Customer Reviews

Uniter of Heaven and Earth: Rabbi Meshullam Feibush Heller of Zbarazh and the Rise of Hasidism in Eastern Galicia (Suny Series in Judaica) (Suny ... Hermeneutics, Mysticism and Religion)

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Miles Krassen's work is an invaluable resource for anyone wanting to understand the history of Chasidism in general and the thought of Meshullam Feibush. There are few scholarly works on early Chasidic thought available in English and this is one of the finest. I sincerely doubt that Steve Savedow, who posted several negative reviews of this book here, ever read it.

I've found this comprehensive and accessible study to be one of my favorite texts (I'm a rabbinical student with a fairly extensive reading list). I've just completed a third reading of the book and I find that as my learning deepens, so does my appreciation of this work. Rabbi Miles Krassen, PhD brings both the dedication and thoroughness of an academic and the depth of understanding of a serious contemplative practice to his work, a rare and deeply appreciated combination. I strongly recommend The Uniter of Heaven and Earth both to those interested in the study of Hasidism and to those interested in deepening a spiritual practice.

As a student of Chasidut and Jewish studies I have found this book to be a great resource. It is beautifully written with artfull translations of Hebrew texts. Krassen shows us the depth and beauty of the essential teachings of Hasidut of that era. I can't wait to read his next book on the topic.

Because Rabbi Miles Krassen is a true practiced hasid and deep contemplative his writing about the earlier hasids of the Hasidic movement gives us a genuine entrance into that world. It is not just an academic tome but has the quality of writing of a true scholar combined with the personal wisdom and understanding necessary to fully address these ideas. Of all the books in English that I have read on this topic, it is rare to find that combination. It is not a book to be read only once, but studied and meditated on again and again. I have read it now 4 times and teach from it often. I have recommended it to every group that I teach.

Miles Krassen's book, "Uniter of Heaven and Earth: Rabbi Meshullam Feibush Heller of Zbarazh and the Rise of Hasidism in Eastern Galicia" is a masterful presentation of the thought of an early Hasidic master. Heller was part of the circle of closest associates of the Baal Shem Tov though not having spent time with the founder of hasidism himself. A study of his thought then gives us a glimpse into one of the earliest directions of Hasidic thinking before it started to gain some of its narrower focus in the hands of the students of the Maggid of Mezheritch. As such, we find expressions of an ascetic orientation and a harshness of approach that are not so characteristic of the teachings normally attributed to the Besht, the Maggid, and the disciples of the latter. In broadening the picture of early Hasidic thinking Krassen has done a real service for Jewish studies scholarship and the Jewishly educated lay reader.
I found Krassen's treatment insightful, incisive, and a model of clarity. In fact, his chapters on 'devekut', cleaving to God, are perhaps the best current introduction to the topic. Accordingly, I have made them required reading in my classes on Hasidism.
In short, I highly recommend this erudite and accessible book to all who have an interest, and some background, in the history and thought of Hasidism.

As an author myself, it is incomprehensible that a reputable and high quality publisher would accept a text of such mindless drivel as this horrid book. The author is obviously completely uneducated on the subject upon which he writes, and is grossly incompetent as a writer in general. Krassen rambles on and on insignificant matters when there are so many important topics he could be discussing, but instead he wastes the readers time expounding on his ridiculous and unfounded opinions. If it were possible, I would rate this book as 0 stars, as one star is too high. Don't waste your money on this book.

As an author myself, it is incomprehensible that a reputable and high quality publisher would accept a text of such mindless drivel as this horrid book. The author is obviously completely uneducated on the subject upon which he writes, and is grossly incompetent as a writer in general. Krassen rambles on and on insignificant matters when there are so many important topics he could be discussing, but instead he wastes the readers time expounding on his ridiculous and unfounded opinions. If it were possible, I would rate this book as 0 stars, as one star is too high. Don't waste your money on this book.