Political and theological aspects in the messianic activities of Breslov Hasidim from the Na-Nachs stream

• In Event: Mysticism and Politics

Abstract

Throughout the 19th and 20th centuries, Breslov Hasidim were intensively engaged in praising the proliferation of printing and distribution as part of a half-hidden messianic worldview. The lack of a Rebbe pushed Breslov Hasidim to base their theology on the 'book,' but it was also interpreted in a wide variety of textual manifestations such as street writings (graffiti), stickers, and more. This lecture will explore how these phenomena can be understood in the broader context of tension between the private and public spheres, as well as private-institutional dynamics. It will demonstrate how public spaces and political spheres enable the hidden messianic trends to manifest themselves. The relationship between groups of Breslov Hasidim and the State of Israel in the 20th century is key to understanding issues of religion and secularism, alternative movements vis-à-vis government, mysticism, culture, and the boundaries within these relations.

Author

• Alexandra Mandelbaum, Ben Gurion University