Jewish Tales of Mystic Joy Paperback - 2002

Summary

First line

There are many Jewish tales that vividly show the joy, bliss, and ecstasy of holy people, particularly the tzaddikim, the Hasidic movement's charismatic leaders, and the Hasidim, their devoted followers.

From the jacket flap

Many Jewish tales vividly express the joy, ecstasy, and bliss of holy and ordinary people in exalted moments. This stunning collection contains tales that portray the mystic joy that comes from a passionate love for God and people.
According to the Jewish mystics, the soul's essence is bliss. The soul yearns for joy; it requires joy; but it can only be satisfied with spiritual pleasures that reveal its true nature. The goal is to tap the immense joy that lies within us, to contact our soul's heavenly source of unlimited joy.
Jewish Tales of Mystic Joy reveals the happiness that awaits us if we strive for real spirituality. The stories are about pious rabbis and humble tailors, about dancing, singing, laughing, and crying, but their common denominator is always joyous ecstasy. Drawing us into a world of devotion, the tales allow us to taste the bliss that comes from a life lived from the very center of one's self. Each story comes alive in joy and produces a "holy shiver" that speaks to the soul.