Rabbinic dynasties
A rabbinic dynasty is a dynasty led by Jewish spiritual leaders (most often: holder of rabbinic degree) known as rebbes, and usually has some or all of the following characteristics:
- Each leader of the dynasty is often known as an ADMOR (abbreviation for ADoneinu MOreinu Rabeinu - "our master, our teacher, and our rabbi"), or simply as Rebbe (or "the Rebbe"), and at times called the "Rav" ("rabbi"), and sometimes referred to in English as a "Grand Rabbi";
- The dynasty continues beyond the initial leader's lifetime by succession (usually by a family descendant);
- The dynasty is usually named after a key town in Eastern Europe where the founder may have been born or lived, or where the group began to grow and flourish;
- The dynasty has (or once had) followers who, through time, continue following successive leaders (rebbes), or may even continue as a group without a leader by following the precepts of a deceased leader,
Rabbinical dynasties are similar to the schools of thoughts and a tradition of religious and social practise.
Leadership
The first leader is a founder, and the following leader is traditionally his eldest son, or - in case of no direct male descendants - husband of the daughter or most prominent student. Leadership position in the rabbinic dynasties is per custom hold until the death of the leader, who can appoint his follower. In case the appointment did not took place, the followers decide based on the authorities and closeness to the previous leader in times of his life.
In the vast majority of the rabbinic dynasties, the leadership was hold by male members of the families.