Customs of Chassidut Gur

B"H

For an outsider, it is very hard to find out details about the customs of the Gerer Chassidim (Chassidut Gur). If you know them a little better they can be very open minded, but the main problem is that they do not have a website. Unfortunately, they do not publish anything about themselves online and though, remain to most of us as a closed group.
One of the reasons why they are not on the internet may be that they very much emphasize modesty.

However, eventually I did find out a few of their customs. I found some great books and I asked a haredit who grew up with Gur.

1. There is no special Sidur (prayer book) for Chassidut Gur. In the synagogues, any chassidic Sidur can be used.

2. They usually do not shave or cut their beards but let them grow.

3. The men like to roll their Peyot (side curls) around the ears or just tight them around their heads under the kipa.

4. The famous Chassidic gartel (belt) is only used on holidays and during the daily prayer service.

5. Their traditional long black kaftan (coat) can also be of the colour blue. Blue is considered as modern, however, it is not issur (forbidden).

6. The Shabbat coat (kaftan) has four buttons.

7. One of the former Rebbes (Admorim) made a decree which forbade unmarried men to sleep in a pyjama until they are married. They are only allowed to sleep in long johns (long underwear) and a shirt. Getting dressed and undressed is only done under the blanket – for modesty reasons.
I am not sure if this decree is still valid.

8. They do not have any special Pessach customs and keep it as everyone else.