הנזירות, הפרישות ומידת חסידות במשנת הנצי"ב מוולוז'ין

Rabbi Naftali Zvi Yehudah Berlin (Netziv) wrote commentaries on parts of the Bible, rabbinic literature and Geonic literature, and these writings include material which reflects a comprehensive philosophic Weltanschauung. This paper accordingly analyzes R. Berlin’s views about naziritehood, asceticism and supererogatory conduct in light of relevant material teachings from his prolific writings, and it attempts to determine what he considered to be proper conduct for the general public, as well as for those individuals who wish to adopt a more stringent approach. The article considers the sources and aims of R. Berlin’s views, and the connection between them and other, contemporary viewpoints, most notably in the Hasidic movement.