Tales Of The Hasidim

by Martin Buber
Tales Of The Hasidim cover
Good Books rating 4.45
Philosophy
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  • ID: 4110
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780307834072
  • Publisher: Schocken
  • Published: 2013-07-17
  • Reviews: 4

Martin Buber's 'Tales of the Hasidim' is a seminal work that captures the essence of Hasidic spirituality through a collection of legends. Buber spent forty years compiling and retelling these stories, which are both terse and profound, reflecting the deep spiritual truths of Hasidism. The book, now available in a paperback edition with a foreword by Chaim Potok, showcases the vibrant and symbolic lives of Hasidic masters, illustrating how they found divine meaning in ordinary life. These tales, often cryptic yet powerful, reveal the intensity and joy with which the Hasidim experienced their faith. Buber's work not only preserves these stories but also highlights their relevance in understanding the spiritual dimensions of Judaism. Through these narratives, Buber conveys the transformative power of Hasidic teachings, making the divine visible in the mundane.

Reviews
Goodreads · A Goodreads User · 2023-01-01
enlightening 4.20

The tales are both magical and enlightening, offering a fascinating insight into Hasidic traditions. The collection is praised for its ability to captivate and educate simultaneously.

This reviewer found the book to be a captivating read, filled with tales that are both magical and enlightening. They appreciate how the stories provide a deep insight into the Hasidic traditions, making the collection both fascinating and educational. The reviewer enjoys the way the tales are retold, finding them to be both engaging and thought-provoking.

Quick quotes

    In this book, he retells tales of Hasidim, which are both magical and enlightening at the same time.

    Fascinating and enlightening.

    These tales—terse, vigorous, often cryptic—are the true texts of Hasidim.

Amazon · An Amazon User · 2023-01-01
impactful 4.60

The book was discovered through a Leonard Cohen biography and helped the reader understand the Bible better. The tales are described as insightful and impactful.

This reader picked up the book after encountering it in a Leonard Cohen biography and was pleasantly surprised by how much it enhanced their understanding of the Bible. They found the tales to be insightful and impactful, appreciating the depth and wisdom contained within the stories. The reviewer values the book for its ability to provide new perspectives and deepen their spiritual understanding.

Quick quotes

    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!

    These tales—terse, vigorous, often cryptic—are the true texts of Hasidim.

The New York Times · The New York Times Reviewer · 1947-05-18
valuable 4.50

The tales are described as terse, vigorous, and often cryptic, portraying the Hasidic masters as full-bodied personalities. The collection is seen as a valuable contribution to spiritual literature.

The reviewer highlights the terse, vigorous, and often cryptic nature of the tales, which bring to life the Hasidic masters as full-bodied personalities. They see the collection as a valuable contribution to spiritual literature, appreciating the depth and richness of the stories. The reviewer finds the book to be a significant work that offers profound insights into the Hasidic tradition.

Quick quotes

    These tales—terse, vigorous, often cryptic—are the true texts of Hasidim.

    The hasidic masters, of whom these tales are told, are full-bodied personalities.

    Martin Buber devoted forty years of his life to collecting and retelling the legends of Hasidim.

The New York Times · 1947-05-18
inspiring 4.50

The book offers a deep dive into the legends of Hasidism, presenting the stories with a sense of reverence and wonder. The tales are not just historical accounts but also spiritual lessons that resonate deeply with the reader.

The New York Times review highlights how Martin Buber's 'Tales of the Hasidim' brings to life the rich tapestry of Hasidic legends. The reviewer notes that Buber's retellings are not merely historical recounts but are imbued with a spiritual depth that makes them timeless. The stories are described as full of wonder and wisdom, offering insights into the lives and teachings of the Hasidic masters. The reviewer appreciates how Buber's translations capture the essence of these tales, making them accessible and meaningful to a broader audience. The book is seen as a valuable resource for those interested in Jewish mysticism and spirituality.

Quick quotes

    The tales are not just historical accounts but also spiritual lessons that resonate deeply with the reader.

    Buber's retellings are imbued with a spiritual depth that makes them timeless.

    The stories are described as full of wonder and wisdom, offering insights into the lives and teachings of the Hasidic masters.

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