Hasidism In Israel »

The movement was Hasidism, the cataclysmic force that wiped away the narrow intellectualism that had estranged the Jewish masses from their heritage. Hasidism focused upon fundamental Judaism, on sublimely simple principles that stressed the joy of life, love of man, and sincerity in word and deed, qualities that the common people potentially possessed in full measure. The hasidic link with the Land of Israel is strong indeed. Apart from the United States of America, Israel now has the largest number of hasidim, probably numbering more than two hundred thousand. They are known by the dress they wear, by the way they speak, and by the melodies they hum. This is the first work of its kind to study the history and development of the hasidic community in Israel, from its foundation in the eighteenth century to the present.

Library Journal

Rabbi Rabinowicz, who also served as editor-in-chief of The Encyclopedia of Hasidism, continues to enrich Jewish scholarship, further deepen understanding, and delight the mind in his new book, which updates many new developments since his Hasidism and the State of Israel. In this well-written, informative, and engaging work, he offers a substantial account of the Hasidic presence in the state of Israel, vividly conveying the vibrant, devout faith and enlivened spirit of the Hasidim in Israel today. Rabinowicz documents how many Hasidim value love of learning (Torah Lishmah) as a way of life, as did former Hasidim in Eastern Europe, and he describes the diversity among Hasidic movements with great skill and fascinating insight. Although many books have been published on the Hasidim, this title is especially noteworthy as an original English-language work that deals with rebbes in Israel. Highly recommended for all public and academic libraries, as well as specialized Judaica collections.--David B. Levy, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimore Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\