A Legacy of Faith: The Untold Story of the 'Sfat Emet'

Tonight (Sunday), as we usher in the 5th of Shevat, we commemorate the yahrzeit of the second Rebbe of the Gur Hasidic dynasty, Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter, known as the 'Sfat Emet.' Here are 10 facts about his remarkable life.

1. Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter (29th of Nisan 1847 - 5th of Shevat 1905) was the second Rebbe in the Gur dynastic line, noted as one of the prominent Jewish leaders in Poland during the late 19th century. Under his guidance, the Gur Hasidic movement became central in Poland.

2. Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter was called 'Sfat Emet' after his book, published posthumously. This book remains one of the most widely circulated Hasidic texts, printed soon after his passing in five volumes containing his teachings on the Torah and Jewish holidays. He delivered these teachings during Shabbat and festival gatherings, recording them from memory after the occasion.

3. The 'Sfat Emet' was born in Warsaw on the 29th of Nisan 1847, to Rabbi Avraham Mordechai, son of the first Rebbe of the Gur dynasty and its founder, Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter.

4. He was orphaned at a very young age; he lost his mother at two and his father six years later, after which he was raised by his grandfather.

5. After his grandfather's passing, the 'Sfat Emet' led the Gur Hasidic community with strength and wisdom. He stood out as a leader in Polish Jewry in the late 19th century, bringing the Gur movement to prominence.

At only 58 years of age, on the 5th of Shevat 1905, the 'Sfat Emet' passed away. His passing was attributed by the Hasidim to his deep concern for the thousands drafted into the Russian Imperial army during the Russo-Japanese War. His family testified that he often slept on the ground with only his coat as cover, weeping bitterly over their fate.

6. The 'Sfat Emet' was buried in the town of Góra, alongside his grandfather Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter. Approximately 20,000 people attended his funeral, during which eulogies were not given per the Hasidic custom, except for a brief one from the Rebbe of Sochatchov, who said, "This Jew departed due to the troubles of Israel."

7. As mentioned, his teachings were published after his death, encapsulated in the book titled 'Sfat Emet,' named after a verse concluding his final sermon: "Truthful lips will endure forever."

8. In his book 'Sfat Emet,' the Rebbe wrote, "The prolonging of exile works to ease the birth pangs of the Messiah," with Rabbi Naftali of Ropshitz explaining this as, "The burden of exile redeems us and sweetens the judgments, for as the nations increase Israel's oppression, they hasten the redemption, proving that the awaited end is near."

9. In his honor and memory, the 'Sfat Emet' Yeshiva in Jerusalem was founded in 1921, becoming the central yeshiva for the Gur Hasidim in Israel.

10. One of his sons, Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Alter, known as the 'Imrei Emet,' succeeded him in leading the Gur Hasidic dynasty and served as president of the Council of Torah Sages. The 'Sfat Emet' had additional sons, four of whom died young, and two others were murdered in the Holocaust. May his memory be a blessing and may his merit protect us.