Translation: Aryeh Kaplan, Breslov Research Institute, 1983
Rabbi Nachman of Breslov was known for many contributions to the Jewish world; but he best-known for his unusual stories. They have been recognised by Jews and non-Jews as profound and curious insights into the world of the mysterious. The stories were originally published in Hebrew and Yiddish, and are translated and annotated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, author of many books. It is well known that Kaplan had an affinity for Breslov, authoring a number of works on behalf of the Breslov Research Institute. In the style of Kaplan’s other works, the text reads very well – it is enjoyable and clear. There are also copious footnotes referring to other Breslov writings, as well as explaining the stories and clarifying any variant texts. Rabbi Nachman wrote a set of stories known as the 13 tales, all of which appear in this collection, as well as auxiliary stories and a number of famous parables. ‘The Turkey Prince’ (about a prince who becomes mad, believing that he is a turkey, and the wise man’s attempt to cure him) is included, as is the much longer ‘Master of Prayer’, a story that I first heard at university, one worthy of serious study. A great, albeit unusual, read.
