About this ebook
The Human Temple is a study of the unique spirituality of early Hasidism and its sources. The introduction reviews the various approaches to the study of Hasidism and their development since the late 19th century. The book contrasts the perspectives of several Jewish thinkers, most notably Martin Buber and Gershom Scholem, on the essence of Hasidism, while comparing the teachings of the most important pupils of the founder of Hasidism, the Baal Shem Tov. The study of these early Hasidic figures focuses on their respective approaches to materiality, ritual and community as vital expressions of the many facets of religious inner life. Gershom Scholem claimed that the disciples of Hasidism negated the value of earthly life; however, the book demonstrates that it was, in fact, the common goal of all trends in Hasidism to illuminate material life in light of the Godhead through an emotional and conscious effort. This anchors Buber’s approach in the Hassidic sources.
The Human Temple likewise determines that the theology of the fathers of Hasidism cannot be identified with nihilistic mysticism or Quietism. Their spiritual teachings transformed the largely ascetic world view they had adhered to, into a new and more positive relationship to material reality.
The Human Temple is a study of the unique spirituality of early Hasidism and its sources. The introduction reviews the various approaches to the study of Hasidism and their development since the late 19th century. The book contrasts the perspectives of several Jewish thinkers, most notably Martin...
Discover more
About the author
Ron Margolin, Universität von Tel Aviv, Israel.
Ron Margolin, Universität von Tel Aviv, Israel.
Rate this ebook
Tell us what you think.
Reading information
Smartphones and tablets
Install the Google Play Books app for Android and iPad/iPhone. It syncs automatically with your account and allows you to read online or offline wherever you are.
Laptops and computers
You can listen to audiobooks purchased on Google Play using your computer's web browser.
eReaders and other devices
To read on e-ink devices like Kobo eReaders, you'll need to download a file and transfer it to your device. Follow the detailed Help Center instructions to transfer the files to supported eReaders.
