The Zeyger

Abstract

This article examines the presence of the clock in Ḥasidic stories and the spiritual meanings attributed to it. The mechanical clock—a relatively recent innovation—became a recurring motif in Ḥasidic tales. Drawing on be-khol derakhekha da‘ehu [in all your ways, know Him], Ḥasidic masters found in the clock more than a timekeeping device. Through parable and mystical interpretation, they turned it into a vessel of sacred meaning that prompted reflection on mortality, embodied spiritual essences, and marked temporal boundaries. The article traces three interrelated modes: the clock as parable for human existence, as mystical object, and as temporal boundary that the tzaddik transcends. Close readings reveal how everyday objects are layered with mystical significance. The clock emerges transformed—from marker of finite time to pointer toward transcendence, from mechanical device to bearer of wonder. These tales illuminate how Ḥasidic thought engaged modernity’s innovations while preserving its spiritual vision.