2 papers in the library · publishing 1984-1999
Beyond Reasonable Doubt March 1, 1999 Louis Jacobs
This chapter highlights Jewish mysticism. It talks about Rabbi Yitshak Horowitz, also known as Reb Yitshak Masmid who is a leading exponent of mystical theology in the Habad vein. Reb Yitshak Masmid seemed to be a typical ascetic whose head reached to the heavens. He ate very little but drank heavily in the belief that alcohol could act as a stimulant to the deeper longings of the soul. The...
Hasidic Prayer December 1, 1984 Louis Jacobs
This chapter discusses the doctrine of kavvanah (‘concentration’) in prayer. Concentration is important to Hasidic ideas on mystical, contemplative prayer. For the rabbis, kavvanah in prayer means that the worshipper is conscious that he stands in the presence of God and that his mind is aware of the meaning of the words he utters. The chapter traces the history of such practices. It reveals...