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The Light Beyond: Adventures in Hassidic Thought

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Aryeh Kaplan was one of the great Torah teachers of our generation. He was a pioneer in the teaching of Hasidism, and also in the teaching of Jewish Meditation, Kabbalah, Bretzlav Hasidism and much much else.
In this work he brings us Hasidic teachings, and primarily the teachings of Hasidism's founder 'The Baal Shem Tov' on a wide variety of subjects.
In writing of the relation of Kabbalah and Hasidism he says,
" In many ways Hassidism was a logical extension of the Kabbalah - but with an important difference. While Kabbalah brought man to God, Hassidism brought God to man. Kabbalah raised the initiate to the upper worlds, offering him a glimpse of the Holy Domain , along with its angels, emanations, vessels and luminations. Hassidism, on the other hand, did just the opposite. It brought the Heavenly Domain down to man, showing him the type of life and dedication that it predicated. The Biblical lesson," Know Him in all your ways", became a watchword of the Hassidic world. "
There are chapters on God, Creation Man,Israel and the Torah, Faith Love and Reverence, Meditation and Prayer, The Commandments,Torah Study, The Sabbath and Holy Days,Life and Society, Sin and Repentance, Divine Providence, The Ultimate Future.

Along with the writings of the Baal Shem Tov which make up over half the text there are other works from the other great master of Hasidism that tell about the Baal Shem Tov's teachings. There is the ' Kedushat Levi' and ' Degel Machane Ephraim' and 'Keter Shem Tov' There are passages from 'Noam Elimelech' and 'Midrash Pinchas' and 'Avodat Yisrael'.

There is a whole world of Judaism in this work. It could not be more highly recommended for uplifting the Soul in the worship of Hashem.

The Mystical Judaism had been the domain of the extremely learned since the beginning (since after Moses died), until 300 years ago the Baal Shem Tov began teaching and making it accessible through understandable parables to the common Jew. Even though he was completely learned and illuminated he devoted himself to the people. In this book Rav Kaplan presents to us the heritage of the Baal Shem Tov through his disciples, the reading is an incredible experience.

The Light Beyond is one of the best introductions to Chassidic thought in English, presenting deep but accessible shorter teachings on a wide range of themes. When you put it all together, you will have a good sense of what Chassidic mysticism is all about. Plenty of Baal Shem Tov and early teachings, as well as some moving examples of Rabbi Nachman's profound works. The masterful Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan at his best!

I go back to this book when I feel drawn away from G_d. It is grounded, and its wisdom spans generations.

By far on e of the greatest authors of Judaica. Excellent, informative wrtiting.