Hasidism in Israel: A History of the Hasidic Movement and Its Masters in the Holy Land

By Tzvi M. Rabinowicz

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.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0765760681
• ISBN13: 9780765760685
• Release Date: July 2000
• Publisher: Jason Aronson
• Length: 344 Pages
• Weight: 1.55 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.4" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Comprehensive history of the subject

I found that the scholarship was of the highest standard, and is by far the best account of the development of Hasidism in Israel. It shows the groundwork that was laid that enabled the movement to reach its current strength. In a scholarly - yet approachable - and often touching manner.