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 his condemnation. The passage of time has revealed the consequences of his choices. Many of his descendants and students ended up assimilating, intermarrying, and converting, ultimately losing their Jewish identity.

We also studied the emergence of the Reform movement, which initially conformed fully with Halacha. We delved into their responsa found in texts such as the 'Ohr Noga' and 'Noga HaTzedek.' These documents addressed several contentious topics, including the integration of an organ into synagogue services and the use of German for prayers. These novel ideas received backing from notable figures such as Rabbis Yaakov Chai Recanati, Moshe Kunitz, and Aharon Chorin, among others.

The Gedolim chose to stand against the current. Despite it being an unpopular position at the time, they produced their own counter pamphlets. This bold action not only underscored a stark divide between Orthodox and Reform Judaism but also served to reinforce the Orthodox movement as the life path truly adhering to the teachings of the Torah.

We've explored various movements that emerged during the 19th and 20th centuries. Among these were the Beis Yaakov movement led by Sarah Schenirer, as well as the Zionist and Aliyah movements influenced by the students of the Vilna Gaon and Rav Akiva Eiger. We examined responses to the Holocaust, focusing on the roles of leaders who chose either to stay with their communities or to escape — an agonizing decision that was as uncertain as it was courageous.

We've strived to comprehend the Halachic framework of the Kiruv movement, especially in light of the responses to the Reform and Conservative movements. Our quest continues as we delve into many more such topics.

Our journey into the depths of history and Jewish thought has been utterly captivating. Each stage of our exploration has introduced us to a myriad of names and concepts, igniting a thirst for deeper understanding.

For instance, while attempting to comprehend the response to the Conservative movement, I stumbled upon an enlightening paper by Ira Robinson. Robinson compellingly detailed the strategic foundation laid by Rav Moshe Feinstein to counter the Conservative movement and draw a clear distinction between Conservative and Orthodox Judaism, a line that, at the time, was blurred.

Intrigued by this insightful scholar, I conducted some research on Dr. Robinson. It turned out that he is a professor based in Montreal who authored a book titled A Kabbalist in Montreal: The Life and Times of Rabbi Yudel Rosenberg. My curiosity piqued further, I discovered via a quick Google search that Rabbi Rosenberg was a doctor in Lodz, served as a Chassidic Rebbe, and eventually relocated to Montreal.

Seeking more insights, I consulted my friends on the Baker Street Irregulars, a WhatsApp group managed by Rav Pini Dunner. There, I learned that Rabbi Rosenberg was not only a skilled fiction writer but also a known forger. He was credited with authoring the Maharal Haggada and popularizing the story of the Golem, both of which are completely fictitious works from the equally fictitious Royal Library of Metz. This discovery fuelled my desire to delve deeper into his intriguing life and works.

In fact, there are numerous subjects that have piqued my interest. One such topic is Shabbatai Zvi. I obtained a copy of Gershom Scholem's book on the matter. However, at over 1,000 pages, I found it rather overwhelming.

I find it intriguing that much of contemporary Judaism is a response to the profound impact left by Shabbatai Zvi. Many of the religious controversies over the past few centuries stem from the devastation and trauma he instigated. Notable among these are the conflict between the Misnagdim and Chassidim, and the dispute between Rav Yaakov Emden and Rav Yonason Eybeschutz.

I had the chance to read the translator's introduction to "Shomer Emunim" by Avinoam Fraenkel, where he brilliantly outlines the evolution and tradition of Kabbalah throughout the ages. He also discusses how it was both corrupted and subsequently revitalized in the aftermath of Shabbatai Zvi's influence. However, I still found it challenging to grasp the essence of the disagreement between these two Torah luminaries.

That's where Rabbi Pini Dunner's exceptional book, Mavericks, Mystics & False Messiahs, came into play. This masterful work provided many of the answers I was seeking. What I particularly appreciated about the book was its lack of footnotes. As Rabbi Dunner mentions in the conclusion, he thoroughly researched the material, then, with true literary prowess, explains the entire history of the subject. His narrative was flawless and suspenseful, offering a compelling account based entirely on his extensive research.

Recently, I've become quite a fan of Rabbi Dunner. Rabbi of Beverly Hills Synagogue and an avid historian, Rabbi Dunner has delivered numerous lectures on enigmatic figures in Jewish history, which I have found utterly captivating. His meticulous research delves into individuals such as the Yabloner Rebbe, Rav Shlomo Teichtal, the Liska Rebbe, and Zeide Schmellner, among others.

Rabbi Dunner provides an unvarnished view of history that's often not taught in religious communities. In his skillful manner, he manages to bridge this gap effectively.

In his compelling book, which my wife can affirm I couldn't put down throughout the entire Shabbos, Rabbi Dunner offers an unbiased viewpoint on the Emden - Eybeschutz controversy. He also condenses Gershom Scholem's work on Shabbatai Zvi, saving me from tackling the 1,000-page volume. Interestingly, he also presents an engaging history of Scholem himself in his concluding notes.

Rabbi Dunner vividly portrays fascinating characters like Rabbi Yudel Rosenberg and elucidates the story of the Get of Cleves. I have been curious about this particular topic, having come across it in various responsa, but never fully grasping its significance. With Rabbi Dunner's work, I now have a deeper understanding of these important historical events and figures. 

While I wish Rabbi Dunner would have delved into the stories of other enigmatic figures in our history, such as Jacob Frank, Monsieur Chouchani, and Theodore Herzl, he does introduce us to several intriguing characters I was previously unaware of. These include Samuel Falk, known as the Baal Shem of London, Lord George Gordon, and Ignatz Trebitsch Lincoln. The depth and detail of their stories enhance our collective understanding of Jewish history, providing a more comprehensive perspective.

Although there is some repetition across the chapters, it is necessary to provide context. This allows each chapter to stand alone, offering a comprehensive understanding even when read independently.

Mavericks, Mystics & False Messiahs is a true masterpiece. I eagerly look forward to delving into the rest of Rabbi Dunner's collection. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in an unvarnished, captivating historical narrative. It provides an unrivaled perspective into the depth and complexity of our shared Jewish history.

Pini Dunner, Mavericks, Mystics & False Messiahs: Episodes from the Margins of Jewish History (Toby Press, 2018), 231 pp. Available at Amazon.com