7th Heaven: Celebrating Shabbat with Rebbe Nachman of Breslov »

7th Heaven delves into the art of consciously observing Shabbat -- exploring many of the day's traditional religious practices within the context of life's spiritual dynamics. With the help and wisdom of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov -- one of the most important of the early Hasidic masters -- this guidebook offers insight into the deeper meaning and purpose of a broad range of Shabbat observances and seeks to show how each custom or law fits within the whole. In accessible, easy-to-understand language, 7th Heaven is a spiritual guide for all levels of Shabbat observance: If Shabbat is new to you, or you've experienced it only in its popular form, but would like to deepen your understanding and connection. If Shabbat is something you grew up with, but you were never taught the inner meaning of all the customs and laws you were told to obey. If Shabbat has never been a part of your spiritual practice, but you would like to learn more about the Jewish pathway to wholeness and higher consciousness. Based on the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) and those of his closest disciple, Reb Noson, the deep insights into Torah and spirituality revealed by these great Hasidic luminaries are as relevant in today's world as they were some two centuries ago, when they were first taught.

Publishers Weekly

The desire to let go of the stresses of today's world has made the Sabbath more popular than ever, states Mykoff in his introduction to this spiritual guidebook to Shabbat awareness. "Shabbat offers us a vision of the world not as it is but as it has the potential to be"-a taste of seventh heaven, he says. The keys to unlocking its mysteries are the mitzvot (commandments) that create "togetherness and connection" and enable us to draw closer to God. Based on the teachings of Hasidic master Rebbe Nachman of Breslov (1772-1810) and his disciple Reb Noson, the book is divided into five sections: "On the Way In" (preparing for Shabbat and letting go of the week) ; Shabbat Night (ascent into holiness); Shabbat morning (expanding awareness); Shabbat afternoon (wholeness and harmony) and "On the Way Out" (carrying Shabbat holiness into the everyday). Mykoff takes readers step by step into Shabbat observance, focusing on fascinating details like the Friday activity of trimming nails: "being dead matter, the nails symbolize our lifelessness-those parts of our body that have stopped growing spiritually." Everything matters on Shabbat, from setting the table and sleeping to reciting specific prayers, reading from the Torah and sharing meals. Mykoff's writing mimics the calm of Shabbat, but one might have to be prepared for a mystical focus to truly benefit from its call to mindfulness. (June) Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.