Description
Book SynopsisNefesh HaTzimtzum provides the single most comprehensive and accessible presentation of the teachings and worldview of the Vilna Gaon’s primary student, Rabbi Chaim Volozhin. It is focused on Rabbi Chaim’s magnum opus,
Nefesh HaChaim, a work that has lain in almost total obscurity for nearly two centuries due to its deep Kabbalistic subject matter.
Nefesh HaTzimtzum opens up the real depth of the ideas presented in
Nefesh HaChaim together with all of Rabbi Chaim’s related writings, making them accessible to the public for the first time in any language. In addition to the complete English translation,
Nefesh HaTzimtzum includes the full facing page Hebrew text of
Nefesh HaChaim and many other writings by Rabbi Chaim, along with in-depth explanations, an informative historical overview, an easily consumable innovative presentation layout and a full index. After centuries of confusion, extensive clarification is provided of the central Kabbalistic concept of
Tzimtzum, or the secret of how an infinite God occupies a finite world. Most importantly, it unequivocally demonstrates that the key Kabbalists, including the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Chaim Volozhin and the Baal HaTanya, all unanimously agreed on the underlying principles of the concept of
Tzimtzum and that contrary to widespread historical misunderstanding, there was no fundamental dispute about the philosophical principles of Judaism between the Hasidim and the Mitnagdim. Based on this
Nefesh HaTzimtzum shows that both
Nefesh HaChaim and
Sefer HaTanya present the same methodology for serving God which is rooted in their identical understanding of the concept of
Tzimtzum.
Nefesh HaTzimtzum is published in two volumes which are sold separately. This volume contains the complete Hebrew text of
Nefesh HaChaim which is brought to life by an illuminating translation and incisive commentary. It additionally provides extensive translated source material necessary to properly understand the basic text. The text is further complemented by an informative introduction which includes a historical overview.
Trade ReviewWe owe Avinoam Fraenkel an immense debt of gratitude for a monumental labour of scholarship. Truly this is a work by which, at every level, we are enriched. Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, former Chief Rabbi, the United Hebrew Congregations of the Commonwealth
Many will now begin to study this holy book [ Nefesh HaChaim ]. Rabbi Herschel Schachter, head of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University
Nefesh HaTzimtzum is a monumental work which truly explains the teachings and worldviews of Rabbi Chaim Volozhim . . . . Avinoam amazingly dispels the confusion [about Tzimtzum ] by explaining the historical factors and providing scholarly proof. Rabbi Moshe Schatz, Kabbalist and author, Sparks of the Hidden Light
"Many will now begin to properly study this holy book [ Nefesh HaChaim ]." Rabbi Herschel Schachter, head of the Rabbi Isaac Elchanan Theological Seminary, Yeshiva University
" Nefesh Hatzimtzum is simply outstanding. It is a crisp and clear presentation of what has essentially been a closed book . . . . There are few sefarim available today in the English language that offer a thorough education in such an important and lesser known area of Torah. This two volume set is a must have for anyone who values high quality English Torah works . . . . Fraenkel has made an historic contribution to the Jewish people." Rabbi Ari Enkin, torahbookreviews.blogspot.co.il
"Avinoam Fraenkel's research, translation, and commentary are essential components to making this classic of Mitnaged (non-Hasidic) Ashkenazi Orthodoxy accessible to the English reading audience." Zev Garber, American Reference Books Annual
"Fraenkel's attempt to harmonize the apparently conflicting views on the tzimtzum is highly valuable. In the first place, Fraenkel's claim is well argued and meticulously grounded in the sources, and thus deserves serious consideration. Second, Fraenkel's reading goes against the main trend of interpretation in both the academic world of Kabbalah studies and that of Chabad historiography, which follows the last Lubavitcher Rebbe in stressing the opposition between Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi and Rabbi Chaim on tzimtzum. It is a work of both real piety and ingenious scholarship." Yitzhak Y. Melamed, https://jewishreviewofbooks.com
