Category Archives: Hasidim

If There’s No Opposition, There’s No Holiness

Posted on February 15, 2015 by Luke Ford

A Hasidic rebbe instructed his students to abandon a project (building a mikveh) part-way because there was no opposition. “If there is no opposition,” said the rebbe, “there is no holiness. If you desire to sin, the world gives you … Continue reading →

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Counterpunch: Why is the US Honoring a Racist Rabbi?

Posted on February 8, 2015 by Luke Ford

April 7, 2014, Alison Weir wrote for Counterpunch, a magazine of the left: If things proceed normally, President Barak Obama will soon proclaim April 11, 2014 “Education and Sharing Day, U.S.A.” Despite the innocuous name, this day honors the memory … Continue reading →

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Why Are Hasidim So Happy?

Posted on February 1, 2015 by Luke Ford

Popular images of Hasidim show them dancing. They have a reputation for happiness. Why are Hasidim so happy when compared with other types of Jews? Because they are the most insular. They are the least interested in the goyim. The … Continue reading →

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All in-groups hold varying degrees of hostility for out-groups

Posted on January 11, 2015 by Luke Ford

Chaim Amalek: “My sense is that orthodox Hasidic Jews are more hostile to mainstream WASPS than mainstream WASPS are towards orthodox Hasidic Jews.” Luke Ford: “Yes, but only because Hasidic Jews have more in-group solidarity. Not because of anything else.” … Continue reading →

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The Pious Ones: The World of Hasidim and Their Battles with America

Posted on November 14, 2014 by Luke Ford

In almost all of the battles described in this book, the Hasidim won. Its amazing what you can do when you combine high IQ, ethnic solidarity and high motivation. Chaim Amalek: “They won. But they won against a national culture … Continue reading →

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