Rebbetzins, wonder-children, and the emergence of the dynastic principle in hasidism

Women often played key roles in the communal and economic life of the shtetl. One of the most important innovations of the Hasidic movement, was the rise of a new model of leadership based on the 'tsaddik', whose spiritual powers could bring the ordinary Jew closer to God. Women played a key role by furthering the interest of the young son of the departed 'tsaddik'.