Mysticism and Madness »

Two hundred years since Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav's demise, his philosophical writings and literary creation remain lively and provocative materials in both Jewish culture and the New-Age movement.

Acknowledgements vii

Introduction xi

1 Imagination, Prophecy and Faith: The Role of the Imagination in Religious Life, and the Character of Bratslavian Faith 1

2 On the Character of Mystical Experiences 28

3 Unification: Hints, Sparks and Melody - On the Bratslavian Service of God 81

4 Silence and Melody Facing the Void: On the Place of the Mystic Melody in the Confrontation with Heresy in the Writings of R Nachman of Bratslav 155

5 The Land of Imagination 173

6 'Smallness' And 'Greatness' and their Roots in the Kabbalah of the Ari 185

7 The Ultimate Purpose of Knowing is that We Do Not Know 218

8 'The Story of the Humble King' - On Laughter and Foolishness in the Service of God 247

Bibliography 283

Index 301