Jerome R. Mintz is a Hasidic scholar that speaks of the real life experiences that the Hasidic community has encountered since arriving in the United States. While he focuses mostly on the positive traits and achievements of the Hasidic community, he also challenges their identity and exposes the dark clouds that have plagued the community and have made it so insular - a world of its own.It is uplifting and inspiring, a researcher's guide to the ethnography of the Hasidic community. Mintz makes clear distinctions between the different Hasidic dynasties and describes their place in "the New World."Although the subject matter of "Hasidic People" is comparable to several other books outlining Hasidic life in the United States, notably Robert Eisenberg's "Boychicks in the Hood; Travels to the Hasidic Underground", it is written in a more scholarly tone and from an insider's perspective. This allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the life of the Hasidim.

This was a very informative, readable book. Wishes I have though are for pictures and descriptions of philosophical/theological differences between the different Hasidic courts. I think there was too much about various conflicts between the rival groups.

This was a very informative, readable book. Wishes I have though are for pictures and descriptions of philosophical/theological differences between the different Hasidic courts. I think there was too much about various conflicts between the rival groups.

Jerome R. Mintz is a Hasidic scholar that speaks of the real life experiences that the Hasidic community has encountered since arriving in the United States. While he focuses mostly on the positive traits and achievements of the Hasidic community, he also challenges their identity and exposes the dark clouds that have plagued the community and have made it so insular - a world of its own.It is uplifting and inspiring, a researcher's guide to the ethnography of the Hasidic community. Mintz makes clear distinctions between the different Hasidic dynasties and describes their place in "the New World."Although the subject matter of "Hasidic People" is comparable to several other books outlining Hasidic life in the United States, notably Robert Eisenberg's "Boychicks in the Hood; Travels to the Hasidic Underground", it is written in a more scholarly tone and from an insider's perspective. This allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of the life of the Hasidim.

This was a very informative, readable book. Wishes I have though are for pictures and descriptions of philosophical/theological differences between the different Hasidic courts. I think there was too much about various conflicts between the rival groups.