Does The Lubavitcher Rebbe Fit The Festinger Model?

Toward A Quantifiable Approach To The Measurement Of Failed Prophecy In July 12, 1994 Menachem Mendel Schneerson, the seventh dynastic rebbe of the Lubavitch sect of the Chasidim was pronounced dead. Some cried while others danced; some fasted and others gave themselves to strong drink.1 The hope of Jewish redemption was entombed in the ground. What was the reaction of the followers of this charismatic rebbe who had served the move­ment so faithfully as its spiritual head from 1951 until his death, and who was lauded as no less than "Moshiach Now"? This article first describes the Festin