Wisdom of the Heart

In this fascinating book, Ora Wiskind-Elper introduces us to a figure who was ahead of his time: the Hasidic leader Rabbi Yaakov Leiner of Izbica-Radzyn. Her translations and interpretation of his writings present the Rabbis central ideas in a compelling form to modern readers. Though Rabbi Yaakov lived a full century and a half ago, his teaching weaves midrash, medieval commentary, Kabbalah, and Hasidic thought together to create an innovative perspective on long-established Jewish concepts. His works, known as the Beit Yaakov fill four large volumes of commentary on the weekly Torah portions and the cycle of Jewish festivalsthe traditional genre known as derashot. In exploring the diversity of the sources Rabbi Yaakov used for his reflections on Jewish life and spirituality, the author suggests he devoted uncommon attention to emotion, human, relationships, and gender issues. Thus, in many ways, Rabbi Yaakovs thought was extraordinary for its time and even for ours. Wiskind-Elpers insights touch readers on many different levelsintellectually, emotionally, and psychologically.