The Debate in Minsk - Historical Sketches from the Diary of Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak of Lubavitch

In 1783, an important disputation toko place in Minsk between leading Mitnagdic geonim and R. Schneur Zalman of Liadi. The debate centered arouind R. Schneur Zalman's philosophy, which was based on the teachings of the Baal Shem Tov - teachings that the Mitnagdim vehemently opposed. Penned by Rabbi Yosef YItzchak Schneersohn, sixth Lubavitcher Rebbe, The Debate in Minsk presents the background and story of this landmark event. Responding to questions posed to him, R. Schneur Zalman passionately and systematically outlined the basic doctrines of the Baal Shem Tov, demonstrating their veracity from genuine Torah sources and their place in mainstream Judaism.