In Praise of Baal Shem Tov

by Jerome R. Mintz, Dan Ben-Amos (Editor)

In Praise of the Baal Shem Tov is the first complete English translation of the tales surrounding the Besht, a rabbi and kabbalistic practitioner whose teachings bolstered the growing Hasidic movement in the eighteenth century. An important source on the life, philosophy, and mystical works of the Besht, In Praise of the Baal Shem Tov also reveals the daily life and concerns of eastern European Hasidic Jews in the late 1700s. Though portions of the book have been in print since its original publication in 1814, this edition avoids the common practice of reshaping Hasidic tales according contemporary expectations. With this commitment to accuracy and authenticity, In Praise of the Baal Shem Tov offers readers an unsullied look at the Besht through the eyes of his contemporaries.

Genres: Judaism

365 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1970

Reviews

[Doria · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s very difficult to review a book that has been translated in such a garbled and confusing manner as this one. Without a doubt, there are many interesting and historically and/or culturally significant narratives among the 251 that comprise this venerable collection. But the crude rendering and poor use of the English language does the stories a sad disservice. It shouldn’t have to require years of experience in reading and interpreting folklore (which I happen to have), combined with a solid background in Jewish and Hasidic religious and literary traditions (mine is scanty in this regard) to make sense of a six-sentence story.

Alas, the larger proportion of tales in this book are virtually impenetrable and have been shaved of both meaning and impact, due to sloppy translation. It doesn’t help that the collection itself is presented as a kind of mishmash of different 18th century Hasidic stories, some of which might be historical and some clearly folkloric, not all of which even clearly relate to the purported subject, the Besht himself.

For those who have the necessary background(s) and the patience to painstakingly plow through these stories, there are (well hidden) gems. But if you are looking for an enjoyable bedtime read, this ain’t it.

4 stars for (some of) the stories, 1 star for the translation.

[DW · Rating 1 out of 5]

Content: An embarrassment to Judaism. I somewhat regret reading it.

Translation: Hard to say. There were times when the stories made absolutely no sense and the footnotes should have provided more explanation/context. Of course maybe there isn't any, and nobody knows what some of these stories are supposed to mean anymore.