The Pious Ones - by Joseph Berger (Paperback)

About the Book

As the population of ultra-Orthodox Jews in the United States increases to astonishing proportions, veteran New York Times journalist Joseph Berger takes us inside the notoriously insular world of the 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. In The Pious Ones, New York Times journalist Joseph Berger traces their origins in eighteenth-century Eastern Europe, illuminating their 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 in which the fabric of Hasidic daily life is threatened by exposure to the wider world and also by internal fissures within its growing population.

Book Synopsis

As the population of ultra-Orthodox Jews in the United States increases to astonishing proportions, veteran New York Times journalist Joseph Berger takes us inside the notoriously insular world of the 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. In The Pious Ones, New York Times journalist Joseph Berger traces their origins in eighteenth-century Eastern Europe, illuminating their dynamics and core beliefs that remain so enigmatic to outsiders. He analyzes the Hasidim's codified lifestyle by telling the story of some of its followers, revealing the religion's fascinating secrets, complexities, and paradoxes. Berger 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 in which the fabric of Hasidic daily life is threatened by exposure to the wider world and also by internal fissures within its growing population.

From the Back Cover

Veteran New York Times journalist Joseph Berger takes us inside the fascinating, insular world of the Hasidim to explore their origins, beliefs, and struggles.

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. In The Pious Ones, New York Times journalist Joseph Berger traces their origins in eighteenth-century Eastern Europe, illuminating their dynamics and core beliefs, which remain 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--and helps them to sustain 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 chronicles the ways in which the fabric of Hasidic existence is threatened by both exposure to the wider world and internal fissures within its growing population. What lies ahead for the Hasidim, and what lies ahead for American culture and politics as these ultra-Orthodox Jews occupy a greater place in our society?

Review Quotes

"A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the world of Hasidim.... 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

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

"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

"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

"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

"Powerful, vivid." - Washington Post on Displaced Persons

"An absorbing, deeply moving memoir." - New York Times on Displaced Persons

"Sweetly melancholic memoir, brilliantly written." - Elie Wiesel, Nobel Prizer-winner on Displaced Persons

"Joseph Berger follows in the tradition of Frank McCourt in being a master storyteller. He recounts a story that is both tragic and uplifting. His journalistic eye for detail will make readers cry, laugh, and never forget his family's saga....At last we have a second-generation voice of Holocaust refugees that defies stereotypes." - Eva Fogelman author of Conscience and Courage on Displaced Persons