Unique zebra coats and fervent prayers mark this place. This is Toldos Aharon Yeshiva. It stands as a testament to devout faith and tradition in Jerusalem.
Toldos Aharon Yeshiva is rooted in the Shomrei Emunim sect. Rav Aharon Roth founded it. He was known as Reb Arele. His piety was renowned from a young age. The sect remains active with headquarters in Jerusalem and Bnei Brak.
Reb Arele’s son led Shomrei Emunim. His son-in-law Reb Avrohom Yitzchak Kahn established Toldos Aharon. After Reb Avrohom Yitzchak’s death, his eldest son founded Toldos Aharon Yitzchak. His son-in-law Reb Dovid Kohn became the next Rebbe of Toldos Aharon. Reb Dovid currently divides his time between Jerusalem and Monsey. Monsey is the center for Toldos Aharon Chassidus in America.
Toldos Aharon Hasidim primarily speak Yiddish. They avoid Hebrew in daily life. Hebrew is reserved for prayer and learning. They view modern Hebrew as the language of Zionists. The sect is vehemently anti-Zionist. They want to shield children from Western culture. They also want to shield them from mainstream Israeli life.
The dress of Toldos Aharon Hasidim is unique. Married men wear zebra coats during the week. These coats feature black and white stripes. They wear large white knitted kippahs under their black hats. Their pants are short. They wear black socks reaching their knees. Their shoes lack laces. This avoids touching shoes. Touching shoes is considered impure. They must wash hands before prayer or Torah study. Unmarried men wear regular long black coats. They wear these uniforms even in the summer heat.
On Shabbat, males over thirteen wear long gold and blue striped coats. These coats are unique to Jerusalem Hasidim. All men wear shtreimels including unmarried men. Married men wear white socks. Unmarried men wear black socks.
Toldos Aharon places great emphasis on modesty. Women wear modest clothing. They wear stockings, long skirts, and long sleeves. They often wear dark colors. This avoids drawing attention. Unmarried girls wear two braids. Married women use scarves instead of wigs to cover their hair. Married women shave their heads. This ensures no hair is visible publicly. Writings emphasize modesty for women in public and at home.
Each member must dip in a mikvah daily. A member not dipping daily cannot lead prayers. Even in a mikvah, they keep their heads down. They do not remove their tzitzit until entering. Reb Arele stressed a pure heart and mind. To ensure pure thoughts, they avoid TV and Internet. On the street, they shield their eyes from passing women. They immerse themselves in Torah study to avoid impure thoughts. They even think about Torah while walking.
Toldos Aharon Hasidim follow takanot. These are rules beyond Jewish law. They sign a document annually promising to keep these rules. The takanot are unique to Toldos Aharon. They set them apart from other Hasidic sects. The Rebbe encourages daily review after morning prayers. The goal is to add stringencies. The goal is also to ensure group collectivity. Furthermore the goal is to clarify strict community standards.
Toldos Aharon is a close-knit community. Their books emphasize social cohesion. They emphasize getting along. The Rebbe forbids grudges. If one member tells the Rebbe another breaks takanot, the sinner cannot resent the informer. Members cannot deny loans to other members. If a member is sick, all must pray for them. They hold a communal recitation of Tehillim.
Like Satmar, Toldos Aharon is anti-Zionist. Members avoid using anything related to the State. This includes buses, medical facilities, and schools. They cannot visit the Kotel. There is an Israeli flag there. They call Zionists reshaim or evil. Toldos Aharon refuses Israeli government money.
They avoid Western culture. Secular books are forbidden. Internet use is out of the question. The sect is extreme but devout. It remains one of the most fascinating. The traditions of Toldos Aharon Yeshiva offer a glimpse into a world of deep faith. The community prioritizes modesty and a strict adherence to their unique customs.