The Scroll of Secrets

“R. Nachman of Breslav’s Scroll of Secrets is indubitably the most esoteric document in the entire history of Hasidism and arguably the most obscure. For the first time in the scholarship of Breslav Hasidism, Dr. Mark has printed its Hebrew original from manuscripts to which he gained access, decoded the numerous cryptic abbreviations and hints, and treated in detail its major concepts, offering an incisive analysis of its contents, which removes the veil of secrecy. He demonstrates the major role played by R. Nachman’s messianic self-perception in the formulations found not only in the scroll, but also in some other writings, where this issue has been obfuscated. Dr. Mark highlights the innovative self-understanding of R. Nachman and his feeling o f being the final revelation of Hasidism, higher even than that of his great-grandfather, the Baal Shem Tov and the Great Maggid of Medzerich. No doubt scholarship of the Breslav Hasidism, and of Hasidism in general will benefit from the magnificent work of patiently and cautiously revealing the content of this fascinating document. The study of mysticism too, will be enriched by a better understanding of one of the most original Jewish mystics.” ~Moshe Idel, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

“Zvi Mark interprets and deciphers Rabbi Nachman’s prophecy by placing it within the wider context of the Breslavian writing. His analysis draws on an impressive knowledge and a sensitive, creative, and reasonable reading of this complicated literature. Reading Mark’s fascinating book enriches and deepens our understanding of the inner world of Rabbi Nachman, one of the most original Eastern European Jewish thinkers in the Modern Period.” ~Immanuel Etkes, Professor of History of Jewish People, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem

"This book is one of the most important studies on Hassidism written in the last century. One reason is that Mark has a unique combination of spiritual sensitivity and academic rigorousness that is a model for writing on Chasidism. Not only is this book of crucial significance for the understanding of Breslav Chasidism, it is also fascinating example of eschatological thought that should interest readers of all faiths. For those who think that scholarship is a synonym for dullness, this book will be an eye opener. The scintillating translation is very readable and makes the author's path breaking work accessible to those who do not have a deep background in Chasidic thought but without deviating from the high standards the author set for himself. This book deals with fundamental issues in Jewish thought that are still live questions today. While helping understand the Jewish thought in the past, it is equally a contribution to current thought and discussion. There will be a wide readership that is in debt to the Academic Studies Press for making this Hebrew language classic available to English readers." ~Shaul Stampfer, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem