Mysticism and Madness: The Religious Thought of Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav

by Zvi Mark

Overview

Two hundred years since Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav's demise, his philosophical writings and literary creation remain lively and provocative materials in both Jewish culture and the New-Age movement.


Key elements of Rabbi Nachman‘s magic and magnetic force are illuminated in this research, which presents Bratslavian mysticism as a unique link in the history of Jewish mysticism. The mystical worldview is the axis of this book, but its branches stretch out to key issues in the Bratslavian world such as belief and imagination, dreams and the land of Israel, melodies and song.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780826445162
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	07/21/2009
Series:	The Robert and Arlene Kogod Library of Judaic Studies , #7
Pages:	322
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.75(d)

About the Author

Dr Zvi Mark is Senior Lecturer at Bar Ilan University and Senior Fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem.

Table of Contents

Introduction1 Imagination, Prophecy and Faith The Role of the Imagination in Religious Life, and the Character of Bratslavian Faith Faith and Imagination Casting Away the Intellect2 On the Character of Mystical Experiences The Nullification and Returban of the Rational Mind in the Mystical Experience Mysticism of Faith Hierarchy in Mystical Paths (Via Mystica) and in Mystical Unification (Unio Mystica) If I Knew Him I Would Be Him: Knowledge (Da'at) as a means of Attaining Mystical Unification Conclusion3 Unification: Hints, Sparks and Melody—On the Bratslavian Service of God Introduction The Unification of 'Hashem Elokim' States of Nocturbanal Consciousness: Sleep, Dream and Wakefulness (Hitbodedut)4. Silence and Melody Facing the Void: On the Place of the Mystic Melody in the Confrontation with Heresy in the Writings of R. Nahman of Bratslav Two Models of Creation - Tzimtzum and the Breaking of the Vessels What Is Absent from the Void? Silence and Melody The Beggar with a Speech Defect R. Nathan in Likkutei Halakhot on Tzimtzum and the Void5 The Land Of Imagination "The Aspect of the Land Of Israel" The Way to the Land of the Imagination The Doctrine of Descriptions of God Clapping Hands Summation6 'Smallness' And 'Greatness' and their Roots in the Kabbalah of the Ari Introduction A Minor is not obligated in Mitzvot 'And He was a Youth'—'Smallness' As Making Oneself Foolish and Engaging in Childish Acts 'Smallness' and Forgetting—'Smallness' And 'I Do Not Know' 'Smallness' and the Land of Israel 'Smallness' and Death From Particulars to the Totality: The Returban to 'Smallness' as a New Birth Summation and Conclusion7 The Ultimate Purpose of Knowing is that We Do Not Know Introduction "That We Do Not Know" And "I Do Not Know" Wondrous and Very Awesome Al Yedei Tikun Habrit Emtz'uta D'Alma Ki M'rachamam8 "The Story of the Humble King"- On Laughter and Foolishness In The Service Of God Seeking the Face of the King Regarding Katavish and Laughter The Palace of Changes Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

'Zvi Mark is this generation's leading scholar on the ever-fascinating life and teachings of Rabbi Nahman. Both his new textual discoveries and his perceptive readings of them are truly eye-opening. I highly recommend his work!' - Arthur Green, rector of Hebrew College's Rabbinical School and Irving Brudnick Professor of Philosophy and Religion

"Mark's book constitutes a very significant contribution to our understanding of Nahman's world. It not only goes a long way in balancing the rather one-sided picture painted by earlier scholars, but also provides a very penetrating analysis of the major foundations of Nahman's faith and practice." The Jerusalem Post, February 2010. See the full review at http: //www.jpost.com/ArtsAndCulture/Books/Article.aspx?id=167802

From the Publisher