In this fascinating book, Ora Wiskind-Elper introduces us to a figure who was ahead of his time: the Hasidic leader Rabbi Ya'akov Leiner of Izbica-Radzyn. Her translations and interpretation of his writings present the Rabbi's central ideas in a compelling form to modern readers. Though Rabbi Ya'akov lived a full century and a half ago, his teaching weaves midrash, medieval commentary, Kabbalah, and Hasidic thought together to create an innovative perspective on long-established Jewish concepts. His works, known as the Beit Ya'akov fill four large volumes of commentary on the weekly Torah portions and the cycle of Jewish festivals-the traditional genre known as derashot. In exploring the diversity of the sources Rabbi Ya'akov used for his reflections on Jewish life and spirituality, the author suggests he devoted uncommon attention to emotion, human, relationships, and gender issues. Thus, in many ways, Rabbi Ya'akov's thought was extraordinary for its time and even for ours. Wiskind-Elper's insights touch readers on many different levels-intellectually, emotionally, and psychologically.

About the Author
Ora Wiskind-Elper holds a M.A. in comparative literature and a Ph.D. in Hebrew literature from Hebrew University. She has taught at Michlalah College in Jerusalem since 1992 and has been an associate lecturer at the Lander Institute of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem since 1999. She and her family live near Jerusalem, Israel.

Reviews
"Ora Wiskind-Elper takes these texts seriously, presents intelligent and sensitive readings of difficult themes, and rigorously plumbs concepts and formulations that formed the basis of this approach within Hasidic thought."-Jewish Book World



Book Information
ISBN 9780827608948
Author Ora Wiskind-Elper
Format Hardback
Page Count 298
Imprint Jewish Publication Society
Publisher Jewish Publication Society