These are not Mulla Nasruddin type stories…these stories tell parables which require thought and insight in order to pierce the veil hiding their spiritual messages. The stories are troubling, often a bit too subtle, confusing and yet intriguing. And, in the end, difficult. But then, they're not for the masses. They also read pretty quickly (not counting the time required for 'thought'); and sometimes seem lighter than they are. It's also notable that the messages get a bit clearer as you progress through the book and begin to learn the symbolism within the messages that Lewin is recounting.

And, after all that, it's intriguing to consider the differences among the darkness of this sample of Hassidic mysticism, the drunken ribaldry of Sufi mysticism and the mesmerizing beauty of Christian mysticism. It's obvious that the three traditions (yes, and Zen and Hindu and Mayan) describe the same cosmic truths. And yet I can't help but feel that esoteric Judaism carries some baggage that Christianity and Sufism don't. ( )