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Two hundred years since Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav''s demise, his philosophical writings and literary creation remain lively and provocative materials in both Jewish culture and the New-Age movement. Key elements of Rabbi Nachman`s magic and magnetic force are illuminated in this research, which presents Bratslavian mysticism as a unique link in the history of Jewish mysticism. The mystical worldview is the axis of this book, but its branches stretch out to key issues in the Bratslavian world such as belief and imagination, dreams and the land of Israel, melodies and song.
List of contents
Introduction
1 Imagination, Prophecy and Faith
The Role of the Imagination in Religious Life, and the Character of Bratslavian Faith
Faith and Imagination
Casting Away the Intellect
2 On the Character of Mystical Experiences
The Nullification and Return of the Rational Mind in the Mystical Experience Mysticism of Faith
Hierarchy in Mystical Paths (Via Mystica) and in Mystical Unification (Unio Mystica)
If I Knew Him I Would Be Him: Knowledge (Da'at) as a means of Attaining Mystical Unification
Conclusion
3 Unification: Hints, Sparks and Melody-On the Bratslavian Service of God
Introduction
The Unification of 'Hashem Elokim'
States of Nocturnal Consciousness: Sleep, Dream and Wakefulness (Hitbodedut)
4. Silence and Melody Facing the Void: On the Place of the Mystic Melody in the Confrontation with Heresy in the Writings of R. Nahman of Bratslav
Two Models of Creation - Tzimtzum and the Breaking of the Vessels
What Is Absent from the Void?
Silence and Melody
The Beggar with a Speech Defect
R. Nathan in Likkutei Halakhot on Tzimtzum and the Void
5 The Land Of Imagination
"The Aspect of the Land Of Israel"
The Way to the Land of the Imagination
The Doctrine of Descriptions of God
Clapping Hands
Summation
6 'Smallness' And 'Greatness' and their Roots in the Kabbalah of the Ari
Introduction
A Minor is not obligated in Mitzvot
'And He was a Youth'-'Smallness' As Making Oneself Foolish and Engaging in Childish Acts
'Smallness' and Forgetting-'Smallness' And 'I Do Not Know'
'Smallness' and the Land of Israel
'Smallness' and Death
From Particulars to the Totality: The Return to 'Smallness' as a New Birth
Summation and Conclusion
7 The Ultimate Purpose of Knowing is that We Do Not Know
Introduction
"That We Do Not Know" And "I Do Not Know"
Wondrous and Very Awesome
Al Yedei Tikun Habrit
Emtz'uta D'Alma
Ki M'rachamam
8 "The Story of the Humble King"- On Laughter and Foolishness In The Service Of God
Seeking the Face of the King
Regarding Katavish and Laughter
The Palace of Changes
Conclusion
About the author
Zvi Mark
