always been a leader-centered movement. It was founded by Baal Shem Tov in the 18th century. Tov taught largely through parables that stressed humility and purity of heart. Baal Shem Tov's immediate successor was Dov Baer, who began systematizing the doctrinal implications of Tov's parables in light of kabbalistic Jewish doctrines. Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson (known to many simply as "the Rebbe") led the Lubavitch movement in the 20th century for more than four decades. His great influence and dedication led to speculation in his later years regarding his alleged fulfillment of the Jewish messianic prophecy: "The focus of much of the attention paid to the Rebbe, rather than being on the study and application of his teachings to bring about redemption, has shifted almost exclusively to the question of whether the Rebbe himself is the Messiah."
The various Hasidic groups are called courts. Court names usually refer to the places in Europe or America that were the birthplace of their founders. The court is any Hasidic group that is attached to a particular Rebbe, the chief rabbi in the community and principal interpreter of spiritual law. As one Lubavitcher rabbi puts it, "A rabbi is somebody who has studied more law than other people. When there's a question of what to do I'm able to tell them." The Hasidim consult their rabbi on all manner of personal affairs including whom to marry and where to live.
Leadership in Amish society is widely distributed among the community. Each church district has three types of leaders: one bishop, two ministers, and one deacon. The bishop is the leader of the congregation and its chief authority. Ministers generally preach the sermons. Deacons take care of general administration and assist with ceremonial duties. The Amish elect and select their church officials by lot: "Even though the community might view the man chosen as less qualified than another nominee, the mem...