| Summary/Abstract |
Rabbi Yoel Teitelbaum (1887-1979) – the Satmar Rebbe – is the subject of numerous academic papers.1 This fact, however, is not trivial and begs explanation. During his lifetime in Europe, Rabbi Yoel’s reputation did not extend beyond the region in which he operated. During that time he was never considered a significant Orthodox figure, nor was he regarded as an exceptional Talmudic or halachic authority. Although he was involved in several rescue initiatives during the Holocaust period, Rabbi Yoel was never considered a major player in that field either. After the Holocaust, Rabbi Yoel did indeed establish a lively and thriving Hasidic court in New York, but because of its secluded nature it had very little impact on American Jewry in general or even on its Orthodox wing.
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