Reply To: A Chasidus without a present Rebbe

The concern has been expressed periodically over several hundred years that the normal (and some would say “obligatory”) custom of the Rebbe’s oldest son typically being chosen as the NEW rebbe when his father is niftar, does not always assure the best leadership of a chassidus. There may be reasons why another member of the immediate or extended family, or even someone from outside the family, would better extend the lineage, customs, hashkafah of the prior rebbe and perhaps more importantlly, provide the leadership and fundraising skills which are also of great importance in maintaining the Mosdos of a chassidus.