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Сила Теилим

2 Adar · Yahrzeit

Rabbi Yisrael Alter of Ger - Beis Yisrael

Rabbi Yisrael ben Avraham Mordechai Alter - Beis Yisrael - the 5th Rebbe of the Gerrer Hasidim, 3rd son of the Imrei Emes. Yahrzeit - 2 Adar Resting place - Har HaZeisim, Jerusalem At the age of 13, he celebrated a double simcha at his Bar Mitzvah, when he became engaged to his cousin Chaya Sara. Two years later they married. In 1940, the Imrei Emes fled the Nazis to Eretz Yisrael together with his sons, Rav Yisrael, Rav Simcha Bunim, and Rav Pinchas Menachem. Unfortunately, Rav Yisrael's wife, daughter, and son perished, which he only learned of in 1945. He remarried in 1948, but had no children from his second wife. After the passing of his father, Rav Yisrael assumed leadership as the 4th Rebbe of Ger. Over the next 29 years he led the Gerrer community and served as a member of the Moetzes Gedolei HaTorah of Agudas Yisrael. After his passing, the Gerrer community was led by his brother, Rav Simcha Bunim. Rabbi Yisrael, also known as the "Sharfer (sharp) Rebbe," made a deep impression on people from all walks of life who came into contact with him, and was held in great esteem across all Hasidic circles. His approach was to elevate every person, so that they would somehow rise one level above their current state. There are countless stories from people (Hasidim and non-Hasidim alike) who met the Rebbe, describing the tremendous spiritual influence he had on them. Rabbi Yisrael actively encouraged strong competition among the young men in his yeshivos, particularly in early morning learning, prayers, and tishen (meals conducted by the Rebbe on Shabbos and Yom Tov). He was a charismatic leader with a dynamic personality, sharp wit, and an unpredictable character. Rabbi Yisrael became a powerful force within Israel's Agudat Yisrael party and directed its work in the Israeli Knesset, forging alliances with various other political parties to advance Judaism in the Jewish state. He passed away from an intestinal obstruction in 1977, leaving no heir. He was succeeded by his brother, Rabbi Simcha Bunim Alter. After his passing, his widow underwent chalitzah with Rabbi Simcha Bunim in accordance with halacha. May the merit of the Tzadik Rabbi Yisrael ben Avraham Mordechai Alter protect us all! (https://dailyzohar.com/tzadikim/286-Rabbi-Yisrael-ben-Avraham-Mordechai-Alter)