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In a Sunday morning protest, well over one thousand Kiryas Yoel residents and Satmar Jews from beyond Kiryas Yoel village boundaries ventured out in the snow and protested the actions of village leaders in the closing of the synagogue, Bais Yoel Ohel Feige. The synagogue has been operational since the death of the revered leader of Satmar, Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum zatzal. Ohel Feige is a congregation that is not affiliated with Congregation Yetev Lev, the central religious institution in Kiryas Yoel.

Ohel Feige is viewed by its members as more than just a synagogue building. By virtue of its use by Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum zatzal, and the fact that the former Satmar Rebbitzen resided there for many years after Rabbi Teitelbaum's death, the building has a historic iconic status. ''It is like George Washington's house – to Americans,'' remarked one observer.

The protests and tension were a direct result of the Village of Kiryas Yoel implementing state Supreme court Judge Joseph G. Owens ruling of last week disallowing the operation of the Bnei Yoel synagogue in Kiryas Yoel. Judge Owens threatened congregants with jail if they refused to leave by Saturday. The judge had previously ruled that the congregation needed to get village approval to worship in the Rebbe's former upstate residence which was zoned as a residence not as a synagogue. Congregants had disregarded Judge Owen's ruling since it was issued in 2008.

 ''The village leaders in Kiryas Yoel are not supporters of the Bnei Yoel, and they would hardly approve of rezoning the synagogue so they will never get the approval,'' remarked a cousin of one of the Gabbaim of the main Kiryas Yoel synagogue.

''What is interesting is that the Bnei Yoel only number about 500 men, and yet there were a 1000 more people protesting. Where did they come from? Most came from residents in Kiryas Yoel,'' remarked a frequent visitor to the Kiryas Yoel community.

Although Kiryas Yoel was once a stronghold of supporters of Rav Aharon, a growing number have become supporters of his younger brother Rav Zalmen. Protestors on Sunday morning ranged in age from young teen-age Yeshiva students to middle age and older Hasidim as well.

The protest began with a mournful dirge of recitations of psalms. Eight scrolls of Torah were taken out of the synagogue as it closed its doors for the last time in a slow and mournful protest. It was a protest that was carefully planned and organized. Hundreds of pre-printed signs were made available to the protestors who gathered around the main synagogue in Kiryas Yoel.

Foreshadowing today's events, some sources have indicated that yesterday a member of the Bnei Yoel faction entered the mainstream faction synagogue in the middle of services loudly protesting the village's actions. It is reported that this person suffered physical injuries and was in need of medical attention, however, this incident was not independently confirmed.

In his ruling of December 3rd, Judge Owens was concerned that Ohel Feige congregants may try to take advantage of loopholes and ruled that only one person may oversee the condition of the building after its closing.

Judge Owens is retiring next month, so leaders of the Bnei Yoel faction will certainly appeal the ruling then.

VIN News will continue to report on this developing story.

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