The Divine Chariot
When chassidim sit together and relate stories of tzadikim, it appears before the Holy One, blessed be He, as though they are sitting and studying the deeds of the Divine Chariot (Ma‘aseh Merkavah).
(The Baal Shem Tov)
Knowing How to Tell and How to Listen
One must know how to tell a chassidic story so that it is heard as truly alive. Even more so, one must know how to listen to a story, so that from the hearing there is formed in the listener’s mind a complete picture, as though he himself were living the event.
(the Previous Rebbe)
A Means to Awaken
The world says that stories are a means for good sleep, but I say that they awaken people from their slumber.
(Rebbe Nachman of Breslov)
A Delight from the Garden of Eden
Every delight has its source in the Garden of Eden, even the pleasure that comes from a beautiful saying—how much more so the delight that is brought about by a chassidic story.
(Rabbi Pinchas of Koretz)
Restoring the Soul
There is nothing that restores the soul, purifies the heart, deepens thought, and brings a person closer to his Father in Heaven more than a story. Come and see: the Holy One, blessed be He, placed the account of Creation before all the commandments of the Torah.
(Rebbe Nachman of Breslov)
I Gave you the Match
The Israeli diplomat Yehuda Avner, who served under four prime ministers, would frequently visit the Rebbe and enter for private meetings in his room.
On one occasion, he dared to ask what the role of a Rebbe is.
The Rebbe replied: “Imagine that you are looking at a candle. The candle is made of combustible material, like wax, and it also has a wick, but that alone does not make it a candle.
“For it to be a candle, it must be lit; then it will shine and fulfill its purpose. So too, a Jew is like a candle, and the role of a Rebbe is to light the candle.”
Before leaving, Mr. Avner asked the Rebbe, “has the Rebbe succeeded in lighting my candle?”
The Rebbe smiled and replied, “I gave you the match. Now everything depends on you.”
