Men of silk : the Hasidic conquest of Polish Jewish society / Glenn Dynner.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Dynner, Glenn, 1969-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Hasidism--Poland--History.

Hasidism.

Jewish sects--Poland--History.

Jewish sects.

Physical Description:

xii, 384 p. : maps, ports.

Place of Publication:

Oxford ; New York : Oxford University Press, 2006.

Summary:

Hasidism, a kabbalah-inspired movement founded by Israel Ba'al Shem Tov (c1700-1760), transformed Jewish communities across Eastern and East Central Europe. In Men of Silk, Glenn Dynner draws upon newly discovered Polish archival material and neglected Hebrew testimonies to illuminate Hasidism's dramatic ascendancy in the region of Central Poland during the early nineteenth century. Dynner presents Hasidism as a socioreligious phenomenon that was shaped in crucial ways by its Polish context. His social historical analysis dispels prevailing romantic notions about Hasidism. Despite their folksy image, the movement's charismatic leaders are revealed as astute populists who proved remarkably adept at securing elite patronage, neutralizing powerful opponents, and methodically co-opting Jewish institutions. The book also reveals the full spectrum of Hasidic devotees, from humble shtetl dwellers to influential Warsaw entrepreneurs.

Contents:

Intro

Contents

Note on Place Names

Introduction

1. Hasidism in Central Poland, 1754-1830

2. Anatomy of a Hasidic Conquest

3. Warsaw and the Patrons of Polish Hasidism

4. Yihus: The Social Composition of Hasidic Leadership

5. Charlatans or "Lovers of Israel"? Evaluating Hasidic Populism

6. Sermons, Stories, and Songs: Marketing Hasidism

Conclusion

APPENDIX 1 Yihus and Marriage Strategies of Early Zaddikim outside Central Poland: Examples through 1815

APPENDIX 2 An Exorcism in Warsaw, 1818

APPENDIX 3 Works by Hasidic Authors, through 1815

Notes

Bibliography

Index

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

R

S

T

U

W

Y

Z.

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (p. [349]-378) and index.

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

ISBN:

019970001X

9780199700011

1-281-86845-0

1-280-84491-4

1-4294-3834-7

0-19-988410-2

0-19-978514-7

9786611868451

0-19-970001-X

0-19-803903-4

9786610844913

OCLC:

476243173