The Case of the Ugly Bride: The Kotzker Rebbe and the Way of Truth

The third generation of Hassidic masters contained a wide spectrum of approaches, from rebbes who advocated “the way of Joy” to those who practiced “the way of Love” and still others who enacted “the way of fear of God.” One of the most difficult, perplexing and enigmatic figures of this generation of great leaders was R. Menachem Mendel Morgensztern of Kotzk (1787–1859), whose way was “the way of Truth.” This sounds refreshing and liberating, which, to an extent it was. But it could also be deeply disturbing and problematic, as we will discover.

This talk can stand alone, 
or it may appear as part of the series 

"A Glimpse Behind the Curtain: The Hidden World of Hassidism" 

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   © Marc Michael Epstein 2012