Yserbius, a minor correction – RR Kaminetsky, Feinstein, Soloveichik came to US before the war. And by looking at current communities, it is hard to appreciate how manhy shuls and schools operated in 1930-50s working with Yidden many of whom lost a lot of tradition. What is true, many of these communities with time became more insular and less interested in reaching those who were not. And also true, that assimilated Jews are moving further away, so Chabad is indeed working with different types of people (Berdichever talking to a guy smoking on shabbos – this is maybe 2nd son from Hagada, intellectuals attracted to early YU – third, and students that Chabad finds now is 5th or 6th …). Also, Chabad was able to sustain this energy over time via their organizational focus. On the other hand, as mentioned, some less-educated Chabadnikim are not aware what else happened in the world and behave accordingly.
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