R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger (1847-1905), SFAS EMES FIRST ED RARE the second Gerrer Rebbe, was born to R. ...

R. Yehuda Aryeh Leib Alter of Ger (1847-1905), SFAS EMES FIRST ED RARE the second Gerrer Rebbe, was born to R. Avrohom Mordechai Alter, son of R. Yitzchak Meir, Chidushei HaRIM, founder of the Gerrer Dynasty. Tragically all the sons of the Chidushei HaRIM passed away in his lifetime, all in their childhood with the exception of R. Avrohom Mordechai, who passed away shortly after the birth of his only son, R. Yehuda Leib (Leib’le). R. Yehuda Leib was raised by his illustrious grandfather. From a tender age, all who knew him were amazed with his diligence and depth in learning. In 1866, when the Sfas Emes was 19, the Chidushei HaRIM passed away, leaving orders to appoint his grandson as his successor. In spite of his young age, the Chassidim wished to appoint him as Rebbe but he adamantly refused and instead, he joined the Chassidim who accepted the leadership of R. Chanoch Henoch of Alexander (a Talmid of the Kotzker) to whom he would travel each year. In 1870, R. Henoch passed away and again the Chassidim sought to appoint R. Leib’le as their Rebbe. After repeated urging, he agreed to accept the position. The 23-year-old Rebbe soon became a central figure in the lives of Polish Jewry and in a short while, under his leadership, the Gerrer dynasty became the largest and most influential Chassidic dynasty in Poland. Known as a tremendous Talmid Chochom, his seforim on Shas as well as on the Parshiyos are renowned for their depth, and are classics greatly beloved by Talmidei Chachomim of all affiliations.
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