Letters of Light
Passages from Ma’or va-Shemesh
by Kalonymus Kalman Epstein and Aryeh Wineman
Imprint: Pickwick Publications
The author of several books and numerous articles, Dr. Aryeh Wineman has combined his life's work, both in education and in the congregational rabbinate, with his pursuit of scholarly interests in the fields of Hebrew literature and Jewish mysticism. His writings include Beyond Appearances--Stories from the Kabbalistic Ethical Writings, Mystic Tales from the Zohar, and The Hasidic Parable.
Kalonymus Kalman ha-Levi Epstein (1753-1823) was the pioneering figure who, against significant opposition, introduced Hasidism to the Jews of Krakow, Poland. The book comprising his homilies, Ma'or va-shemesh, first printed in 1842, became one of the most popular of the Hasidic homily-texts.
"Aryeh Wineman writes 'this book is a journey through another book.' We are fortunate to have two excellent guides. Kalonymus Kalman provides a rich, mystical, Hasidic interpretation of the Pentateuch through his innovative and nuanced commentary. Aryeh conveys the full texture of the original Hebrew through his accurate and sparkling translations and deepens our understanding with elucidating insightful comments. Our journey is further enriched by Aryeh's comprehensive scholarly introduction, thorough glossary, and wide-ranging bibliography."
--Avraham Holtz, Jewish Theological Seminary of America, New York, NY
"Aryeh Wineman beautifully translates selections from Ma'or va-shemesh that are masterfully chosen for their spiritual significance to contemporary seekers. His characteristically lucid and concentrated commentary illuminates the text's central messages, displaying an unusual talent for simplifying without reducing. Wineman renders his considerable scholarship impressively accessible to those unfamiliar with reading Hasidic commentary."
--Nancy Flam, Institute for Jewish Spirituality, Northampton, MA