The End of Suffering: Mysticism, Messianism, and Medicine in Lubavitch
Loading...
Authors
Dein, Simon
Issue Date
2019
Volume
21
Issue
Type
Journal Article
Language
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
This paper examines understandings of evil, suffering, and sickness among Lubavitcher Hasidim, a group well known for their messianic assertions. It problematizes the relationship between theological teachings and how people use these ideas “on the ground” during periods of sickness. My focus is upon how these understandings are informed by their mystical text –Tanya – the Rebbe’s discourses, and through websites such as Chabad.org. On the one hand, Lubavitchers teach that evil is illusory, on the other, suffering will cease in the Messianic era. Furthermore, suffering is integral to the structure of the universe, human suffering will end following the cosmic repair. But how do these understandings impact their experience of sickness? For the most part, theology did not directly inform praxis and everyday cognition. Lubavitchers were concerned about practical alleviation of suffering.|Keywords: suffering, mysticism, Lubavitch, Tanya, sickness
Description
Citation
Publisher
Rabbi Myer and Dorothy Kripke Center, Creighton University
License
Journal
Volume
Issue
PubMed ID
DOI
Identifier
Additional link
ISSN
1522-5658