Customer Reviews

Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The content here is beyond classic- it is essential. The story of the difficult voyage to the land of Israel (being captured, trouble at sea, etc. etc.) is amazing to read first hand, as a primary source.

The "Wisdom" and sayings of Rabbi Nachman, though, might benefit from a little more organization, and longer quotes to add some context. By just having a few lines on a topic, with a bewildering number of allusions, we are left to struggle to comprehend. It is more a reflection of Rabbi Nachman's totally encyclopedic knowledge of Tanakh (Bible), Talmud (Oral Law and commentary), Zohar (main work of kabbalah), etc.

Don't let that deter you. The discussions are very profound - why Jews should study a law from Shulkhan Arukh (Code of Jewish Law) every day, for example, was like a lightning bolt of insight.

Rabbi Nachman was clearly a tzaddik (holy man), and lived an unusually ascetic life (not usually approved of in Judaism). Putting the pieces together, we do certainly benefit, and the book only strengthens his legacy.

This is a reprint of the Aryeh Kaplan translation of a Breslov classic by Reb Nosson (Nathan) of Breslov. Reb Nosson was the chief disciple and official scribe of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov. As such, he sought to compile his Rebbe's teachings for future generations. Reb Nosson writes in his introduction to this volume: "I have therefore recorded a small portion of his saintly ways, from his earliest perception until his departure from this world in peace. I myself heard some of the accounts from the Rebbe's holy lips. Others were gleaned from those who knew him during his lifetime. Much of what is written here was seen with my own eyes."

"Rabbi Nachman's Wisdom" contains first-hand anecdotes from the life of Rabbi Nachman, an account of his pilgrimage to the Holy Land, and a selection of lessons that he gave to his disciples. Many well-known Breslov sayings are found in this book, such as: "Every man [person] can attain the highest level. It depends on nothing but your own free choice...for everything depends on a multitude of deeds" (p.29) and "Worldly pleasures are like sunbeams in a dark room. They may actually seem solid, but one who tries to grasp a sunbeam finds nothing in his hand." (p. 112). This is also the source for the list of Ten Psalms that are recited for "Rebbe Nachman's Remedy." In short, this book is a goldmine of wisdom and a must-have for anyone interested in Breslov teachings.

Recently ordered this book based upon the recommendation of a friend (who is a rabbi). I'm a Bnai Noach (in the process of orthodox conversion, but not chassidic) and still find the stories and lessons contained in it useful. Those involved in chassidic or chabad will probably benefit most from reading it. Either way, a good book and I got mine at a very fair price. Shalom!