For half a century the Buber-Scholem debate over the essence of Hasidic teachings and literature defined the parameters of scholarly discussion of Hasidism. A new generation of scholars has taken the discussion of Hasidism in new and fruitful directions in recent years. One result of this new research has been an interest in making the theological literature of Hasidism available to English readers. This volume is a welcome addition to this growing body of literature. Relying only on Hasidic stories instead of the theological writings of Hasidism, particularly as they were selected and edited by Martin Buber, has led to a distorted and reductionist understanding of Hasidism and its place in the Jewish mystical tradition. The theologically and intellectually sophisticated aspects of Hasidism were not taken into account in popular descriptions of the movement. On the contrary, Hasidism was seen as an anti-intellectual populist folk movement and even a break with the rabbinic tradition in some respects. Correcting this misconception and acquainting the reader with the intellectual and spiritual foundations of Hasidism is a primary goal for Norman Lamm, the editor of this volume.