Gur Hasidic leaders ban students from family Hannukah celebrations

In an unprecedented move, leading rabbis from the Gur Hasidic community have issued a directive prohibiting their yeshiva students from attending family gatherings during the upcoming Hanukkah holiday, including traditional latke evenings.

The directive, signed by 16 prominent yeshiva heads, extends beyond Hanukkah to include various family gatherings throughout the year, such as family Sabbath celebrations and social events. The rabbis cite "Hasidic boundaries" as the reasoning behind this decision.

"It is important to convey these matters in advance through the parents, to prevent unnecessary distress," the letter states. However, the ban includes specific exemptions for all-male gatherings and immediate family events, such as those involving only parents, siblings, and their children. In these cases, students are advised to consult with their yeshiva administration.

The signatories include heads of several prestigious Gur institutions, including Beit Yisrael, Chiddushei Harim, Maor Yisrael, Ner Yisrael, Tiferet Moshe Betzalel, and Imrei Emet yeshivas.

Arutz Sheva contributed to this article.