New Square is the anglicized form of Skvira, a village in Ukraine, where the Skver Hasidim dynasty of Hasidism had its roots. The community began in 1954, when twenty Skver families moved from Williamsburg, Brooklyn to a 130 acre (530,000 m²) farm north of Spring Valley, under the leadership of their rebbe Rabbi Yakov Yosef Twersky. In 1961 New Square became the first village in New York state to be governed by a religious group. Over the years annexations have increased its size. Its population increased 77.5% between 1990 and 2000. New Square's success motivated the Satmar Hasidim headed by their own rebbe Rabbi Joel Teitelbaum to plan and build their own version of a town governed by a religious group at Kiryas Joel, New York. [edit]
Way of Life
The community in New Square is made up exclusively of Hasidic Jews, mostly from the Skverer Hasidic sect, who wish to maintain a Hasidic lifestyle while keeping outside influences to a minimum. The village is self-sustainable, with its own business and shopping areas, primary and secondary schools, and charitable organizations.
The village is essentially one community with a large synagogue serving the entire population. The community is led by Grand Rabbi David Twerski. A rabbinic court, consisting of three prominent rabbis, exists for deciding day-to-day matters of Jewish law. [edit]
Controversies
In years past, the Rachmestrivka Rebbe lived there and gained a following among some residents. The subsequent friction, which intensified after his father Reb Zusha died—manifested in acts of thuggerry committed with tacit approval of the Skver establishment— resulted in his move to Borough Park, and there has been no Rachmestrivk presence in New Square since that merits mention.
The New Square community does not allow any sub-groups to form that would undermine the homogenity of Skver. It is for that reason that no other schools, synagogues, or even private minyanim are allowed.
In recent years, a number of scandals plagued the community. Government allegations of fraudulent colleges with bogus student bodies set up to extract PELL grants, which would benefit the schools and institutions, bristle the community. Convictions were handed down against four community members, who received prison sentences ranging from two to six years. Charges of anti-Semitism and overzealous prosecution led to an eleventh-hour clemency by President Bill Clinton shortly before the end of his term in office, after he was visited by the community's Rebbe, Rabbi David Twersky.
Media allegations followed, suggesting that a quid-pro-quo was arranged with Hillary Clinton, who subsequently received about 99% of the vote in New Square. Investigations have not uncovered any wrongdoing, and the matter was dropped. [edit]
Geography