Description: Powerful Hasidic teachings made accessible by some of the world's preeminent authorities on Jewish thought and spirituality. Volume 1 covers Genesis, Exodus and Leviticus, and the history of early Hasidism and the central teachings of the Maggid's school.
Brief description:
Arthur Green, PhD, is recognized as one of the world's preeminent authorities on Jewish thought and spirituality. He is the Irving Brudnick professor of philosophy and religion at Hebrew College and rector of the Rabbinical School, which he founded in 2004. Professor emeritus at Brandeis University, he also taught at the University of Pennsylvania and the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, where he served as dean and president.
Dr. Green is author of several books including Judaism's Ten Best Ideas: A Brief Guide for Seekers; Ehyeh: A Kabbalah for Tomorrow; Seek My Face: A Jewish Mystical Theology; Your Word Is Fire: The Hasidic Masters on Contemplative Prayer and Tormented Master: The Life and Spiritual Quest of Rabbi Nahman of Bratslav (all Jewish Lights). He is also author of Radical Judaism (Yale University Press) and coauthor of Speaking Torah: Spiritual Teachings from around the Maggid's Table. He is long associated with the Havurah movement and a neo-Hasidic approach to Judaism.
Review Quotes:
"If I could I surely would stand in the place where the disciples of the Maggid stood. This daydream of mine finds its closest fulfillment in this book.... Bring[s] the choicest voices of Hasidic spirituality to the modern reader."
-Reb Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, author, Davening: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Prayer and Jewish with Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice
"A stunning entry point into the heart of Hasidism-a wealth of carefully curated insights that are rich and penetrating, even shattering.... A treasure for any student of Torah."
-Rabbi Sharon Brous, founder, IKAR, Los Angeles
"[A selection of] the juiciest, most inspiring insights from the finest Hasidic sources. These teachings will surprise and delight you, touching your soul."
-Daniel C. Matt, translator and annotator, Zohar: Annotated & Explained
"[From] the incomparable teacher of Torah of our time.... Contextualizes and presents ... the richness of insights as well as the spiritual depth and significance the Hasidic tradition holds for modern persons. A delight to be savored and returned to over and over again!"
-Rabbi David Ellenson, president, Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion
"Opens [the world of the Hasidic masters] to those looking for spiritual meaning in Torah and in their lives."
-Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, spiritual leader, Society for the Advancement of Judaism; author,
The Book of Life: Embracing Judaism as a Spiritual Practice
"This is the resource we've been waiting for, a milestone in the accessibility of classical Jewish spirituality. No Shabbos Torah hevra should be without it."
-Lawrence Kushner, Emanu-El Scholar at The Congregation Emanu-El of San Francisco; author, I'm God; You're Not: Observations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego
"Invites the spiritual seeker to feel the excitement of direct encounter with primary Hasidic texts and their capacity to awaken the soul.... 'Round Two' discussions serve as templates for the kind of questing and questioning that small groups of seekers might do together, suddenly finding that they, too, are engaged in 'speaking Torah.'"
-Nancy Flam, co-director of programs, Institute for Jewish Spirituality; series editor, LifeLights(TM)
"A splendid compilation-expertly presented to foster hearing, insight, and spiritual sharing."
-Michael Fishbane, Nathan Cummings Distinguished Service Professor of Jewish Studies, University of Chicago
"Reminds us that Jewish masters read the Torah to discover the spiritual depths just beneath the surface. Every Shabbat and every holiday will be enriched when you study the Torah portion with this extraordinary collection of text and commentary."
-Rabbi Jeremy Kalmanofsky, Congregation Ansche Chesed, New York City
"Inspires contemporary readers to uplift their souls homeward and free themselves from their personal enslavement. It is a gem of inspiration and should be in every synagogue."
-Dr. Alan Brill, Cooperman/Ross Endowed Professor, Graduate Department of Jewish-Christian Studies, Seton Hall University
"Insightful ... puts in dialogue the thought of the most original and formative group of Hasidic masters, demonstrating the nature of their spiritual aspirations and the dynamics of the laboratory that produced the leadership of Hasidism as a movement. A fresh and inspired project that brings to life the spirituality of an unprecedented constellation of religious geniuses."
-Moshe Idel, Max Cooper Professor of Jewish Thought, Hebrew University, Jerusalem
"Sparkling translations, judicious selections, wise-framing comments, comprehensive scope, with an authoritative