The charismatic figure of the Hasidic master is often glorified in Hasidic tales, depicted with such saintly qualities as to achieve near-mythic status. But there is more to the true nature and role of these religious leaders than romanticized stereotypes. In a three-part Tuesday series on June 3, 10 and 17—Mystic, Miracle Worker, Messiah or Mentor? The Many Images of Hasidic Leadership—Dr. Zeev Gries will challenge and clarify the traditional understanding of the Hasidic master's role in relation to his community. A leading expert on Hasidic texts and their dissemination, Dr. Gries is Associate Professor of Jewish Thought at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva. Lectures begin at 7:30 p.m.; cost is $10 at the door. The series is sponsored by the Hasidic Text Institute. For more information, please contact Shira Persky, 617-559-8614, or email spersky@hebrewcollege.edu.

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