Go Ger, Go

Let's hear it for the Gerrer rebbe Yakov Aryeh Alter, who married off his oldest grandson today. The Gerrer stuck with the fiscal traditions established by his father, Simcha Bunim Alter, who determined back in the 80s that his Hasidim were going to have to figure out ways to survive financially without turning to the government as a first resort. One of the ways the rebbe did this was to encourage cutting costs, for instance banning his followers from buying spodiks that were over 600 dollars. Another was to restrict the number of guests one could invite to a wedding- 400 was the maximum. There's a story that one man asked him if he could invite more, and the rebbe responded, "Invite as many as you want, but you won't find me there."

The marriage of one of the rebbe's children or grandchildren is expected to be a grand affair, but Yakov Alter apparently stuck with his father's guidelines:

This has been a major issue in ultra-Orthodox circles for a while, with the Ger sect instructing families to limit invitees to a total of 400. Although the dynastic family couldn't be expected to adhere to such limits, the rebbe did set a strict budget.

Unlike the weddings for his own children, the rebbe decided to invite the public only to the huppa. Only a few hundred were invited to partake in the meal, while the rest made do with light refreshments.

Spokesmen for the Hasidic sect said the rebbe had set new norms that were meant as an example for his followers.

Now, admittedly, I do find the idea of "rejoicing" with your spiritual leader via binoculars a little silly, but kudos to the rebbe for showing the importance of thrift to his Hasidim.

Oh, and this guy wins the door prize for best peot.

Man, they serve in the army, work to not be a burden on the state, AND they don't actively try to poison their own kids. What great guys!