1. Interpersonal Relations and Sociability in the Thought of R. Mordeḥai Joseph of Izbica
- Author
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Israel Koren
- Subjects
Philosophy. Psychology. Religion - Abstract
This article addresses an important, yet to date neglected, issue in R. Mordeḥai Joseph of Izbica’s thought – namely, interpersonal human relations. The subject preoccupied R. Mordeḥai both be-cause “love your neighbour” is a biblical ordinance and because human contact is implicated in the service of God. His homilies demonstrate that, at the same time as being tolerant and inclusive in the spirit of love for the House of Israel, he could also be reserved, ambivalent, and provocative regarding the interpersonal and social sphere. This aspect of his world view and character was rein-forced by his personal circumstances, his perception of human beings as individualistic, under the influence of Przysucha and Kotzker, and a competitive environment. His concept of interpersonal relations should thus be understood as a counterbalance to the prevalent social tendency within Ḥasidism, that holds that close human relations are bound up with intimacy with God.
- Published
- 2024
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