Studies in East European Jewish Mysticism and Hasidism

Joseph Weiss was Professor of Jewish Studies, University College London, from 1966 until his death in 1969. David Goldstein, late Curator of Hebrew Books and Manuscripts at the British Library, was awarded the Webber Prize 1987 for this translation shortly before he died. Joseph Dan is Emeritus Gershom Scholem Professor of Kabbalah, Hebrew University of Jerusalem.

• Note on sourcesNote on pronunciationIntroduction to the paperback edition by Joseph Dan: Joseph Weiss TodayEditor's introductionPublisher's noteSome Notes on the Social Background of Early HasidismA Circle of Pneumatics in Pre-HasidismContemplative Mysticism and ‘Faith’ in Hasidic PietyTorah Study in Early HasidismVia Passiva in Early HasidismThe Kavvanoth of Prayer in Early HasidismPetitionary Prayer in Early HasidismContemplation as SolitudeContemplation as Self-Abandonment in the Writings of Hayyim Haika of AmduraR. Abraham Kalisker’s Concept of Communion with God and MenThe Authorship and Literary Unity of the Darkhei YesharimThe Saddik - Altering the Divine WillThe Hasidic Way of HabadSome Notes on Ecstasy in Habad HasidismA Late Jewish Utopia of Religious FreedomSense and Nonsense in Defining Judaism—The Strange Case of Nahman of BrazlavIndex

‘One can savour each essay on its own for its enduring qualities and perceptions regardless of the passing of time . . . The scholarship is profound, the notes are extensive, but it is also open to all inquiring minds and we must be grateful for its re-publication at this time.’- Albert H. Friedlander, European Judaism