Hasidic Thought

by Louis Jacobs

For the first time in English, the charismatic masters of the Hasidic movement speak for themselves rather than through an intermediary like Martin Buber. The authentic texts - some written down by the rebbes themselves, others lovingly transcribed by their students and disciples - present a picture somewhat at variance with the legend that has grown up around them, and closer to the down-to-earth concerns of the masses to whom they were both saints and earthly rulers. For instance, Hayyim of Zanz discusses "Is it true that religious people are bound to be poor?" Moses Teitelbaum preaches on women's role in Judaism. Menahem Mendel of Kotzk explains why there was an outburst of scientific achievement in the early 19th century. Jacob Joseph of Pulnoyye on "What can one learn from the clown?" and the Besht himself on "What is real and what is an illusion?"

246 pages, Paperback

Published January 1, 1988

About the author

Louis Jacobs was the founder of Masorti Judaism (also known as Conservative Judaism) in the United Kingdom, and a leading writer and theologian. He was also the focus of what has become known as "The Jacobs Affair" that took place in the British Jewish community in the early 1960s.