The following is a bibliography of basic works in English on Jewish mysticism, including Kabbala, Chassidism and Jewish meditation. It includes only works that we consider reliable and authoritative (although even many of these books have some shortcomings). There are more acceptable works than are listed here; these are the ones that we have found to be most useful.

One has to exercise extra care when choosing reading material on this subject…

Many of the books on the market misinterpret Judaism - some innocently, some deliberately. This is especially true of books on Jewish mysticism. Therefore, one has to exercise extra care when choosing reading material on this subject.

For example, none of the books by Gershom Scholem or Martin Buber appear on our list. Despite the success these authors have had in popularizing Jewish mysticism, their works are either riddled with inaccuracies or plagued with the inevitable distortions of an author who is only academically involved in his subject, but remains uncommitted to its practice.

TZAVA'AT HARIVASH: THE TESTAMENT OF RABBI ISRAEL BAAL SHEM TOV.

Rabbi Yisrael Ba'al Shem Tov (1698-1760). Translated by Rabbi Jacob Immanuel Schochet. New York: Kehot, 1998, 186 pp.
An early anthology of teachings of the Ba'al Shem Tov and the Maggid of Mezritch. With introduction, cross references, and explanatory notes.

LIKUTEI AMARIM - TANYA (bilingual).

Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812). Translated by Rabbis Nissan Mindel, Nisen Mangel, Zalman I. Posner, Jacob Immanuel Schochet. New York: Kehot, 1973 (first published in Hebrew in 1796), 888 pp.
The classic statement of Chabad Chasidism. Book I (Likutei Amarim or Tanya) deals with the service of G‑d, Book II (Sha'ar HaYichud VehaEmunah) with philosophical foundations of Chasidism, Book III (Igeret HaTeshuva) with teshuva, Books IV (Igeret HaKodesh) and V (Kuntres Acharon) are collections of letters and notes by the author, the most mystical being No. 20 of Book IV. The translators' introductions, notes and a glossary, as well as Rabbi Schochet's Mystical Concepts in Chasidism [see above] are found in the back of the book.

LESSONS IN TANYA.

Rabbi Yosef Wineberg, Translated by Rabbi Shalom B. Wineberg. New York: Kehot, Volume 1 (Book I, ch. 1-34), 1987, 449 pp., Volume 2 (Book I, ch. 35-end), 1988, 365 pp., Volume 3 (Books II-III), 1989, 308 pp.
Paragraph by paragraph and sometimes line by line translation and explanation. Includes synopses and introductions.
For a complete index and glossary online, see www.LITindex.org

DERECH MITZVOSECHA: A Mystical Perspective on the Commandments (bilingual).

Rabbi Menachem Mendel of Lubavitch, the Tzemach Tzedek. Translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger. Brooklyn, New York: Sichos in English, 2004, 421 pp.
Nine of the more than 50 essays of the original, one of (after Tanya) the most fundamental and popular books of Chabad chasidut. Each essay paraphrases Sefer HaChinuch on one of the 613 commandments, and then analyzes its mystical dimensions.

LIKUTEI MOHARAN

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov (1773-1810).Jerusalem/NY: Breslov Research Institute. Vol. 1: Translated by Moshe Mykoff and Simcha Bergman. 11 volumes.
 The basic text of Breslov Chasidut. The eight volumes published so far cover lessons 1-57 and 109-286.

RABBI NACHMAN'S STORIES.

Rabbi Nachman of Breslov. Translated by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. Jerusalem: Breslov Research Institute, 1983, 552 pp.
The stories contain mystical teachings, many of which are discussed in the extensive footnotes.

BEGGARS AND PRAYERS: ADIN STEINSALTZ RETELLS THE TALES OF RABBI NACHMAN OF BRESLOV.

New York: Basic Books, 1979, 186 pp.
A selection of Rebbe Nachman's stories paraphrased, each followed by an insightful essay.

TEFILIN: A CHASIDIC DISCOURSE.

Rabbi Nathan of Nemirov. Translated by Avraham Greenbaum. Jerusalem/NY: Breslov Research Institute, 1989, 121 pp.
Translation of an excerpt from Rebbe Nachman's chief disciple Likutei Halachot discussing the mystical significance of tefillin.

