Hasidism and Modern Man (ebook)

Argumento de Hasidism and Modern Man (ebook)

Hasidism, a controversial, mystical-religious movement of Eastern European origin, has posed a serious challenge to mainstream Judaism from its earliest beginnings in the middle of the eighteenth century. Decimated by the Holocaust, it has risen like a phoenix from the ashes and has reconstituted itself as a major force in the world of ultra-Orthodox Judaism. Philosopher Martin Buber found inspiration in its original tenets and devoted much of his career to making its insights known to a wide readership.

First published in 1958, Hasidism and Modern Man examines the life and religious experiences of Hasidic Jews, as well as Buber’s personal response to them. From the autobiographical "My Way to Hasidism," to "Hasidism and Modern Man," and "Love of God and Love of Neighbor," the essays span nearly half a century and reflect the evolution of Buber’s religious philosophy in relation to the Hasidic movement. Hasidism and Modern Man remains prescient in its portrayal of a spiritual movement that brings God down to earth and makes possible a modern philosophy in which the human being becomes sacred.

Martin Buber (1878–1965) is known for many influential works in the fields of philosophy of religion and biblical interpretation. His ideas and intellect were globally esteemed, propelled interfaith alliances, and inspired luminaries such as Paul Tillich and Martin Luther King Jr. His books included I and Thou and The Legend of Baal-Shem (Princeton). David Biale is the Emanuel Ringeblum Distinguished Professor of Jewish History at the University of California, Davis, and the author of Not in the Heavens: The Tradition of Jewish Secular Thought (Princeton).0Introduction to the 2016 Edition ix
Editor?s Introduction xxiii
Book I HASIDISM AND MODERN MAN 1
Part I 1
Part II 5
Part III 12
Part IV 14
Book II MY WAY TO HASIDISM 16
Book III THE LIFE OF THE HASIDIM 31
Hitlahavut: Ecstasy 31
Avoda: Service 37
Kavana: Intention 44
Shiflut: Humility 51
Book IV THE WAY OF MAN, ACCORDING TO THE TEACHINGS OF HASIDISM 60
Introduction 60
I Heart-Searching 61
II The Particular Way 65
III Resolution 69
IV Beginning with Oneself 73
V Not to Be Preoccupied with Oneself 77
VI Here Where One Stands 80
Book V THE BAAL-SHEM-TOV?S INSTRUCTION IN INTERCOURSE WITH GOD 85
Introduction 85
Of Knowledge 86
Of Fervor and of Work 88
Of the Holy Sparks and Their Redemption 89
How One Should Serve 90
Of Distance and Nearness 91
Of Secrecy 92
A Parable of Prayer 93
Of True Intention 94
Of the Might of Words 95
Of Devotion 96
Of Binding 96
Of Distracting Thoughts 97
Of Good and Evil 98
Of Pride and Humility 99
Of the Twofold Movement .101
Explanatory Notes .101
Book VI LOVE OF GOD AND LOVE OF NEIGHBOR 108
Part I 108
Part II 113
Part III 120
Part IV 128