MYSTICISM IN YIDDISH CULTURE Hasidim, Kabbalists, and The Dybbuk

Hasidic beliefs and way of living Study of the “inner,” mystic aspects of the Torah rather than scholarly interpretation. Follow a dynastic rabbi who holds a “court.” Intense interest for the supernatural (spirits, dybbuks*, demons). Fervent worship. Religious ecstasy as the highest form of prayer. Music and dancing as a form of expressing devotion.

*Dybbuk Restless soul; Often, the soul of a sinner; Wanders among people; Can enter and possess any living thing, from a human being to a plant; Should be exorcised.

Misnagdim Literally, “the opponents” (named so by the hasidim). An intellectual branch of Judaism concentrating on scholarly interpretation of the holy writ and logical reasoning. Led by the Vilna Gaon (Rabbi Eliyahu of Vilna) in the 18th cent. Authority in both religious and secular knowledge; wrote corrective notes on innumerable Judaic ancient texts, as well as books on mathematics and grammar. Promoted formalization of Jewish education (later called “Yeshiva movement”).

I.L.Perets (1852-1915) Transcended differences between Misnagdim and Hasidim. Had respect for both. Integrated folklore in his writings. Wrote rationally about spirituality and romantically about reality.

Mysticism in Perets’s “hasidic” stories What do we learn about Hassidic spirituality and mysticism from “The Kabbalists”? How are differences between the two branches of Judaism presented in “Teachings of the Hasidim”? What aspects of Hasidic culture are evoked in “The Rebbe’s Pipe” and in “Teachings of the Hasidim”?

Mysticism in Perets’s “hasidic” stories How do rationalism and mysticism interplay in “If Not Higher”? What differences are discussed in “Between Two Mountains,” and to what effect?

DerDibuk(1937) Directed by MichałWaszyński. Starring: LiliLiliana and Leon Liebgold. Based on a 1914 play by Solomon An-sky. Relies on Hasidic folklore and mysticism. Filmed on location in Poland. Authentic choreography. Influenced by Expressionism.

The court of Rabbi of Miropole in DerDibuk

Der Dibuk Misusing the Kabbalah Mysticism: the Messenger Grotesque stressing non-realism Symbolism Music as the means of spiritual communication Cinematic techniques: montage and chiaroscuro (play on contrasts between light and dark for dramatic effects).