An exciting monumental as well as historical achievement — the translation of the pivotal work of the Baal Shem Tov — Kesser Shem Tov recently was completed. “Sayings of the Baal Shem Tov — Kesser Shem Tov: Meditations Actions & Philosophy” was written by Rabbi Zevi Wineberg.
“I once heard that the Lubavitcher Rebbe explained that when one is faced with a challenge between translating literally a biblical phrase or sentence or paraphrasing it to the meaning, the meaning takes precedence,” said Rabbi Wineberg. “As such, my book uses what I call a paraphrased translation. Of course all translations to some extent are explanations. Nonetheless to the extent possible I have remained faithful to the content.
“The Rebbe’s wife, Mrs. Menachem Mendel Schneerson, once commented about my grandfather’s weekly Yiddish Radio Show (where he spent some time also to convey the Rebbe’s talks) She said, ‘Some people water down the message, others are too literal. Wineberg manages to keep it short without watering it down.’ ”
Rabbi Wineberg said the Baal Shem Tov had an amazing gift — incredible insights such as, “If you can find the good in the bad, the bad will become good” — yet in succinct as well as common sense style.
“It is a great honor as well as exceptionally fascinating to have been able to go through the most comprehensive collection of perhaps the greatest Jewish Masters’ teachings — over 850 sayings that are guaranteed to give you a spiritual lift and warm your Yiddisheh (Jewish) Heart,” the rabbi said.
The book is now available through Amazon for $9.99 in paperback and $3.69 on Kindle.