Hasidism Reappraised (Littman Library of Jewish Civilization)

Hasidism has been a seminal force and a source of controversy in the Jewish world since its inception in the second half of the eighteenth century. Indeed, almost every ideological trend that has made itself felt among Jews since that time - from Zionism and Orthodoxy to contemporary Jewish feminism and movements within the yeshiva world - has claimed to have derived some inspiration from this vibrant movement. While this is sure testimony to its vitality and originality, it has also given rise to many misconceptions as to what Hasidism is about. This collection of twenty-eight essays offers a comprehensive treatment of the subject.