Jewish Tales of Mystic Joy - Paperback

by Yitzhak Buxbaum (Author)

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.

Front Jacket

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.

Back Jacket

Can mysticism be joyful, even fun? According to storyteller Yitzhak Buxbaum, the editor of this inspiring collection of tales, Jewish mysticism leads to bliss, ecstasy, happiness, and humor. These traditional tales about people who "went all the way" will let you taste the mystic joy that accompanies intense devotion and life lived to the very fullest. Profound and entertaining, these stories prove that ecstatic laughter and ecstatic mourning come from the same pot and that only deep spiritual experience, only joy, can lead you to your own spiritual fulfillment.

Author Biography

Yitzhak Buxbaum is a maggid, a traditional Jewish storyteller and teacher, who specializes in mysticism, spirituality, and Hasidic tales. He is the author of nine books including Jewish Spiritual Practices, Storytelling and Spirituality in Judaism, and An Open Heart: The Mystic Path of Loving People. Yitzhak teaches at The New School University and resides in New York City.