Customer Reviews

The Besht: Magician, Mystic, and Leader (Tauber Institute Series for the Study of European Jewry)

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There are some fascinating parts to this book, particularly the chapter on mystical doctor-shamans known as "ba'alei shem". But Etkes' biography of the Besht, a polemic against Moshe Rosman's "Founder of Hasidism", betrays an almost complete unawareness of historical context. Not only are archival discoveries of the last decade ignored, but there seems to be little effort to even situate the Besht in his Podolian (present day Ukraine) environment. One humorous example of the author's lack of rudimentary knowledge of Jewish life in Eastern Europe is found on page 55, where the leaseholders of Sluck are referred to by the surname "the Dzierzawcas" (actually, the Polish word for leaseholder!). More seriously, the book espouses a parochial view of Jewish life, presented as if it occurred in a vacuum. Etkes employs clear, rigorous logic in his readings of theology. But his his readings of hagiography are much too credulous. His approach to this historical figure is a step backwards.

This is one of the most enlightening books I have read in a long time. I appreciate the author's excellent writing style, his open mind, and his eagerness to search for the truth. The book is exceptional. I feel I learned something new on every page. Bravo!