Customer Reviews

The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy: Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

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This pocketsize collection of pithy quotes and classical Hasadic stories from a mystic rabbi may ironically appeal more to New Age spiritual seekers than traditional synagogue worshippers. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) avoids obscure religious references to any holy book while encouraging readers to "never despair!" and "get into the habit of dancing."
"Always remember: joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest," warns Nachman, a Hasadic leader in Ukraine during a turbulent time of religious persecution. "It is vital." Nachman's inspirational quotes, often given in imperative sentences, focus on the need to liberate yourself by maintaining hope and secluding yourself daily.
Adored by his followers, many modern readers will find his extremely optimistic assertions questionable. "When troubles come, as they will, take comfort in your faith that whatever happens is for the best," advises Nachman. This soothing advice, especially in light of the Holocaust and suicide bombers, remains a very difficult task for contemporary adults.
Still I have found myself drawn to this wise little book on many somber, pensive occassions. The Rebbi seems like a kind, tolerant older brother urging me forward toward the light. "Go carefully: spiritual growth must proceed slowly and steadily. Too often we want to improve ourselves and our relationships so quickly that we make ourselves frustrated and confused." Doesn't that sound very apt for the 21st century?
For whatever reason, I have found myself giving copies of this book to friends during times of emotional confusion and mild depression. It seems to strike a familiar chord and ease burdens. What more can a thin book do?

This little book contains such timeless wisdom. My personal favorite goes something like "all the world is a narrow bridge. The secret is not to look down." I find myself going back to it again and again, particularly at times when I feel lost or in need of an insight. I usually find something to renew my hope. I have given it as a gift many times. Even those who do not come from a Jewish background will find something to touch their hearts. Truly a treasure.

Like another book published by Jewish Lights, "The Gentle Weapon" (see my separate review of it) this book of short teachings and aphorisms of a great Rabbi of 2 centuries ago brings me comfort. In a book like this, it is best to go through it and find, perhaps two or three entries that have special meaning to you and then refer to it over and over again. There is one entry which states that attempts to get closer to God are never wasted even if you fail to reach your goal. Through some profoundly emotional times, I have prayed fervently only to have things turn out disappointingly. Therefore I ponder whether I am indeed better for searching for God even though at times I have been left empty. I recommend that you search for God by finding the entries in this book that reach you and then truly thinking about their meanings.

This book has brought a lot of comfort to me and my friends. I am a Christian, and I love the wisdom imparted that spans religions and speaks to our hearts. I have given this book to some of my friends who are Jewish and they cherish the book, it has given one solace in the death of her best friend, and the other keeps it by her bedside, to read daily. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a happy and God-filled life!

Rabbi Nachman, one of the leaders of a Chasidic group, lived a short life (1772-1810), only thirty-eight years, when he died of tuberculosis. He was the great grandson of the founder of the Chassidic movement, Rabbi Israel Baal Shem Tov. He was given the title "Rebbe," which is just another way of saying "Rabbi," but the Chassidim use Rebbe to distinguish their spiritual leaders from other rabbis. This is similar to the current practice among some Orthodox Jews of calling their rabbis "Rav," instead of "Rabbi," hoping to imply that their rabbi is more exalted than the common rabbi.

The Empty Chair is a collection of brief statements and aphorisms that Moshe Mykoff collected from the Rebbe's writings. Mykoff states that Rebbe Nachman "advocates conscious awareness, binding heart to mind, and empowering oneself with Faith, Simplicity and Truth."

The italics and the capital letters are in this quote. Some readers of the aphorisms may see them as being unclear and obscure as this quote, with readers giving them their own meaning if they can, while some readers may interpret them as rather simple lessons. But the Rebbe's followers read deep mystical meanings in them. The following are some examples. The quotes and capital letters are in the original.

Truth is the "light" by which to find your way out of darkness. Turn it on.

Spiritual awakening begins with inspiration coming from Without. Then, once you are already on the road, the real work begins. Keep at it and inspiration will come from within.

Speech has a great power to awaken a person spiritually.

While praying, listen to the words very carefully. When your heart is attentive, your entire being enters your prayer without your having to force it.

Be like God and don't look for people's shortcomings and weak points. You will then be at peace with everyone.

You are wherever your thoughts are. Make sure your thoughts are where you want to be.

See also my reviews of The Seven Beggars and The Lost Princess for other information about Rebbe Nachman and his teachings.

I bought a copy of this book, The Empty Chair, because I had heard Rebbe Nachman of Breslov quoted so often in speeches and within other books. This book is a GEM and good for any faith. The Empty Chair is a beautiful, instantly helpful book about how to lead one's life. Its words of wisdom are a comfort during difficult as well as good times, and it validates core values we may need to remember all the time. What's really nice is that each message is only one page long...and you hang on to every word; so even if you read just one page, you get a beautiful message that sticks with you. It is hard to believe that Rebbe Nachman died in his 30s. What a tragic loss of such a kind and brilliant mind.My copy is worn with many bookmarks on most pages! I have three books by Rebbe Nachman...and I love them all. I have bought several copies of The Empty Chair for friends. It's so small you can carry it with you daily or leave it by your bedside. Again, it is an appropriate book for people of any faith and an excellent purchase for yourself.

The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy (1996) is a brief collection of timeless, flawless inspirational advice. Though written from a Jewish perspective, the advice given is of universal value. This is a book you can refer back to over and over. The book also makes a nice gift for those you know who could benefit from such helpful directions.

This is no ordiary book! All I can say is that it will richly bless the reader--it can't help but do so. Blessed be Rebbe Nachmann.

compact wisdom is always a pleasure. Rebbe Nachman offers a lot in a small package.

This book has beautiful, moving quotations full of great wisdom and advice from Rebbe Nachmann that will provide inspiration at any point in time in one's life. My only complaint is that there are not more of them in this book. It is disapointingly short (about 100 pages with 1-2 quotes a page), especially for the price.