Sexual Seperation within the Gur Hasidim

Jews in Israel run the gamut from the ultra-orthodox to the completely secular.  The differences in beliefs and lifestyles can raise tensions for people living in such a small, and complex area of the world.   Attempting to remove some of the mystery regarding the beliefs of one ultra-orthodox sect, the Gur Hasidim, is the aim of an article by Tamar Rotem in the Israeli newspaper Haaretz. In Rotem’s article “Gur Hasidim and Sexual Separation”, some of the beliefs of the Gur Hasidim are explained, in particular, their concept of sanctity and how it guides their dealings between men and women.   Journalist Rotem, who writes for Haaretz and has written many articles on the status of women in Israel, quotes liberally from a doctoral dissertation of Dr. Nava Wasserman written while at Bar-Ilan University.

According to Dr. Wasserman, the concept of sanctity is central to the day-to-day behavior of members of the Gur sect and it effects relations between men, men and women, and even into the realm of marital relationships. The Gur believe that modern society is overrun by sexuality and sexual imagery. Their response to this is to try to banish any hint of sexuality from their lives and to remove all forms of temptation. They have rules that apply to every aspect of their lives to keep the mingling of the sexes as limited as possible. This extends even to interaction with family members of the opposite sex, such as cousins for younger members, or relatives by marriage, for older people.

Many of the practices are difficult to adhere to and Wasserman acknowledges that some of the sect’s followers admit to difficulties, particularly at the beginning of a marriage. Since the young people come to married life with little or no knowledge of marital relations, when they are informed of what is expected of them, it can come as quite a shock.  Beyond that, the state of marriage can be very difficult for them to become accustom to, as their experiences with members of the opposite sex are so limited. The article states that as people advance into middle age, things become easier and couples relax in their relationship and adherence to rules of separation and can behave more freely with each other.

Following the rules of sexual separation applies to both men and women in the Gur Hasidim, but it is understood that the true responsibility for ensuring sanctity in the marriage and in all interpersonal relationships lies with the men.  The role of women in this society is to be helpers to the men and to ensure that they do not hinder them in their quest for sanctity.

Dr. Wasserman asserts that rather than feeling subjugated or diminished by the Gur Hasidim lifestyle, the women she encountered felt empowered by it as they felt it added to their feelings of security and independence from men.

Hasidic Bride

The author of this piece, Tamar Rotem, does not seem to make any judgments regarding the Gur Hasidim or the statements made by Dr. Wasserman. Her intention seems to be a factual account of Dr. Wasserman’s findings.  The only judgment that the author seems to make is that she calls Dr. Wasserman’s study “an honest attempt” to understand the sexual separation aspect of the Gur Hasidim.  She does not highlight any points in Wasserman's statements that may seem subjective to a reader, such as the claim that the movement gives rise to women's empowerment.  It appears the writer is attempting to present some basic information about a controversial group without inserting her own judgments into the story.  Readers who may be interested in other views regarding this and related topics can easily find many other articles that give a different viewpoint to the topic, written by this article’s author Tamar Rotem, as well as others.

The information in the article regarding the beliefs and practices of the Gur Hasidim seems reliable. The Doctor who is the major source of author Rotem’s information seems to have been one of the few people who has been able to find and publish this information because these concepts are generally only  taught orally among the sect members. It is important to note that Dr. Wasserman’s has in the past taught educational psychology to female instructors at a Gur Hasidim seminar in Bnei Brak. While this may show her ability to connect with people of this sect and have access to its members that a  journalist would not be allowed, it may also be seen as a link to the group that would predispose her to see both them, and their practices in a positive light.