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Is it possible that the Maggid of Mezritsh, rather than the Ba’al Shem Tov, was the true founder of Hasidism? In his groundbreaking new work, Speaking Infinities: God and Language in the Teachings of Rabbi Dov Ber of Mezritsh, Stanford Professor Ariel Evan Mayse makes the case that the Maggid’s vision of language laid the theological groundwork for one of the most important movements in modern Jewish life.

Ariel Evan Mayse, assistant professor of religious studies at Stanford University, is also rabbi-in-residence for Atiq: Jewish Maker Institute, based in Berkeley. Professor Mayse is the editor or co-editor of several volumes of essays and other writing, including Your Word is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer (forthcoming from Turner Publishing).

This program is hosted by StoryForward and the Jewish Community Library.