Foreword by Maurice Friedman
Acknowledgments
Preface
Introduction: Buber’s Hasidic Spirituality
Part I. Preliminary Practices
Chapter 1: Heart-Searching
Chapter 2: Your Particular Way
Chapter 3: Resolution
Part II. Practicing Presentness
Chapter 4: Beginning With Yourself
Chapter 5: Turning Toward Others
Chapter 6: Here Where You Stand
Conclusion: Practicing Buber’s Secret
Appendix: Dialogue Journal
Glossary of Key Terms
Notes
Index
Kenneth Paul Kramer is the author of several books, including Martin Buber’s I and Thou: Practicing Living Dialogue. He is professor emeritus of comparative religious studies at San Jose State University and lives in Santa Cruz, CA.
Martin Buber (1878–1965) is perhaps more referenced than read; he
was the originator of the I-Thou concept in religious philosophy,
which opines, in part, that we must experience one another, and
ultimately, God, as constituents in a dialog without limits. The
inherent challenge in living out his ideas as well as his Hasidic
background and use of Hasidic spirituality and tales to make his
points contribute to preventing many readers from the very sort of
engagement he would have championed. Kramer (comparative religious
studies, emeritus, San Jose State Univ.; Martin Buber’s I and Thou)
goes a long way to bridge that gap through his accessible
explication of six of Buber’s crucial essays. VERDICT This brief,
engaging analysis of an important Jewish writer’s spirituality is
recommended for Jewish and non-Jewish readers.
*Library Journal*
Kenneth Paul Kramer's book is a beautiful, invaluable guide to
Martin Buber's classic work The Way of Man. It is essential reading
for anyone who wants to gain insight into the Hasidic view of how
to fulfill the meaning of our personal existence on earth. Kramer's
book will make fascinating reading for seekers of all paths.
*Harold Kasimow, George Drake Professor Emeritus of Religious
Studies, Grinnell College*
Kramer's dialogue with Martin Buber's spirituality is evident
throughout this thoughtful, loving and intelligent understanding of
Buber's The Way of Man. Ken has brought Buber's work into the 21st
century.
*Pat Boni, San Diego State University*
A true disciple of Martin Buber, Kenneth Paul Kramer has given us a
very important book. Written in a simple language which any reader
will understand this religious philosophy, this work is very rich
and thoughtful. It is truly an endowment to the study of the human
way; I view it as a profound interpretation of a great
philosopher-teacher, Martin Buber.
*Mishael M. Caspi, Professor Emeritus of Jewish Studies, Bates
College*
In his refined meditation on Buber's classic The Way of Man,
Kenneth Kramer brings new light to this work, focusing on the
formation of a spiritualism that makes others and God present in
our lives. As such, it is itself a guide to spiritual life,
inspired by Hasidism and open to everyone.
Kramer succeeds in making Hasidic spirituality relevant for all
those who are interested in inter-human encounter and in a meeting
with the Divine. In his interpretation of Hasidic spirituality as
world-oriented and hallowing the everyday, he analyzes,
exemplifies, actualizes and extends Buber's view on Hasidism. Like
Buber, he opens up Hasidism to the broader world and universalizes
it beyond any particular belief system; his beautiful book is about
the secret of real meaning. It invites the reader to turn from
self-centeredness toward dialogue, to perceive the divine spark in
human beings, and to link living faith to everyday life.
*Ephraim Meir, Bar-Ilan University*
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