאץ פאר באזוכער. דער ציון געפינט זיך גלייך ביים גאס, און מען קען גרינג צוקומען אין יעדע צייט. אומזיסטע גאס פארקינג איז פאראן גלייך נעבן ציון, און מען דארף כמעט נישט גיין פונעם אויטא. דער אריינגאנג קאָד איז דיסקרעט געשריבן אויפן טיר מיט אותיות פון אלף בית.
ליכט, שוועבעלעך, סידורים, תהילים, פאפיר און פעדערס זענען פאראן אויפן ארט. באזוכער קענען שרייבן א קוויטל, צינדן א ליכט לזכר דעם צדיק, דאווענען און פארברענגען צייט אין תפילה און התבוננות ביים קבר. עס זענען נישטא קיין בית הכסא איינריכטונגען אויפן ארט.
Directions to Buffalo Rebbe Ohel – Buffalo Tzion/Kever
- From Route 33 East (Kensington Expressway): Take the Pine Ridge Road exit and turn right. The cemetery with the Buffalo Ohel (באפלו ציון) is the first on your left.
- From I-290 East: Take I-90 West to exit 51W for Route 33 West.
- From I-90 East or West: Take exit 51W for Route 33 West.
- From Route 33 West: Take the Harlem Road exit, turn left at the bottom, drive under the highway, then turn right onto Maryvale Drive. The cemetery is on your left at the corner of Pine Ridge Road.
The Buffalo Rebbe’s Ohel is a small brick building along the cemetery fence nearest Pine Ridge Road. The Hebrew entry code is posted on the Ohel entrance.
About the Buffalo Rebbe – Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz
Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz, known as the Buffalo Rebbe, emigrated from Russia to the United States in 1899, initially settling on New York’s Lower East Side. In 1910, he moved to Buffalo, New York, where he became the spiritual leader of the Jefferson Street Shul.
He was the brother-in-law and chavrusa (study partner) of the revered Rebbe Mordechai Dov of Hornisteiple. The Buffalo Rebbe, a true Tzaddik (צדיק) and spiritual luminary, is widely regarded as the first Chassidic Rebbe buried in the United States, making the Buffalo Ohel (אוהל באפלו) and his Kever (קבר) a site of deep historical and spiritual significance.
The Buffalo Tzion (באפלו ציון), within Pine Ridge Cemetery, is the Kever of the Tzaddik (קבר הצדיק) — Rabbi Joseph (Eliyahu Yosef) Rabinowitz (b. circa 1856, d. November 14, 1910, Buffalo). Though sometimes associated with Ahavas Sholem Cemetery, the Buffalo Ohel stands in its own sacred space at the entrance to B’nai Israel Cemetery, surrounded by graves from many congregations and landsmannschaften, reflecting Buffalo’s rich Jewish heritage.
Originally from Sokolivka (Justingrad/Yustingrad), modern-day Ukraine, Rabbi Rabinowitz immigrated to New York City before settling in Buffalo in 1908. There, he dedicated his rabbinic life to strengthening traditional Jewish observance and fostering spiritual growth across the community. His Kever continues to serve as a beacon of holiness and inspiration, drawing visitors who seek the blessings and merit of this Tzaddik.
Legacy of the Buffalo Rebbe
The Buffalo Rebbe, Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz, was a descendant of the distinguished Linitz–Slavita Chassidic dynasty, tracing his spiritual lineage to some of the earliest disciples of the Baal Shem Tov, the founder of the Chassidic movement. Among his ancestors were the Tzaddik Rav Pinchas of Koritz (ר׳ פינחס מקוריץ) and Rav Gedaliah of Linitz (ר׳ גדליה מליניץ) — both of whom are cited in the early Chassidic work Shivchei HaBesht, which records the teachings and wonders of the Baal Shem Tov and his disciples.
Steeped in this sacred heritage, Rebbe Rabinowitz carried the inner fire of the early Chassidim to the shores of America, bringing with him the warmth, faith, and emunah peshutah (simple, pure faith) that characterized the first generations of Chassidus. He became a spiritual pioneer, establishing one of the first centers of Chassidic inspiration in the United States at a time when Jewish life in America was still finding its footing.
In Buffalo, the Rebbe devoted himself to strengthening Jewish life, Torah study, and community unity. As the spiritual leader of the Jefferson Street Shul, he served not only as a Rav and halachic authority but also as a Tzaddik who offered guidance, blessings, and comfort to those in need. His compassion was legendary — particularly his halachic efforts to assist agunot (women unable to obtain a get), where he displayed both courage and deep Torah scholarship. His rulings and writings reflected a rare blend of Chassidic warmth and halachic precision.
Before leaving Ukraine, Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef was a close chavrusa (study partner) and brother-in-law of the Hornosteipler Rebbe, Rav Mordechai Dov Ber Twerski, a scion of the great Chernobyl–Twerski dynasty. This connection further rooted him in the spiritual current of the Baal Shem Tov’s students. From this same dynasty emerged generations of Chassidic leaders who would later establish thriving Chassidic communities across America — following in the pioneering footsteps of the Buffalo Rebbe, who had laid the groundwork decades earlier.
The Buffalo Rebbe’s Kever (קבר הצדיק) in Pine Ridge Cemetery stands today as a beacon of holiness and inspiration. Thousands have come to his Ohel (אוהל) seeking blessings, healing, and guidance through prayer at the resting place of this Tzaddik. Visitors continue to feel the spiritual energy of a soul that remains deeply connected to those who approach with sincerity and faith.
More than a century after his passing, the legacy of Rebbe Eliyahu Yosef Rabinowitz continues to illuminate the path of American Chassidus. His Kever reminds us that holiness is not limited by time or geography — that even in the early 1900s, amid the challenges of Jewish life in America, a Tzaddik could plant seeds of faith and warmth that continue to grow and inspire future generations.
🕍 Visiting the Buffalo Rebbe Tzion – Buffalo Ohel
Visiting the Buffalo Rebbe’s Ohel (Buffalo Tzion) is a meaningful experience, and following proper guidelines ensures respect for this sacred site:
Take Your Time:
Spend a few quiet moments in reflection, prayer, or study. Many visitors find the Buffalo Tzion a deeply inspiring and spiritually uplifting place.
Bring a Kvitl (Prayer Note):
Many visitors write personal prayers or requests on small slips of paper (kvitlach) and place them in the Buffalo Ohel in honor of the Buffalo Rebbe.
Modest Dress:
Out of respect for the holy site, visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. This is especially important for those entering the Buffalo Tzion.
Respectful Behavior:
Maintain a quiet, contemplative atmosphere. The Buffalo Ohel is a place of prayer and reflection for all who visit.
Lighting Candles:
Candles may be lit in designated areas at the Ohel.
Access Code:
The Ohel door uses a code written in Alef-Beis (Hebrew letters). Please follow instructions carefully to enter respectfully.
Open 24 Hours:
The Buffalo Ohel is open day and night, allowing visitors from near and far to connect with the legacy of the Buffalo Rebbe at any time.
Mikvah:
Many men have the custom to go to the Mikvah beforehand.
Title: “The Buffalo Rebbe” | Location: Buffalo, New York | Date: November 25, 1910
For more info visit: http://kevarim.com/rebbe-eliyahu-yosef-rabinowitz/