Leadership & Authority

There are many similarities between Maimonides and the Alter Rebbe, the Founder of Chabad Chassidism. They both faced extreme opposition to their teachings, yet the opposition fell away. Eventually, their detractors became ardent disciples.

An introduction to the classic kabbalistic concept that there is an "extension of the spirit of Moses" in each generation and how this idea has come to be applied to the Rebbe-Chassid relationship in modern times.

Every person is expected to become a ‘ruler’ over his surroundings – to make it a proper dwelling place for G-d. At first, a person is ruler only over himself. Later, he becomes ‘ruler’ and leader of his family. Then he goes on to become a leader in his ...

Torah instructs: “Provide yourself with a mentor.” But how does one know who to choose as a spiritual guide? The Talmud Tractate Berachos teaches: “A mentor must be like an angel of G-d”. In his code of Jewish law, Maimonides offers a clue to the conduct ...

There is a long standing edict that in every Jewish community – without exception – there be one person who acts as the community’s Chasidic mentor, before whom the people can pour out their spiritual ailments, and whose task it is to guide others in the ...

Today's society reveres famous people just for being famous. What is the difference between celebrityhood and true leadership?

An overview of traditional Jewish sources on the pros and cons of autocratic rule with a special emphasis given to the opinion of Maimonides.

Joseph Telushkin reflects on what we can all learn and apply in our own lives from various stories about the Rebbe's unique approach to leadership.

Good teachers are transparent teachers.

Maimonides was known not only as a Torah scholar but as an activist and leader who responded to the great upheavals of his time. In particular, his 1169 CE "Iggeret Teiman" (Letter to Yemenite Jewry) exemplifies his involvement in giving guidance and ...