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The Faith of the Mithnagdim: The Rabbinic Responses to Hasidic Rapture (Johns Hopkins Jewish Studies)

The Faith of the Mithnagdim: The Rabbinic Responses to Hasidic Rapture (Johns Hopkins Jewish Studies)

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Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Solid
Review: "The Faith of the Mithnagdim" is solid, well-written and very informative. It has excellent notes and bibliography making it clear that it was written by someone of a truly vast knowledge of the subject. Therefore, I found this book well worth reading. Having said that, I'd like to make a few points on how this book can be read and its reading should continue, as well as address its drawbacks.
First, being a book about "Litvaks" and not a comparative study, it seems to be somewhat one-sided and limited in scope. This can (and should) be overcome by reading it along with, for example, Norman Lamm's "The religious thought of Hasidism".
Second, although the book mentions that Litvak Jews are still a strong force in Judaism, it dwells on the first generation(s) of the movement only. This is unfortunate, since the Litvaks of our day are not exactly what their predecessors were (the Satmar Rav, R' Moshe Teitelbaum, once said that he was the last true "Hasid" and the Brisker Rav - the last true "Mithnaged"), and it would be interesting to see what in their attitudes has and what has not changed over time, allowing them to still consider themseles pure Litvaks. The fact that the ideological division between "Mithnagdim" and "Hasidim" was to some degree artificial since the very beginning of their clash - the idea discussed in the book (see also the notes to it) - would make investigation into further developments of both approaches to G-d in Judaism even more interesting.
Third, it seemed to me that the idea of pessimism of many Litvak thinkers was given a bit too much weight in the presentation of the "Mithnagdic" sense of things. At the same time, some topics could have been explained more thoroughly (the idea of immanence vs. transendence, various Kabbalistic concepts), while some - examined more closely (the rejection of a cult of "tzaddik"). Also, more practical examples of differences with "Hasidim" taken from life of general Jewish population could have been given (for example, issues of "Hasidic" "shechita", their dress).
To sum up, I should say that all my points are probably just another indication that the book is well worth reading. It is informative, interesting and it can stimulate one to think and read further about Judaism.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: A Misleading Book
Review: In his pioneering book, "Faith of the Mithnagdim," Dr. Nadler presents the point of view too-long lost in the increasingly popular discussions of Hasidism. Focussing chiefly on primary sources, he presents the depth and complexity of Mithnagdic thought in astonishing clarity.

In addition to his impeccable scholarship, Nadler writes with enormous grace, making tightly constructed theological and philosophical arguments open to lay reader.

This is a tremendously rewarding book for the thoughtful and committed reader.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Worthwhile Read
Review: Sure to infuriate the more fanatical and intolerant, this book provides a balanced perspective on Hasidic Judaism and opposing views. It is well organized as it presents the objections to Hasidism's beliefs and practices. I am amazed that Nadler can be so restrained in his presentation, as he presents such diverse views.

Rating: 2 stars
Summary: A Misleading Book
Review: Though much of his information is accurate, Nadler makes the crucial error of relying only on wriiten text, ignoring the vast rich oral history of this historic topic. In addition he declares that "half of todays Orthodox Jews are Mithnagdim", this iserroneous. "Mithnagdim" literally means "opposed", there is no longer any substantial oppositionto Chassidism among Orthodox Jews. Though roughly half are not Chassidim per se, thay include many Sefardim and others who never opposed Chassidus. Even among Lithuanian Jewry, only a small percentage actually follow the customs of the revered Gaon of Vilna, and many of their descendants have now incorporated many Chassidic teachings and customs.


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