Tales of the Hasidim (The Early Masters / The Later Masters)

Good read- is a collection of stories that reflect the teachings and philosophies of Hasidic Judaism. Stories that inspire on joy and spiritual fulfillment, humility and servanthood, love and compassion and other themes. It parallels a shared spiritual heritage of the Christian faith, emphasizing values that transcend religious boundaries

One of the most concise and valuable books ever committed to writing. Full of extremely compact yet deeply valuable wisdom like the following 3 examples: The Bold Faced and the Shame Faced ================================== Our Sages say: "The bold faced go to hell, the shame faced to paradise." Rabbi Zusya, God's fool, expounded these words as follows. "Whoever is bold in his holiness, may descend to hell in order to raise what is base. He may roam about in the alleys and market-places and need not fear evil. But he who is shame-faced, who lacks boldness, must keep to the heights of paradise, to studying and praying. He must beware of coming into contact with evil." The Truth ========= The Baal Shem said: "What does it mean, when people say that the Truth goes over the whole world ? It means that Truth is driven out of one place after another, and must wander on and on." The Wicked & the Righteous ========================== The Rabbi of Lublin said: "I love the wicked man who knows he is wicked more then the righteous man who knows he righteous. But concerning the wicked who consider themselves righteous, it said: 'They do not turn even on the threshold of Hell.' For they think they are being sent to Hell to redeem the souls of others !!!"

This collection means a great deal to me. I pick it up, open to any random page, and usually discover one small story or other that is enlightening & reaffirming . It is a joyful book. I am not a follower of Judaism, but my family comes from eastern Poland, where Hassidism sprouted, and I always sense some sort of bond with these stories, something fundamental to my own spiritual base.

The book is full of inspirational stories about how to strive to lead a spiritual and fulfilling life. Martin Buber is a master of storytelling which makes reading the book an engaging experience.

If you need to really follow along with the scriptures, this book is an excellent resource to help you do that. It brings things into perspective as well as provides more information. It is a teaching book, not a fun reading book, so be prepared to real and learn. The main key is to have an open mind as you read.

Thankyou Rabbi Buber for the passion and dedication in compiling this oral history. Martin Buber's fascination with the Hasidim is reflected in this fine compendium. I reread many parts for their wisdom, humor and humanity.

This book is a fine compliment to more academic tomes- it lets the reader see some of the actual stories passed down in the Hasidic community. Fascinating study. It's good that we have them in english for reference. Riveting images. Useful for those interested in religious studies or mysticism.

Book was good but took two and a half month to arrive

the person for whom i bought this was my brother. he is so into the heavy reading. I know he enjoyed the book. couldn't keep him out of it. lol

many short stories, some of them very interesting and inspiring

Excellent. Excellent. Excellent.

I read this book because it was mentioned in a Leonard Cohen biography. In reading it, I discovered that I can understand more of the Bible as a result! Whether you’re a Jew or a Christian, or have no beliefs at all, this book will entertain and educate. The Tales consist of a mixture of homilies, folk tales and expounding of Scripture. A delightful read and one that I will return to again.

Very comprehensive book and very good read.