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

by Joseph Berger

Overview

“A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of Hasidim. . . . based on extensive interviews [and] solid research.” —Kirkus Reviews

In this “absorbing read” (Booklist), veteran New York Times journalist Joseph Berger takes us inside the notoriously insular world of the ultra-Orthodox Jews known as Hasidim to explore their origins, beliefs, and struggles—and the social and political implications of their expanding presence in America.

Though the Hasidic way of life was nearly extinguished in the Holocaust, today the Hasidim—”the pious ones”—have become one of the most prominent religious subcultures in America. Berger traces their origins in eighteenth-century Eastern Europe, illuminating the dynamics and core beliefs that remain so enigmatic to outsiders. He analyzes the Hasidim’s codified lifestyle, revealing its fascinating secrets, complexities, and paradoxes, and provides a nuanced and insightful portrayal of how their all-encompassing faith dictates nearly every aspect of life—including work, education, food, sex, clothing, and social relations—sustaining a sense of connection and purpose in a changing world.

From the intense sectarian politics to the conflicts that arise over housing, transportation, schooling, and gender roles, The Pious Ones also chronicles the ways the fabric of Hasidic daily life is threatened by exposure to the wider world and also by internal fissures within its growing population. 

“Mr. Berger, who has reported on Hasidic communities for thirty years, plays the role of mythbuster. . . . a nice primer on Hasidim.” —The Wall Street Journal

“Although sympathetic, Berger does not romanticize the [Hasidim]. . . . His book takes us on a remarkable journey into the complexities of their lives.” —Jewish Week

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062123350
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	11/21/2023
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	386
Sales rank:	733,596
File size:	700 KB

About the Author

Joseph Berger has been a New York Times reporter, columnist, and editor for thirty years. He is the author of three books: Displaced Persons: Growing Up American After the Holocaust, which was a New York Times Notable Book; The World in a City: Traveling the Globe Through the Neighborhoods of the New New York; and The Young Scientists: America's Future and the Winning of the Westinghouse. He lives in Westchester County, New York.

Table of Contents

Prologue: A People Apart 1

1 A Woman of Valor, a Hasidic Life 17

2 Yitta's Golden Land 35

3 And When the Rebbe Sings 57

4 Rebbes and Rebels 67

5 Modern Miracles 80

6 A Ghetto Grows in Brooklyn 91

7 The Way You Wear Your Hat 120

8 A Working Holiday 135

9 Kosher Sex 147

10 The Unkosher Variety 163

11 Rebels with a Cause 178

12 A Modern Mensch 203

13 Joseph Is Yet Alive 219

14 Sacred Work 233

15 Schools of Thought 241

16 The Jewish Rosa Parks 266

17 This Property Is Condemned 276

18 Schools for Scandal 291

19 Cain and Abel in Brooklyn 303

20 The Law in These Here Parts 323

21 The Borscht Belt Redux 335

Epilogue 351

Glossary 357

Acknowledgments 367

Editorial Reviews

Mr. Berger, who has reported on Hasidic communities for 30 years, plays the role of mythbuster…. The Pious Ones is a nice primer on Hasidim. There’s so much more to say on this subject, and no one is better placed to do so than Joseph Berger. ” — Wall Street Journal

“A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of Hasidim.… [S]olid research and approachable writing.” — Kirkus

“For those who’ve wondered about the black-hatted men in frock coats with long beards, Berger …provides many of the answers…. An absorbing read.” — Booklist

“Fascinating…, Although sympathetic, Berger does not romanticize the chasidim…. His book takes us on a remarkable journey into the complexities of their lives.” — Jewish Week

“The most intriguing sections in Berger’s book discuss the conflicts between Hasidim and the more secular, often Jewish, neighbors with whom they butt heads over issues of property, pluralism and women’s rights.” — New York Times Book Review

From the Publisher

Mr. Berger, who has reported on Hasidic communities for 30 years, plays the role of mythbuster…. The Pious Ones is a nice primer on Hasidim. There’s so much more to say on this subject, and no one is better placed to do so than Joseph Berger.

Wall Street Journal

Fascinating…, Although sympathetic, Berger does not romanticize the chasidim…. His book takes us on a remarkable journey into the complexities of their lives.

Jewish Week

The most intriguing sections in Berger’s book discuss the conflicts between Hasidim and the more secular, often Jewish, neighbors with whom they butt heads over issues of property, pluralism and women’s rights.

New York Times Book Review

For those who’ve wondered about the black-hatted men in frock coats with long beards, Berger …provides many of the answers…. An absorbing read.

Booklist

Mr. Berger, who has reported on Hasidic communities for 30 years, plays the role of mythbuster…. The Pious Ones is a nice primer on Hasidim. There’s so much more to say on this subject, and no one is better placed to do so than Joseph Berger.

Wall Street Journal

For those who’ve wondered about the black-hatted men in frock coats with long beards, Berger …provides many of the answers…. An absorbing read.

Booklist

2014-06-05
A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of Hasidim.LongtimeNew York Timesreporter Berger (Displaced Persons: Growing Up American After the Holocaust, 2001) puts decades of experience in reporting on Hasidim to work in this balanced, intriguing account of the American Hasidic population. Surviving the Holocaust, the Hasidic brand of Judaism managed to flourish again in New York and other American cities, and it is now booming in population. Hasidic characteristics—including strict observance of Jewish laws, modest yet conspicuous dress, limited contact with non-Jews and intersectarian disagreements—provide much fodder for the author, who brings Hasidim to life for lays reader through personal stories based on extensive interviews. Ranging from a Holocaust survivor who managed to leave 2,000 descendants at the time of her death to a Hasidic nonconformist with an underground blog, Berger’s work explores a wide spectrum of Hasidic lives and lifestyles. Assuming very little previous knowledge from readers, the author masterfully explains all aspects. Thus, even a reader new to Judaism can learn about the Hasidic world without getting lost. For more expert readers, Berger provides personal depth as well as topical breadth. Filled with plenty of material for further discussion, the book does a service by dispelling many myths, and Berger provides an avenue for wider public understanding and acceptance of Hasidism. The author also points to flaws within the Hasidic community and in their relations with the outside world: deep-seated gender issues, the hushing-up of abuse cases, extortion and intimidation by self-proclaimed modesty police, and the avoidance of certain regulations and zoning laws.Through Berger’s solid research and approachable writing, readers will gain a clear, well-rounded understanding of who the Hasidim are, where they came from and where they are going as a people.

Kirkus Reviews