The Legend of the Baal-Shem

Written by Martin Buber

Narrated by Theodore Bikel

Martin Buber, a Jewish philosopher, spoke directly to the most profound human concerns in all his works. Included in his discussions was Hasidism, a mystical-religious movement founded in Eastern Europe by Israel ben Eliezer, called the “ Baal-Shem” (the Master of God's Name). Living in the first part of the 18th century in Podolia and Wolhynia, the Baal-Shem braved scorn and rejection from the rabbinical establishment and attracted followers from among the common people, the poor, and the mystically inclined. Buber offers a sensitive and intuitive account of Hasidism, followed by 20 stories about the life of the Baal-Shem. This delightful recording can be listened to not only as a collection of myth but as a key to understanding the central theme of Buber's “ I and Thou” philosophy.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Phoenix Books, Inc.
• Release date: Jun 1, 1992
• ISBN: 9781614675020

Martin Buber

Martin Buber (1878-1965) was an enormously prolific moral philosopher whose work examines Hasidism, scripture, and dialogic thinking. His best-known work is I and Thou.