The crushing response of Rabbi Alter to Gur's 'regulations of prohibitions'

December 25, 2019   

Gur's war in the 'Holy Garden Gur Torah', led by Rosh Yeshiva Harash Alter: Last Saturday night, gatherings were held in Gur communities across the country to show Hasidim how they should treat members of the new community. After the gatherings, a 'regulation' was distributed, which presented the 'regulations' and 'prohibitions' according to which Gur Hasidim should conduct themselves regarding family gatherings and celebrations:   Following the distribution of the 'regulations', the students of Haredim Alter sent a question to the head of the yeshiva - published here in Haredim 10: "We are a group of young men from our city *** Some of us openly belong to the community and some of us are currently hiding as rapists. "The 'regulations' and 'prohibitions' that were announced publicly, about severing family ties and friendships, have unfortunately caused a division of hearts and arguments within families and between friends. "It is clear to us that these 'regulations' have no halakhic or moral validity. Our question: What should be our attitude and reactions to such acts and how do we navigate the difficult feelings in our hearts." To this, the head of the yeshiva from Gur, Haredim Alter, replied - in his own handwriting:  ""To my beloved, dear friends.".   As you know, our community was organized in consultation with elders and righteous people who trusted in Allah, and he who takes advice from the elders does not fail.   We do not intend to respond to the slander and slander that are often said and written about us, and after all, this is one of the main goals of our organization, to conduct ourselves in a peaceful and virtuous manner.   As for the distance between families and friends, the popular proverb says: What reason cannot do, time will do, and it seems that here both reason and time will both quiet and calm the disputes, and the end of peace will come when it is understood that our community is an existing fact in the eyes of God.   The feelings of positive action and satisfaction from the development of our community and its institutions [in these days, a large yeshiva is to be opened in Gaza, as well as a permanent home for a Beit Midrash for our community], combined with the recognition and understanding that in choosing our path in the service of the Lord, it is worthwhile and appropriate to pay any price, and to endure hardship.   And therefore, my friends, let us strive not to respond to a quarrel and certainly not to tease others, God willing. We are brothers and sisters, and a soft answer will be met with anger. Let us strive to judge fairly and to increase peace as much as possible, and God will set our boundaries with peace.   "As your friend's blessing""