Healing Leaves: Prescriptions for Inner Strength, Meaning and Hope [Paperback]

Noson Sternhartz (Author), Yitzchok Bell (Contributor)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 2000

How many of us, faced with the ups and downs of everyday life, are searching for the inner strength and confidence to renew our lives in a positive and meaningful way. Reb Noson's letters, based on the understanding and love he learned from the great chassidic master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov, show how each of us can find that strength.

Written between 1822 and 1824 by Rebbe Nachman's foremost disciple, Healing Leaves is a collection of excerpts from letters written for his family, friends and followers, to strengthen and comfort them in face of life's challenges and to help them attain peace and happiness.

From Healing Leaves: "A person can always direct his thoughts as he chooses, since it is impossible to think two thoughts at once." (Letter #284)
"View everything in a positive way: for joy and not for sadness, to bring you closer to God and not to distance you. God Forbid! For God's kindness is never-ending, and His compassion never ceases." (Letter #272)

The prescriptions contained in these letters are needed even more today; they provide answers for those of us searching to bring real meaning and hope into our lives.

Editorial Reviews

Review

In this collection of letters to family, friends, and followers, Reb Noson demonstrates the insights he gleaned over the years from the Hasidic tradition where closeness to God and an ability to sense His Presence in the midst of everyday life are two major motifs. He admonishes those around him to speak to the Holy One about everything. Expressing gratitude is very important: This is the purpose for which we were created to constantly thank and praise His great name every day. Other advice given by Reb Noson is to banish despair, to look for a positive side in everything, and to renew faith through regular spiritual practice.

In one letter, the Hasidic teacher writes: Relax your mind with things that cheer you and bring yourself to joy, even, if need be, with silliness. You have no idea what is really going on in the world. Profound words, especially the last sentence that alludes to the mystery that lies above and beyond our reason. -- Values & Visions Reviews, February 25, 2000

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Hebrew

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Simcha Press; 1st edition (February 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1558747656
• ISBN-13: 978-1558747654
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 4 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,977,099 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #51 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Judaism > Hasidism

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A nice book to carry everywhere!, June 6, 2000

By 

Rabbi Yonassan Gershom (Minnesota, USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

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This review is from: Healing Leaves: Prescriptions for Inner Strength, Meaning and Hope (Paperback)

This little inspirational book is small in size but big in meaning. Don't let the brevity of some of these quotes fool you -- they could each be a meditation for a whole lifetime.

Although these quotes come from the Hasidic tradition, one does not have to be a Hasidic Jew in order to use this book. Editor Yitzchok Leib has selected passages that are relevant to anyone seeking a path to God, and especially for Jews in recovery, who might need a quick quote as a pick-me-up throughout the day. Non-Jews will find it interesting, too, as they discover about a type of Jewish spirituality that is not so well-known to the general public.

The quotes are arranged by topic into 16 sections, each beginning with a quote from Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (founder of the Breslover Hasidic movement, died 1810), followed by excerpts from the letters of his chief disciple and recorder of his teachings, Reb Nosson of Nemirov. Among the Breslover Hasidim, letter-writing has been raised to a spiritual art, and Reb Nosson was the master of masters in using this literary form. His letters, although originally addressed to individual Hasidim, were intended to be inspiring essays on how everyone can apply the teachings, and were eventually published for all to read...The compact size of this little volume makes it very convenient to slip inconspicuously into a purse or briefcase for reading in those otherwise "wasted" moments on the bus, subway, or waiting in line. It would also make a nice gift for just about any occasion, too.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Gift For a Lifetime, October 2, 2004

By 

Gary Selikow (Great Kush) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Healing Leaves: Prescriptions for Inner Strength, Meaning and Hope (Paperback)

Healing Leaves: Prescriptions for Inner Strength, Meaning and Hope, from the letters of Rebbe Noson of Breslov is a remarkable treasure of 126 pages that fits in your pocket, and provides strength and inspiration for any trials or tribulations.
It will help you to connect with G-D, speaking of the special process, spoken of by the founder of Breslover Chassidim and mentor of the author, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov: Hitbodedut, pouring out your heart before G-D
A book to keep by your bedside and in your pocket and to meditate on the spiritual wisdom found within. Divided into themes such as Renewal, Hope, Joy and Avoiding Anxiety and Depression, it is a book not only for religiously observant Jews, but anyone interested in practical spirituality, and using the wisdom of ages to cope with life, and bring about joy.
Hence some notable meditations from this work include such gems as:

"Rebbe Nachman teaches us to begin anew- each day, each hour, each minute.
You must remain young, renewing yourself each day and making a fresh start."

And

" Even while the gates are closed are closed and locked on every side and in every corner - so that one may have mistakenly thought there was no hope, G-D forbid - I still believe that there remains plenty of hope! For G-D's capacity to send relief and deliverance is very great indeed, and His power of salvation is inexhaustible."

A gift for a lifetime.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is a great gift!, March 18, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Healing Leaves: Prescriptions for Inner Strength, Meaning and Hope (Paperback)

This is a beautiful book. I have given it to many people as a gift. It is a gift that will make a difference to the person receiving it. The letters are inspirational and timeless. They were written in the 1800's and are exquisite even today. You will not be sorry with this purchase.