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Chasidim of Przysucha
[Yiddish, Pshisiche Chasidim], a Chasidic group
founded by Yaakov Yitzhak ben Asher (1766-1813), known as
"Ha-Yehudi
ha-kadosh" [Hebrew, "Holy Jew"], the pupil of David
Biedermann of Lelow
and Yaakov Yitzhak ha-Levi Horovitz of Lublin, with whom he
was in
ideological conflict. He solidified Chasidic influence in
central
Poland, founding a court in Przysucha (Radomskie district).
Just like
the tzaddik of Lubawicze, he emphasized the study of the
Torah and
Talmud in his teachings, and opposed the ignorance that
characterized
many Chasidic groups, which stressed mystical practices over
knowledge
of the holy texts. He criticized the belief in the
miracle-working power
of tzaddikim. One of his sayings became popular: "It is not
difficult
to perform miracles, but being a Jew is truly difficult."
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His most outstanding pupils were Symcha Bunem
of Przysucha, Menachem Mendel Morgenshtern of Kock and
Henoch Henich
Cohen Levin of Aleksandrow. The tzaddik's successor was
Symcha Bunem,
whose best pupil, in addition to Menachem Mendel of Kock,
was Yitzhak
Meir Rothenberg Alter, tzaddik of the Chasidim of Gora
Kalwaria. The
teachings of Symcha Bunem, collected in Kol Symcha [Hebrew,
The Voice of
Symcha, 1859], were published posthumously by his pupils.
After the death of Symcha Bunem, his son, Abraham Moshe,
became
tzaddik, and was later followed by Israel Yitzhak Kalish of
Warka. Most
of his followers joined Menachem Mendel of Kock, however,
and the center
in Przysucha ceased to exist.
(A.C./CM)
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