The Satmar Rebbe and His English Principal

The Satmar Rebbe, Rav Yoel Teitelbaum, zt”l, needed a principal of English studies for the burgeoning Satmar school system. But instead of choosing someone within the ranks of Satmar, he chose an outsider — a non-Chassidic, clean-shaven, unmarried young man…an Agudaist, Rav Hertz Frankel. This stranger in a strange land rose to become the virtual secretary of state of Satmar. How did the improbable happen?

The Satmar Rebbe and His English Principal is a fascinating memoir filled with intriguing stories about their unique relationship and the powerful Torah movement that impacted American Jewish life in ways that are still being felt today.

Rav Hertz Frankel gives us a rare and vivid glimpse into…

• The Rebbe’s tireless commitment to Bais Rochel, overseeing each facet — from the curriculum and uniforms, to the school yearbook and graduation ceremony.
• The Rebbe’s melding of idealism and realism, diffusing major crises using his sense of humor and one-of-a-kind smile.
• The Satmar Rebbetzin’s legendary dedication to community service and steadfast devotion to the Rebbe.

From secret summit meetings with gedolei Yisrael to halt mandatory autopsies in Eretz Yisrael, to White House parlays with President Jimmy Carter, we see how the Rebbe’s passion and influence extended beyond the realms of Satmar and impacted the whole Jewish olam.

“This book ushers us into the inner chambers of the Rebbe, zt”l, and takes us ‘behind the curtain,’ revealing many insights into the Rebbe’s character… There is no doubt that readers will derive great benefit and much enjoyment from it, along with inspiration in matters of emunah and yiras Shamayim, faith and fear of Heaven.”  —Rabbi Noach Isaac Oelbaum