Not in the Hands of Heaven

Conventional wisdom as well as academic research has connected the concept of "Hasidism" with faith in "special providence" (hashgacha pratit). The book "Not in the Hands of Heaven: The Limits of Human Action in the Teachings of Early Hassidic Masters" examines this relationship in the sermons of second and third generation Hassidic masters: The Magid of Mezherech, Rabbi Jacob Joseph of Polonoye and Rabbi Menahem Nahum of Chernobyl.

A careful reading of the sermons – oral texts  - uncovers the various audiences they were addressed to as well as the differing content presented to dissimilar audiences. It becomes apparent that at times the orator does not intend to describe his faith completely as much as to influence the faith and consciousness of his listeners. The sermons reveal a complex approach that continues that of the study halls of the Cabalists. According to this approach Providence is exercised on each individual according to his personal perfection and his dedication to the mission of unification of the upper and lower worlds and that of drawing down the divine plenty into this world. The Higher individual, the Tzadik, he who cleaves to God and acts selflessly is accredited in the sermons with the power to direct the revealed world, as well as the supernal worlds, mainly by the power of thought and speech. Out of their belief in the power of Faith and Speech to act on reality, to shape and change it, the Preachers educated the general public not to expect conscious Cabalistic activities, but to believe that everything is an act of providence thus turning reality over to the hands of Heaven while redemption of the Shechina, "The Fear of Heaven", remains in the hands of man. Thus, "All is in the Hands of Heaven, except the Fear of Heaven".