Sprache:
Englisch
Erscheinungsjahr:
2020
Titel der Quelle:
Shofar; an Interdisciplinary Journal of Jewish Studies
Angaben zur Quelle:
38,3 (2020) 182-216
Schlagwort(e):
Abraham ben Alexander Katz,
;
Zaddikim
;
Hasidism
;
Hasidism
;
Mysticism Judaism 18th century
;
History
Kurzfassung:
This essay examines the notion of the tzaddik in the religious teachings for Rabbi Avraham of Kalisk. It argues that scholars must draw a distinction between the teachings that R. Avraham conveyed directly to his disciples in Tiberias, represented by the published homilies, and his letters, which were sent to his disciples abroad. These corpora represent different—if imbricated—dimensions of his theological legacy. Moreover, rather than seeking to identify either mysticism or ethics as the fundament of his teaching, this essay examines themes such as faith, cleaving to God, love and fear of Him, tzimtzum [divine contraction], and self-nullification feature prominently, along with loving one's fellow, equality, the divine within the human, humility in one's relations with others. Careful review of the letters shows that as a "distant tzaddik," R. Avraham had to pursue a dual approach: he needed to consolidate his authority and spiritual abilities while simultaneously relaxing his hold on them, trusting them, and strengthening their companionship.
Anmerkung:
Appeared also in her collected articles "Immersion in Shekhina" (2021), V-XXXI.
DOI:
10.1353/sho.2020.0044
URL:
Locate this publication in Israeli libraries
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