During the tumultuous period of World War II, many Hasidic rebbes and their followers faced difficult choices between staying in their communities or fleeing to safety.

In this episode, the discussion focuses on why Chassidus was more successful in countering the Haskala movement compared to the Hisnagdus movement.

Samuel C. Heilman's book "Succession, Secession! Who Will Lead Us? The Story of Five Hasidic Dynasties in America" explores the notion of zera kodesh, or holy seed, within Hasidic communities, where genealogical sanctity plays a crucial role in determining successors to rebbes.