IN THE LATE 1950's, Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, better known as 'Reb Zalman, ' penned what was perhaps the first book on Jewish meditation and contemplative Judaism in English. It was called, The First Step: A Primer of a Jew's Spiritual Life, and was printed in a simple stapled booklet edition which he mailed out to friends and students. But it was not long before this humble booklet had reached readers as diverse as President Zalman Shazar of Israel and the famous author of The Seven Storey Mountain, Father Thomas Merton. In 1965, it was included as a chapter in the widely influential Jewish Catalog, and read by thousands of young Jews in the late 60s and early 70s looking for an authentically Jewish approach to meditation. Then, for many years, the booklet fell out of use until it was completely revised and updated in 1993, in a new booklet called, Gate to the Heart: An Evolving Process, which was again privately printed and distributed within the Jewish Renewal movement. In this expanded version, the booklet inspired a whole new generation of Jewish contemplatives looking for a manual of Jewish practice. Now, after being revised and supplemented once again, Reb Zalman's first and most personal book, the culmination of over 60 years of spiritual guidance work, is finally being published and made available to the general public. "For me, Gate to the Heart is the one essential book by Reb Zalman. Although there are others that go into more depth, and are more expansive on certain topics, none convey his authentic voice and brilliant creativity more that this one. It is the book that I want to carry with me at all times, a true vade mecum that one can consult again and again to renew one's spiritual practice." --- Netanel Miles-Yepez, co-author of A Heart Afire: Stories and Teachings of the Early Hasidic Masters

RABBI ZALMAN SCHACHTER-SHALOMI (usually called, "Reb Zalman") is widely known as the founder of the Jewish Renewal movement, whose accessible teachings on Kabbalah and Hasidism have helped to change the face of modern Judaism. But what is less well known is that he comes from a family of Belzer Hasidim known for their niggunim (wordless melodies), and that he is also a talented musician and composer of Hasidic songs, chants, and melodies himself. At the Rebbe's Table: Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Legacy of Songs and Melodies: Volume II is a collection of Reb Zalman's favorite Hasidic niggunim, and those most often used in his teaching. In this book, you will find everything from classic contemplative niggunim to the famed "table bangers" of Hasidic spirituality. For this volume, his student, Eyal Rivlin has lovingly gathered and transcribed many of the traditional classics from Reb Zalman's memory, and even rescued a few forgotten treasures from oblivion. Accompanying the compositions are small teachings and stories to contextualize the music.

RABBI ZALMAN SCHACHTER-SHALOMI (usually called, "Reb Zalman") is widely known as the founder of the Jewish Renewal movement, whose accessible teachings on Kabbalah and Hasidism have helped to change the face of modern Judaism. But what is less well known is that he comes from a family of Belzer Hasidim known for their niggunim (wordless melodies), and that he is also a talented musician and composer of Hasidic songs, chants, and melodies himself. Into My Garden: Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi's Legacy of Songs and Melodies: Volume I finally reveals Reb Zalman the musician and composer who many students around the world have been surprised to meet in the middle of a Shabbaton or a Jewish Renewal retreat. For this book, his student, Eyal Rivlin, has lovingly gathered and transcribed most of Reb Zalman's (and his forebears) popular compositions, and even rescued a few forgotten treasures from oblivion. Accompanying the compositions are small teachings and stories to contextualize the music.

The latest book from the founder of the Jewish Renewal movement.

The interpretations in A Heart Afire are as rich and meaningful as the teachings and tales themselves in this intimate guided tour of Hasidism and Hasidic storytelling led by Reb Zalman, an old-world Hasidic elder who is also profoundly connected to modern culture.

As a bridge between both worlds, Reb Zalman, and his student Netanel Miles-Yepez, introduce the reader to rare and unique translations of Hasidism with their own personal reflections on their meaning.

This book gives the readers the opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of Hasidic wisdom and narrative and in the teachings of a modern Hasidic master.