This was the time when Hasidism was forming, and it was still a very democratic version of Judaism. Mastery of the Talmud or Jewish Law did not necessarily bring one closer to G-d as an open and honest heart. Strict adherence to Jewish law could be foregone in the service of a fellow human in dire trouble.
This collection is filled with such stories. Early Hasidism was a reaction against Jewish formalism, but also against the rising surge of the Enlightenment. As such, supernatural events are not a dominant feature in these stories. Rather, G-d works through the nature and society to seek divine ends. The seeming coincidences in these tales are not the byproduct of an accidental universe. Rather, it is G-d working behind the scenes.
A great book to read on Shabbat. This is old school Judaism at its best
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