Gur Rebbe Comforts Family of Beloved Torah Reader with Rare Eight-Minute Eulogy

The Gur Rebbe visited the family of the late Rabbi Yehuda Aryeh Taub, the legendary Torah reader of the Gur Hasidic court, who passed away suddenly last Thursday at the Great Study Hall. A rare eight-minute video of the Rebbe's condolence visit was obtained by 'Bhadrei Charedim,' notable for its unusually long duration by Gur Hasidic standards. Upon arrival, the Rebbe asked if the deceased had been ill, and the family confirmed his sudden death without prior illness.

During the condolence, one of Rabbi Taub's sons praised his father's dedication to Torah reading at the Hasidic study hall. He noted that Rabbi Taub never pre-marked where to pause for the many additions customary in Gur readings, relying instead on a trusted assistant, Rabbi Yosel Schiff, to signal him during the reading. As the son continued, a close aide to the Rebbe gestured that the Rebbe might want to speak, but the Rebbe encouraged the son to continue.

The Rebbe then offered words of comfort, citing the verse "This is the Torah: a man who dies in a tent" and a Talmudic passage from Tractate Berachot describing the "best death" as one like "removing a hair from milk", a gentle, peaceful passing. He assured the family that the deceased "did not suffer at the time of his passing."

Additionally, the Gur Rebbetzin called the family the evening after the funeral to share a remarkable story from that day. She recounted how the Rebbe unexpectedly canceled his afternoon prayer at the study hall, explaining to her that the Torah reader had just died and the community was deeply saddened. The Rebbe then opened the Talmud to the same passage about the "best death" and encouraged the Rebbetzin to convey comforting words to the mourners, affirming "he is well now."

This rare public display of mourning and the Rebbe's personal involvement highlight the deep respect and affection held for Rabbi Taub within the Gur community.