The Empty Chair: Finding Hope and Joy--Timeless Wisdom from a Hasidic Master, Rebbe Nachman of Breslov

This is no ordiary book! All I can say is that it will richly bless the reader--it can't help but do so. Blessed be Rebbe Nachmann.

compact wisdom is always a pleasure. Rebbe Nachman offers a lot in a small package.

This book has brought a lot of comfort to me and my friends. I am a Christian, and I love the wisdom imparted that spans religions and speaks to our hearts. I have given this book to some of my friends who are Jewish and they cherish the book, it has given one solace in the death of her best friend, and the other keeps it by her bedside, to read daily. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to live a happy and God-filled life!

This pocketsize collection of pithy quotes and classical Hasadic stories from a mystic rabbi may ironically appeal more to New Age spiritual seekers than traditional synagogue worshippers. Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) avoids obscure religious references to any holy book while encouraging readers to "never despair!" and "get into the habit of dancing." "Always remember: joy is not merely incidental to your spiritual quest," warns Nachman, a Hasadic leader in Ukraine during a turbulent time of religious persecution. "It is vital." Nachman's inspirational quotes, often given in imperative sentences, focus on the need to liberate yourself by maintaining hope and secluding yourself daily. Adored by his followers, many modern readers will find his extremely optimistic assertions questionable. "When troubles come, as they will, take comfort in your faith that whatever happens is for the best," advises Nachman. This soothing advice, especially in light of the Holocaust and suicide bombers, remains a very difficult task for contemporary adults. Still I have found myself drawn to this wise little book on many somber, pensive occassions. The Rebbi seems like a kind, tolerant older brother urging me forward toward the light. "Go carefully: spiritual growth must proceed slowly and steadily. Too often we want to improve ourselves and our relationships so quickly that we make ourselves frustrated and confused." Doesn't that sound very apt for the 21st century? For whatever reason, I have found myself giving copies of this book to friends during times of emotional confusion and mild depression. It seems to strike a familiar chord and ease burdens. What more can a thin book do?

Like another book published by Jewish Lights, "The Gentle Weapon" (see my separate review of it) this book of short teachings and aphorisms of a great Rabbi of 2 centuries ago brings me comfort. In a book like this, it is best to go through it and find, perhaps two or three entries that have special meaning to you and then refer to it over and over again. There is one entry which states that attempts to get closer to God are never wasted even if you fail to reach your goal. Through some profoundly emotional times, I have prayed fervently only to have things turn out disappointingly. Therefore I ponder whether I am indeed better for searching for God even though at times I have been left empty. I recommend that you search for God by finding the entries in this book that reach you and then truly thinking about their meanings.