Shomer Emunim (Hasidic Dynasty)

Shomer Emunim (Hasidic Dynasty)

Shomer Emunim (meaning "Guardian of the Faith") is a devout, insular Hasidic group based in Bnei Brak. It was founded in the 20th century by Rabbi Arele (Aharon) Roth.

The Shomrei Emunim are characterized by fervent and visibly emotional prayer, and by a rigid lifestyle controlled largely by "takanos," or decrees written by the Rebbe. One such decree, for example, forbade wearing wool (Jewish law forbids wearing anything that contains both wool and linen. Rabbi Aharon worried that it would be safest not to wear wool at all, in order to avoid the possibility of violating the law altogether).