Illuminating the Shadows

A Review of Pini Dunner's Mavericks, Mystics & False Messiahs

Over the past few months, I've been fortunate to learn daily with my father, Rabbi Yaacov Haber. Our focus has been on examining the roles of spiritual leaders in the Jewish community. These leaders have faced an array of challenges that trace back to the era of Shabbatai Zvi.

We have delved into an extensive range of topics, each as fascinating as the next, which has broadened our understanding of the influential role the Gedolim played in resisting prevailing societal trends. They charted a unique course - one that, in retrospect, often appears justified.

However, as we started to unravel our preconceptions about the era, we came to realize the immense role of the Gedolim. Their unpopular mission of resisting mainstream trends and implementing a specific way of life proved to be of great significance.

We learned about Moses Mendelssohn, a luminary in the rabbinic world. Despite his standing, he chose not to listen to the advice of the Gedolim on certain matters, a decision which led to…