Sefer Hasidim
The Sefer Hasidim or Sefer Chassidim (, Book of the Pious) is a text attributed to Judah ben Samuel of Regensburg (died 1217), a foundation work of the teachings of the Chassidei Ashkenaz ("Pious Ones of Germany"). It offers an account of the day-to-day religious life of Jews in medieval Germany, and their customs, beliefs, and traditions. It presents the combined teachings of the three leaders of German Hasidism during the 12th and 13th centuries: Samuel the Chassid, Judah the Chassid of Regensburg (his son), and Elazar Rokeach. Contents Sefer Hasidim is made up of teachings from the Hasidei Ashkenaz movement from the 12th and early 13th centuries. Only 2 versions of the book have survived: one printed in Bologna and another that was found in Parma. The book contains ethical, ascetic, and mystical teachings, intermingled with elements of German popular belief. It discusses ethics and how they relate to everyday Jewish life, dealing with a variety of topics including piety (heading, Shemuel; so-called Sefer HaYir'ah); (§§ 14–26), reward and punishment, penitence, the hereafter, etc. (heading, Sefer HaḤasidim; so-called Sefer Teshuvah); (§§ 27–489), authorship of the book, pride, the hereafter and retribution, penitence and sinful desires, fasting and fast-days, suspicion,