UID:
almafu_9958909724902883
Format:
1 online resource (460 p.)
ISBN:
9783110535884
Series Statement:
Studia Judaica ; 101
Content:
This book investigates mystical-psychological techniques in twentieth century hasidism. My research demonstrates that in contrast to the prevalent academic position, which asserts that late hasidism was a retrogressive movement, fixated on preservation and lacking innovation, in this period there was a pivotal development in hasidism. After defining mysticism as the ‘empowerment’ of the experience of divine presence and aspiration for ecstatic-mystical prophecy – I show that such mystical phenomena existed in late hasidism and that imagery techniques were especially used for realizing these mystical experiences. By examining several mystics I prove that these imagery exercises have the characteristics of a full screenplay, a type of ‘waking dream’ or feature film. Imagery techniques, by facilitating ‘empowerment’ and being the foundation of prophecy, are mystical techniques par excellence. I determine that these developments did not occur within a cultural vacuum but rather parallel simultaneous development in Europe. The purpose of this book is to illuminate this remarkable era of Eastern European hasidism and expand the current field of research for future investigation.
Note:
Frontmatter --
,
Translator’s Note --
,
Contents --
,
Introduction --
,
Section I: Imaginative Models --
,
Chapter One Models of Imagination --
,
Section II: Parameters for Mystical Praxis --
,
Chapter Two Empowerment --
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Chapter Three Prophecy, Ecstasy, and Mysticism --
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Section III: Imagery Techniques --
,
Chapter Four Imagination as an Empowering Factor in R. Kalonymous Kalman Shapira’s Thought --
,
Chapter Five Imagination as a Prophetic Factor: The Yearning for Prophecy in the Twentieth Century --
,
Chapter Six A War of Imaginations: Imagery Techniques in R. Menaḥem Ekstein’s Teachings --
,
Chapter Seven War of the “Senses:” Imagination in the Musar Movement --
,
Section IV: Adventures of Ideas: West and East --
,
Introduction: Similar Thought Patterns --
,
Chapter Eight “My Heart is in the East and I am at the Ends of the West”: Imagery Techniques in Light of the West --
,
Chapter Nine “A Voice Calls from the East:” Imagery Techniques in Light of the East --
,
Afterword --
,
Bibliography --
,
Index of Persons --
,
Subject Index
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In English.
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9783110534085
Additional Edition:
ISBN 9783110533941
Language:
English
DOI:
10.1515/9783110535884
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110535884
URL:
https://doi.org/10.1515/9783110535884
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