NEW YORK, NY April 28, 2006 —Following the death of their revered rabbi, the world's largest sect of Hasidic Jews is preparing for a showdown of sorts tonight and tomorrow in Brooklyn. WNYC's Fred Mogul has more.

The hallmarks of the Jewish sabbath are peace and joy, but confrontation is in the air in Williamsburg today, in advance of the first sabbath since the death on Monday of Satmar Grand Rabbi Moses Teitelbaum. Both of his sons, Aron and Zalmen Teitelbaum, claim to be the new Grand Rabbi.

Aron is the head of the Orange County community of Kiryas Joel, and Zalmen is the head of the main synagogue in Williamsburg. Aron and his followers have come to Brooklyn, and -- borrowing a page from Christian revivalists -- they have set up a 20,000-square-foot tent. Aron will lead services, starting at sundown.

Meanwhile, Zalmen will be leading services a few blocks away at the synagogue. The two factions have fought in court for years over who has the rightful claim to lead various Satmar institutions, and the struggle has turned physical on some occasions. The NYPD is planning to station officers in the neighborhood.