Ger Hasidic Dynasty

Prior to the Holocaust, Ger was probably the largest and most important Hasidic group in Poland. Today it is one of the largest Hasidic dynasties in the world, along with the Chabad-Lubavitch and Satmar dynasties. It is now based in Jerusalem. The rebbes who lead the movement have the family name of Alter. The founder of this group was Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter (1798–1866), known as the Chiddushei HaRim after his primary scholarly work by that title. Cont.

Gerrer Dynastic Leadership

Note: The alternate name for each rebbe (given in italics) is the name by which the rebbe is known after his death. This sobriquet, traditionally bestowed by his successor upon his acceptance of the mantle of leadership, is used as the title for his collected writings, which are published posthumously; by extension, it is also used to refer to the rebbe himself. During his lifetime, the given name of the rebbe is not used; he is simply referred to as "The Rebbe, shlita [may he live long]".

Grand Rabbi Yitzchak Meir Alter, 1st Gerer Rebbe

(1798 – March 10, 1866), also known as the Chiddushei HaRim. Notable student of the Kotzker Rebbe and a prominent contemporary posek. Assumed leadership of the Hasidim in 1859.

Grand Rabbi Yehudah Aryeh Leib Alter, 2nd Gerer Rebbe

(1847–1905), also known as the Sfas Emes. Born in Warsaw, Poland. Died in Góra Kalwaria. Wrote Talmudic works and Maharal-style Torah commentaries that are known within and outside Hasidic streams. Gerrer Rebbe from 1870 to 1905.

Grand Rabbi Chanokh Heynekh HaKohen Levin of Alexander

Rebbe from 1866 to 1870. Often referred to as "The Rebbe, Reb Heynekh".

Admor Rabbi Avraham Mordechai Imrei Emes Alter, 3rd Gerer Rebbe אמרי אמת

(December 25, 1866 – June 3, 1948), also known as the Imrei Emes. Gerrer rebbe from 1905 to 1948].

Grand Rabbi Yisrael Alter , 4th Gerer Rebbe בית-ישראל

(October 12, 1895 – February 20, 1977), also known as the Beis Yisroel. Son of Rabbi Avraham Mordechai. Gerrer Rebbe from 1948 to 1977.

Grand Rabbi Simchah Bunim Alter, 5th Gerer Rebbe לב-שמחה

(April 6, 1898 – August 6, 1992), also known as the Lev Simcha. Son of Rabbi Avraham Mordechai. Gerrer Rebbe from 1977 to 1992.

Grand Rabbi Pinchas Menachem Alter, 6th Gerer Rebbe פני-מנחם

(June 9, 1926 – March 7, 1996), also known as the Pnei Menachem. Son of Rabbi Avraham Mordechai. Gerrer Rebbe from 1992 to 1996.

Rabbi Yaakov Aryeh Alter, 7th Gerer Rebbe

(born 1939). Only son of Rabbi Simcha Bunim. Gerrer Rebbe from 1996 to the present.