Emphasis Preaching Journal

It was believed by the Hasidic tradition that a zaddik, the leader of a Hasidim, was chosen by heaven and indirectly by his teacher. If one of the great teachers died and there was a question as to which of his disciples would succeed him, the Hasidim themselves would make the decision, "feeling the will of heaven," (their relationship with the eternal). It was true as well when the zaddik left behind a son who was considered a candidate.