DAVID, MAGGID OF MAKOW. Zemir Aritzim [anti-Chassidic tract]

(CHASSIDISM)

n.p.

(Koenigsberg)

1798 (i.e. 1860)

Second edition

Vinograd, Koenigsberg 256; Weiner 3646; M.Carmilly-Weinberger, Censorship and Freedom of Expression in Jewish History (1977) pp.137-38

An uncommon tract, with a wealth of detail relating to Chassidic life-style. Due to its severe tone in disparaging the Ba’al Shem Tov and other Chassidic leaders, most all copies of this polemic were purchases by the Chassidim themselves and subsequently destroyed. The author, was a central figure in the historical controversy between the disciples of Chassidism and their opponents. Steeped in Chassidic life as a young man, R. David became atttracted to the philosophic outlook of Elijah Gaon of Vilna and adopted the Gaon’s war against the Chassidic philosophy. See E.R. Malachi, in: Sefer Hayovel shel Hadoar (1952) pp. 286-300