The Thirteen Principles of Faith: A Chasidic Viewpoint - Hardcover

Gurary, Noson

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1568215320 ISBN 13: 9781568215327

Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc., 1977

Synopsis

Maimonides' thirteen principles, which he described as the roots and foundations of the Jewish religion, first appeared in his Commentary on the Mishnah as an introduction to the final chapter of the tractate Sanhedrin. They were subsequently abbreviated and were later appended to many versions of the daily prayer book. To this day, they constitute one of the clearest statements of Jewish belief ever written.
In chasidic literature, the thirteen principles have received a scholarly and methodical analysis. This volume is based on the teachings and writings of several of the most prominent chasidic masters, notably those of the Lubavitch dynasty. Each principle is treated as a meditation, a soul-illuminating insight into the very depths of one's being, the nature of God and His teachings, and the Torah. This work is not an exposition but rather an expedition into the thirteen principles of faith.
Chasidic philosophy views all of Torah as a manifestation of God Himself. Thus the thirteen principles are not merely descriptive, a philosophical statement of lofty Jewish ideals. Their intention is experiential: they are intended to be an encounter with ourselves, with the axioms upon which we base our lives, with the wisdom of God, and ultimately, as a happy encounter with God Himself.

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Reviews

A knowledgable proponent of the Lubavitch movement, a Chasidic sect that embodies many of the mystical aspects of Judaism, Gurary has written an extensive interpretation of Judaism. He uses the framework of Maimonides's famed "thirteen principles" to attach basic Lubavitch concepts; though Maimonides, the 13th-century philosopher, considered himself a rationalist and would undoubtedly be amused by Gurary's efforts. Gurary correctly distinguishes between normative Judaism and Chasidism and prefaces many statements with "Chasidus explains..." This distinction is particularly important when he addresses controversial areas such as the doctrine of reincarnation or the concept that there is a difference between a Jewish and a non-Jewish soul. Extensively footnoted, most frequently with citations from the Tanya, the classic Lubavitch text, this well-written presentation of Lubavitch ideology is recommended for Jewish studies collections.
Carol R. Glatt, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Philadelphia
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc.
• Publication date: 1977
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1568215320
• ISBN 13: 9781568215327
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 246