Who Will Lead Us? The Story of Five Hasidic Dynasties in America by Samuel C. Heilman was of surprising interest. Heilman explores how Hasidic dynasties have handled the succession of the Rebbes, or holy leaders.
Like most liberal Jews, I consider the early days of Hasidism as far more interesting than their current dynastic, conservative descendants. Second and Third generation Hasidism, and its forms today, are more ridged, traditional, and reactionary; on this Heilman shines an interesting light. The charisma and stature of the Rebbe is the binding influence of a Hasidic sect, and how succession plays out often makes or breaks the group’s cohesion. The Rebbe is a marker of both progress and continuity. Successful succession is key to this process.
Rather than being ossified, dynastic Hasidism is far more dynamic than I supposed.
Like most liberal Jews, I consider the early days of Hasidism as far more interesting than their current dynastic, conservative descendants. Second and Third generation Hasidism, and its forms today, are more ridged, traditional, and reactionary; on this Heilman shines an interesting light. The charisma and stature of the Rebbe is the binding influence of a Hasidic sect, and how succession plays out often makes or breaks the group’s cohesion. The Rebbe is a marker of both progress and continuity. Successful succession is key to this process.
Rather than being ossified, dynastic Hasidism is far more dynamic than I supposed.
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