A classic text for all those interested in Jewish religious developments in eastern Europe, this paperback has a new introduction locating Weiss's work in the context of contemporary scholarship and the current resurgence of hasidism.

Note on sources Note on pronunciation Introduction to the paperback edition by Joseph Dan: Joseph Weiss Today Editor's introduction Publisher's note Some Notes on the Social Background of Early Hasidism A Circle of Pneumatics in Pre-Hasidism Contemplative Mysticism and ‘Faith’ in Hasidic Piety Torah Study in Early Hasidism Via Passiva in Early Hasidism The Kavvanoth of Prayer in Early Hasidism Petitionary Prayer in Early Hasidism Contemplation as Solitude Contemplation as Self-Abandonment in the Writings of Hayyim Haika of Amdura R. Abraham Kalisker’s Concept of Communion with God and Men The Authorship and Literary Unity of the Darkhei Yesharim The Saddik - Altering the Divine Will The Hasidic Way of Habad Some Notes on Ecstasy in Habad Hasidism A Late Jewish Utopia of Religious Freedom Sense and Nonsense in Defining Judaism—The Strange Case of Nahman of Brazlav Index

‘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