Why Did the Gra Oppose Chassidus? Rabbi Haber Explains at the Gra’s Home

Standing in the home of the Gra, Rabbi Yaacov Haber was asked to explain one of the most sensitive questions in Jewish history: what were the Gra’s concerns about Chassidim? Was it just opposition to a new movement, or was there a deeper fear about how kedushah, tzaddikim, and “Melo Kol Haaretz Kevodo” could be misunderstood? In this powerful reflection from the Lita journey with Rabbi David Lau and a group of rabbanim, Rabbi Haber traces the sugya from the Rambam and Raavad, through tzimtzum, Spinoza, Shabbtai Tzvi, the Baal HaTanya, Rav Hutner, and the Gra’s warning. A serious and nuanced look at the Gra and Chassidus, from Rabbi Yaacov Haber. 💬 Got a question or thought about today’s video? Drop it in the comments below. 👍 Like this video if you learned something new. 🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you don’t miss more from Rabbi Yaacov Haber.