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

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 raisewhat is base. He may roam about in the alleys and market-places andneed not fear evil. But he who is shame-faced, who lacks boldness,must keep to the heights of paradise, to studying and praying. Hemust beware of coming into contact with evil."The Truth=========The Baal Shem said: "What does it mean, when people say that the Truthgoes over the whole world ? It means that Truth is driven outof 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 morethen the righteous man who knows he righteous. But concerning the wickedwho 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 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.

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 may have a certain historical significance, but in and of itself not a compelling account of the hassidic experience.

I had no idea what I was going to discover in the book. Reading it allowed me to speak with friends who knew about it.

I was disappointed. The book is very very old. The pages are fragile, the cover is flaking and falling apart. It has tape on a rip at the top of the front cover. I wanted to be able to read this book, but it's so delicate that I believe it will end up being a mantle piece. Which, if I think of it as decorative rather than functional, I am ok with it.

Spiritual Classic. Not tales, true mystical encounters with God from great spiritual saints and souls.God is the entire purpose of life. Pray, meditate, follow the religious teachings...it is the only way to true fulfillment in life, saving us from the pitfalls of the world.

many short stories, some of them very interesting and inspiring

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

AAA

Very comprehensive book and very good read.

as advertised