Mashiach of Belz.
Rav Aharon was one of the giants of chassidus in his generation. He was a disciple of Rav Elimelech of Lizhensk and Rav Yaakov Yitzchak, the Chozeh of Lublin.
His matzeiva testifies to his greatness, stating: “He worked wonders for the living to prevent them from dying – ”עושה פלא לחיים לבל יהיו כַ מתים
For many years he refused offers to be appointed to the rabbinate. However when the position was offered to Rav Shalom Rokeach of Belz, who was many years his junior, Rav Aharon felt it was inappropriate for such a young rabbi to be his superior, so he accepted the rabbinate in the younger man’s stead. When the Chozeh heard of his decision, he quipped: “Normally we say that Aharon is rodef Shalom, but I now see that Shalom will be rodef Aharon!” [The mishnah in Pirkei Avos states that Aharon Hakohen chased after peace, doing his best to make peace between others. But now R’ Shalom Rokeach will chase away R’ Aharon Mashiach from his position!] The Chozeh could see with his spiritual vision that the rabbinical position rightfully belonged to Rav Shalom, and indeed, what the Chozeh foretold eventually occurred. Rav Aharon passed away shortly after assuming the position, Rav Shalom Rokeach, the Sar Shalom of Belz, succeeded him.
Rav Aharon passed away on 2nd day of Rosh Hashanah 5577 (1816). Rav Shlomo Kluger of Brodie eulogized him movingly and with eloquence. Selections of this were later published in the journal Machzikei Hadaas, 5735.
Rav Aharon Mashiach’s son, Rav Moshe Mashiach, served as Av Beis Din of Woldowa.
(See also Dover Shalom, Sec. 8:124, and Admorei Belz, Vol. 1:31)
