With the growth of the Lithuanian Yeshiva movement in the 19th century, the great Yeshiva of Telz was to take a prominent place as one of the premier Yeshivas of the age. From modest beginnings, it grew in both numbers and stature under the watch of legendary R' Leizer Gordon.
Telz boasted of an innovative organizational structure which included an acceptance policy, a rigid class structure and regular tests on the material studied.
The attempt to bring the Mussar movement within the walls of the Yeshiva, along with specific Rabbinical appointments, led to a series of clashes - sometimes violent - between the independent minded Telzer students and the Yeshiva administration. Ultimately the revolts and the winds of rebellion were quelled, and peace and prosperity allowed Telz to continue its destiny to greatness.