Ben-Zion Gold - Rabbi and Rebbe

            Gold's memoir goes into a detailed explanation on the differences between rabbi and rebbe. He explains that rabbi is a religious leader, who must be ordinated by at least one rabbi and who must be a renowned scholar of Talmud and Jewish Law to be able to resolve conflicts accordingly and supervise kashruth and learning institutions. On the other hand, rebbe is a leader of Hasidim: "He is their spiritual mentor and intermediary between them and God, " (p.104). Hasidic leadership is dynastic, and the descendants and followers is all that is required for one to become a rebbe. Hasidim worshiped in shtibles - Hasidic places of prayer. Prayers were led by members of the congregation, on the contrary to the synagogue where rabbi officiated.
             The authority of a rebbe becomes deeply engraved in his followers though study requirement of rebbes works along with the main hebrew scriptures and texts, assigning them the same level of importance or at least putting them on the same level: "Students who were already attached to a Hasidic rebbe would read his works and those of his predecessor, " (p.68). Even though Gold's family did not belong to the Hasidic movement, they have lived in the area with a great majority of Hasidim, and have incorporated some shabbat song in their celebration: "We sang the zmirot to nigunim (melodies) composed at the courts of Hasidic leaders " (p. 21), which ones again highlights the authority and influence of rebbes on their followers. .
             Hasidim believe in a divine abilities of their rebbe, that a rebbe is able to perform miracles. For example when rebbe had a meal in presence of his Hasidim, they believed that "the shirayim (rebbe's leftovers) were potently blessed " (p.105) and reached for it vigorously. Gold recollects the first hand account of his family's regular Hasid guest for the Passover Seder Leible: "When Leibl told stories about the miracles performed by his rebbe, he would get excited and speak in half sentences that he completed with gestures and facial expressions " (p.