Sparks of Light

by Hoffman, Edward; Schachter, Zalman

• ISBN13: 9781570626951
• ISBN10: 1570626952
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2001-09-11
• Publisher: Shambhala

Summary

Hasidism-a mystical branch of Judaism that is today the object of renewed interest-traditionally has as its leaders well-trained masters whose way of counseling their followers may be of interest to those in other helping disciplines.Sparks of Lightexamines the history and techniques of their advising people on the problems of everyday life-health, finances, family-as well as more spiritual concerns. Schachter and Hoffman take a close look at the techniques of the Hasidic masters-dream interpretation, shock, problem solving, and the prescription of spiritual exercises to unlock the door of the mind. They also focus on such intriguing topics as how Hasidic masters are trained, the range of difficulties for which struggling Jews seek their help, the intuitive methods of counseling that are used, and the kinds of mystical and practical advice offered in response to life's challenges. This book-based on original translations of Hasidic tales and writings, many never before translated-will appeal to those in the helping profession, as well as readers of Jewish history.

Author Biography

Zalman M. Schachter was ordained as a Lubavitch-trained rabbi in Brooklyn and for more than thirty-five years has counseled men and women around the world.Edward Hoffman is a clinical psychologist and author of The Way of Splendor: Jewish Mysticism and Modern Psychology, also published by Shambhala.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. 1
Acknowledgments	p. 5
Introduction	p. 7
The Hasidic World	p. 13
Village Life
The Rise of Hasidism
Rites of Passage
The Bokher
The Yungerman
The Ba'al Ha'bayit
The Elterer Hasid
The Immortal Soul
Journey through the Beyond
The Rebbe's Vocation
Jews in Need	p. 41
Meeting the People's Wants
From Darkness to Light
The Social Agenda
The Spiritual Realm
An Array of Holy Masters
Community Judges and Eminent Scholars
The Good Jew
Seers and Healers
Kabbalists and Miracle Workers
Ancestral Merit and the Sacred Graveside
Occasional Helpers
Moreh Derekh: Teacher of the Way
Paths to Wisdom	p. 62
The Rebbe's Dilemma
The Good Jew
The Kotzk School
The Ascetic Hero
The Chabad Leader
Apprenticeship for Sacred Work
Inner Tests
Dynastic Trainees
The Coronation
Yehidut: the Divine Encounter	p. 87
Time and Space for Guidance
Rhythms of Counsel
Moments of Splendor
The Art of Diagnosis
Signs without Speech
Socioeconomic Factors
Spiritual Signposts
Torah Knowledge
Prayer: The Divine Channel
Kavanah: The Power of Intentionality
Discerning Unfinished Tasks
Inner Transformations	p. 114
Activating Change
Love: Energy for Wholeness
The Rebbe's Pain
Methods of Awakening
Letting Go of Pain
The Ruse of Identification
Shock
Restructuring
Arrangement Making
Dream Interpretation
Remedies of Action	p. 138
Healing the Infirm
Soothing the Troubled Soul
Marriage and Children: Forms of Counsel
Advice for Economic and Political Survival
The Blessing
Afterwords: Into the Light	p. 172
Intimate Conversation in the Presence of God	p. 174
Glossary	p. 179
Bibliography	p. 184
Appendix	p. 186
Table of Contents provided by Syndetics. All Rights Reserved.