Uniter of Heaven and Earth: Rabbi Meshullam Feibush Heller of Zbarazh and the Rise of Hasidism in Eastern Galicia »

Uniter of Heaven and Earth explores an important stage in the development of Hasidism, the eighteenth-century Jewish mystical movement. The author presents a clear and penetrating account of the basis of Hasidic mysticism, clarifying its basic beliefs and contemplative practices. The underlying teachings of Hasidism are elucidated through translations of many authentic Hasidic texts previously unavailable in English.

Including a wide-range of Hasidic texts, the book focuses on the writings of a seminal figure in early Hasidic history, Rabbi Meshullam Feibush Heller. A disciple of Rabbi Yehiel Mikhel, the Maggid of Zlotchov, perhaps the prototype of the Hasidic Rebbe, Heller formulated a version of Hasidic teachings that highly influenced later stages and schools of the movement, including HaBaD Hasidism. Central to these writings are an argument for faith in Hasidic masters and an account of radical spiritual approaches that enable the masters to transform negative thoughts and emotions into means of discovering God.

This book clearly explains Hasidic mysticism's use of the Kabbalah, discusses the meaning of Jewish holidays in early Hasidism, and provides an edifying and insightful account of the ethical basis upon which Hasidism's mystical aspiration depend. What emerges is an essential understanding of the mystical experience and distinctiveness of the Hasidic Zaddiq, and the controversial spiritual practices which he alone could safely employ.

Booknews

Krassen (religion, Oberlin College) examines one of the most important figures in the emergence of Hasidic Judaism, explaining the basic beliefs and practices of Hasidic mysticism. Rabbi Heller, the center of the book, formulated many of the tenets of the creed that survive to this day, including HaBaD Hasidim. Krassen presents an overview of the history, and delves into the Kabbalah, holidays, and the ethical basis of Hasidic beliefs. Chapters address the barrier to divine aid, Meshullam Feibush and the Maggid of Mezeritch, and the importance of Zaddiqim. Annotation c. by Book News, Inc., Portland, Or.