The Chasidic revolution, originating in Eastern Europe, altered the course of religious history by introducing radically innovative models of spiritual life that remained grounded in classical Jewish tradition. This course will constitute an exploration of the central tension in the movement between the Chasidic emphasis on joy and the experience of despair. How does one find hope in desperate times? How do fundamental principles impact a community's ability to generate constructive belief in the face of anguish? We will examine the ways in which some of the great Jewish religious figures of the 18th and 19th centuries negotiated choices surrounding faith and melancholy, dealt with the temptation to despair and fostered hope among others. Prerequisite: 400-level course in the Humanities or upper-level literature class. Preference given to seniors & graduate students. No WebReg; stamped approval from the instructor’s office required.