The Faith of Mithnagdim: Rabbinic Responses to Hasidic Rapture

The Faith of the Mithnagdim is the first study of the theological roots of the Mithnagdic objection to Hasidism. Allan Nadler's pioneering effort fills the void in scholarship on Mithnagdic thought and corrects the impression that there were no compelling theological alternatives to Hasidism during the period of its rapid spread across Eastern Europe at the turn of the nineteenth century. In Nadler's account, Mithnagdism emerges as a highly developed religious outlook that is essentially conservative, deeply dualistic, and profoundly pessimistic about humanity's spiritual potential--all in stark contrast to Hasidism's optimism and aggressive encouragement of mysticism and religious rapture among its followers.

Author: Allan Nadler
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press
Published: 07/20/1999
Pages: 272
Binding Type: Paperback
Weight: 0.80lbs
Size: 8.92h x 6.06w x 0.62d
ISBN: 9780801861826

About the Author

Allan Nadler is the Wallerstein Associate Professor of Jewish Studies at Drew University. He has written for Commentary, Modern Judaism, New Republic, and other journals.

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