Can a mystical Jewish text from centuries ago speak to modern understandings of spiritual experience? Louis Jacobs' English translation of Rabbi Dov Baer's *Tract on Ecstasy* offers intriguing parallels between traditional Hasidic contemplative practices and contemporary psychological research, yet raises critical questions about translating mystical concepts across linguistic and temporal boundaries. Through an epistolary analysis, the review challenges Jacobs' rendering of *Hitpa'alut* (spiritual arousal/being deeply moved) as "ecstasy," arguing that modern connotations distort its original meaning and advocating for untranslated Hebrew terminology to maintain precision. Striking similarities emerge between Rabbi Dov Baer's five levels of *Hitpa'alut* and Abraham Maslow's research on "peak experiences," revealing unexpected convergence between Jewish mystical tradition and modern psychology. While the translation's excessive literalism proves problematic, Jacobs' scholarly annotations and comprehensive approach establish a definitive reference work. The text notably documents sophisticated contemplative practices within non-celibate Jewish communities, departing from typical mystical traditions. This translation, despite its limitations, represents a significant scholarly achievement that demonstrates the potential relevance of Hasidic contemplative texts to contemporary discourse on spiritual experience.