Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi is one of the seminal
figures in the Jewish Renewal movement; he is highly respected, has many
students and followers, and has had a deep impact on contemporary Judaism.
Unfortunately, he can’t write well, and his books
have never had the influence that he has had as a teacher and leader. This is certainly the case with Wrapped in a Holy Flame: Teachings and Tales
of Hasidic Masters. The book lacks a
central focus and Rabbi Zalman’s style is
conversational and unfocused. This often makes for flat reading.
Yet the content is wonderful. Rabbi Zalman takes the reader through the history
of the Hasidic movement, with an emphasis on his own religious background in Chabad. He does take a detour in Bratslaver Hasidism
toward the end.
So, if one reads this book for content, and not style
and flow, there are rich teachings here for the patient at heart.
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