Kabbalah,Mysticism & Chassidus

Teachings from the holy Baal Shem Tov on Torah and Festivals

The Baal Shem Tov taught in pithy, powerfull homilies. Though based on profound mystical techings, and on Talmudic scholarship, his words were transmitted in simple language, free of schilarship terminology. That way, the average Jew would understand him, and the scholar would appreciate the profoundity of his ideas.

Among the Baal Shem Tov's teachings included in this book:

• How a Jew's body and soul are precious to G-d.
• How words and letters have the power to shape a person's reality.
• How all the spiritual realms are impacted by our deeds, words, and even thoughts.
• The Divine secret behind cravings.
•  The importance of humility. Learn More

Think Jewish slices through the niggling conflicts that block a Jew from living Jewish. Each of the 26 chapters opens with a tough question:

"Can`t I be good without being religious?"

"Wouldn`t mankind be better off without labels that separate?"

"Aren`t mitzvot restricting?"

The answers, which turn Western thought inside out, are down-to-earth and delivered in deftly polished prose. Think Jewish has the power to change minds for the better. Learn More

As the title suggests, this book is a series of portraits of different people, events, and curiosities in the history of Habad Hasidism. It tells of many unknown or little understood aspects of the Rebbes' lives, the stories of the children of Habad Rebbes who did not themselves become Rebbes, the stories and viewpoint of the 'foot soldiers' of Habad in different eras, of forgotten outreach campaigns and initiatives, and even the stories and perspectives of those who broke away or rebelled.

“Rabbi Chaim Dalfin brings to his books the rare combination of an insider’s sensitivity for nuance and an observer’s passion for honest documentation. His portraits of figures in Habad’s recent past stand out for their humanity and understanding. Anyone who is interested in understanding contemporary Habad—whether they are inside or outside of Habad—should consult his books.” — Don Seeman, Associate Professor, Emory University

“This material has great importance because of its content about the lives of Hasidim. We learn a lot about the issues that concern them, their self-sacrifice, work methods, and continual growth. We also learn about the place of women in Hasidic Judaism and relations between Hasidim and Mitnagdim. The material is supported by competent evidence, and it is good that someone has documented it for eternity, as the verse states, ‘So that the last generation will know, sons were born to stand up and tell their children, and to make G-d complete.’ ” — Moshe Hallamish, Professor Emeritus, Bar-Illan University