Jeffrey S. Gurock

Jeffrey S. Gurock is the Libby M. Klaperman professor of Jewish history at Yeshiva University and author of “Orthodox Jews in America” (Indiana University Press, 2005).

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No Place For A Chief Rabbi

By Jeffrey S. Gurock

In 1893, Rabbi Chaim Yaakov Vidrowitz was looking for an advantage in his struggle for leadership of the immigrant Orthodox community on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Two other outstanding rabbinical sages also aspired to have the final say among downtown’s religious Jews.