Kluger Affair • "It's no secret his droshos caused problems"

The instruction of the Satmar Rebbe, to the Breslev mashpia, Harav Avraham Tzvi Kluger, leader of the Nezer Yisroel community in Beit Shemesh - as revealed on Behadrey Haredim - lest he sets foot in Kiryat Yoel and the surrounding area, continues to make waves.

The advertising about the 'restraining order' reached the ears of all the members of the Satmar community, particularly the local one in Kiryat Yoel - and caused the release of a sigh of relief. A number of avrechim, including Ra"mim in Satmar Yeshiva, whose sons were 'caught' to the congregation of Rabbi Kluger, after having stayed with him on Shabbos, entered the Rebbe and thanked him that he took up the challenge without fear.

The madigei shiurim told the Rebbe, that Rabbi Kluger spent Shabbos several times in the past in the city, and their children were captivated by his philosophy and outlook, which are not the spirit of the teachings of Satmar. Fear of consequences of his actions was so great that fathers of students feared to deposit them by those same Ra"mim - whose children were captivated by Rabbi Kluger - afraid that they too will be attracted by the whirlwind.

The group members further told the Rebbe, that the Rebbe of Tzanz too, that Rabbi Kluger was originally among his followers, criticized him in an internal conversation which he gave on Isru chag last Succos, warning against streaming to his droshos. "Now, following the Rebbe's words, perhaps other Rebbes who feel 'threatened' by him, will feel free to talk about the matter," they explained.

In response, the Rebbe replied briefly: "It's no secret his sichos and droshos caused us problems. If this is the case, one should not be silent and should float the subject. There is nothing to fear. When walking with the absolute truth, there is nothing to fear. "

Behadrey Haredim also learned that the visit of Rabbi Kluger at the residence of the Rebbe, was preceded by a small saga. Rabbi Kluger sought an audience with the Rebbe several times, but was rejected by gabbaim again and again.

That evening on which the visit finally took place, the two gabbaim married off their offsprings. These are Harav Chaim Shlomo Fisher and Harav Shmuel Hakohen Friedman, who are responsible for public reception of the Rebbe. Associates of Rabbi Kluger took advantage of the loophole, and enrolled him in the standard list, hoping the deputy Gabaim will not notice that.

Indeed, the tactic succeeded. Rabbi Kluger went in with a group of avrechim who accompanied him, among all those who entered the Rebbe's room.

He did not imagine that this visit will push him outside of Kiryat Yoel's borders.

'בחדרי' גם ברשתות החברתיות - הצטרפו!