Hasidism: The Shpole Zeide

A Zeide (grandfather) for all the Jewish People: Celebrating the Significance of a Single Gesture

Oct 24, 1985

At his circumcision ceremony, Aryeh Leib was given the name “Zeide” (grandfather) by the Baal Shem Tov, who said that he would be a Zeide for all the Jewish people. Learned though he was, the Zeide was a “populist,” influencing by way of stories, miracles—and dance, which he was taught by Elijah the Prophet. (In contrast, Rabbi Nachman, his adversary, chose the way of Kabbalah.) The Zeide’s focus on joy meant he, unlike most masters, did not contend with melancholy and despair. An advocate for his people, at a time of famine he even put God on trial—and the famine ended shortly thereafter. With the Messiah, we must do as he did: live in expectation that, in the end, he surely will come.

Selected Quotes:
Books:
Subthemes:
1) Overlooked Hasidic Masters
2) 18 Years at 92Y
3) Shpole Zeide: An Opponent of Rabbi Nachman of Breslav
4) A Relationship With the Besht: A Blessing from Birth
5) Forbidden to Study Under the Besht
6) Understanding the Essence of Self-Exile
7) An Understanding of Humanity
8) A Fear of the outcome of emancipation
9) The Making of Miracles
10) A Patriarch of Society
11) Why the Quarrel With Rabbi Nachman?
12) A Change of Style/Nusach, A Lack of Respect
13) A Disagreement on the Subject of Suffering
14) Context: Living on the Brink of Doom
15) A Man of Miracles and a Man of the People
16) “The Old Man” as an Evil Image, Zeide the Enemy
17) Criticizing R. Nachman
18) Summit Meeting at Berditchev
19) Escaping Cherem at Berditchev
20) The Qualities of Shpole Zeide
21) A Top-Tier Dancer
22) An Actor, Circus Performer, Theater Worker
23) A Storyteller
24) Insulting His Followers with Hidden Blessings
25) Always Joyful
26) A Story from his Beadle, Isaac Spira
27) A Case Against God
28) The Mystery of the Messiah
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