FLAMES: A Chanuka Discourse from Gates of Radiance by Rabbi DovBer of Lubavitch.

Translated by Dr. Naftali Loewenthal. Brooklyn, New York: Kehot Publication Society, 2002, 159 pp.
The second Chabad Rebbe uses flame, specifically its different hues and the oil, wick and lamp, as a detailed analogy to advise and inspire the reader in his/her relationship with G‑d.

TRUE EXISTENCE - MI CHAMOCHA (bilingual).

Rabbi Shmuel Schneersohn. Translated by Rabbi Yosef B. Marcus. New York: Kehot, 2002, 98 pp.
A discourse on the unity of G‑d, exploring a number of theological motifs. Composed in 1869 by the fourth Lubavitcher Rebbe. In lucid, close translation, with extensive annotations, footnotes and commentary.

SHEM M'SHMUEL: Selections on the Weekly Parashah and Festivals.

Rendered into English by Rabbi Zvi Belovski. Jerusalem: Targum/Feldheim, 1998, 459 pp.
The Sochachov Rebbe was as well known as a Torah scholar as he was as an inspirational Chasidic leader. The anthology was thoughtfully assembled and translated from the nine-volume Hebrew original.

PIRKEI AVOS: With Ideas and Insights of the SFAS EMES and other Chassidic masters.

Anthologized and adapted by Rabbi Yosef Stern. Brooklyn: Mesorah, 1999, 489 pp.
An excellent anthology of commentary, culled not only from the second Gerer Rebbe, but also from other great masters of the Polish Chasidic dynasties.

SEVENTH HEAVEN: Shabbat with Rebbe Nachman of Breslov.

Moshe Mykoff. Jerusalem: Breslov Research Institute, 2002, 208 pp.
 Essays assembled from various Breslov sources, and organized by dividing Shabbat into five time periods: entrance, evening, morning, afternoon, departure.

THE TREE OF LIFE: A CLASSIC CHASIDIC TREATISE ON THE MYSTIC CORE OF SPIRITUAL VITALITY (Kuntres Etz HaChaim).

Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn. Translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger. New York: Sichos in English, 1998, 132 pp.
A discourse on the purpose of the study of Chasidism and its ability to help the individual maintain divine consciousness in a changing world.

TRACT ON PRAYER (Kuntres HaTefilah).

Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn. Translated by Rabbi Y. Eliezer Danizinger. New York: Kehot, 1992, 83 pp.
A discourse on the techniques of meditation preceding prayer.

ON AHAVAS YISRAEL: A Chasidic Discourse by Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn

(Heichaltzu and allied texts). Translated by Rabbis Chaim Citron, Eliyahu Touger, Shalom Ber Winerberg, and Yossi Loebenstein. New York: Kehot, 1988, 148 pp.
 Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn (1860-1920) was the fifth Chabad Rebbe. This discourse discusses the mystical aspects of the commandment to love all Jews.

KUNTRES UMA'AYON.

Rabbi Shalom Dovber Schneersohn. Translated by Rabbi Zalman I. Posner. New York: Kehot, 1978, 142 pp.
An exposition of Chasidic ethics based on Kabbala concepts; techniques for living a spiritual life.

YOM TOV SHEL ROSH HASHANAH 5659 (bilingual).

Rabbi Shalom DovBer Schneersohn. Translated by Rabbi Yosef B. Marcus. New York: Kehot, 2000, 112 pp.
A discourse introducing some of the basic concepts of Chasidism and Kabbala, and in a relatively user-friendly format and with extensive study aids. Despite its title, it is relevant throughout the year.

CHASIDIC DISCOURSES.

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneerson (1880-1950). Translated by Rabbi Shalom B. Wineberg. New York: Kehot, 1986, volume 1, 223 pp., volume 2, 229 pp.
Wide range of topics.

BASI LEGANI ("I Have Come to My Garden").

Rabbi Yosef Yitzchak Schneersohn. Translated by Rabbis Eliayhu Touger & Shalom B. Wineberg. New York: Kehot, 1990, 103 pp.
Last Chasidic discourse by the previous Lubavitcher Rebbe, in which he details the specific nature of this generation's spirituality. