Language:
English
Year of publication:
1992
Titel der Quelle:
Modern Judaism
Angaben zur Quelle:
12,1 (1992) 61-84
Keywords:
Habad
;
Hasidism
;
Jews History 1939-1945
;
Eschatology, Jewish
;
Hasidism
;
Holocaust (Jewish theology)
Abstract:
Mahane Israel, a Lubavitch group established by Rabbi Joseph Isaac Schneerson in the U.S. in 1940, believed that the purpose of Galut (exile) was for Jews to suffer, to recognize their need for Teshuva (repentance), and to activate Geula (redemption). Mahane Israel thought of itself as the exclusive avenue to Geula, which was imminent. The Holocaust was perceived as the culmination of exilic suffering, yet it would bring redemption should Jews do Teshuva. Mahane Israel tried to enlighten Jews who were perceived as ignorant of this apocalyptic drama due to American secularization and the misguided mainline Orthodox leadership in America. Concludes that while Mahane Israel's theology left many questions unanswered (e.g. why a transcendent God required suffering in order to cause Teshuva), it provided a mythic pathway through the Hurban-chaos, a means for religious survival.
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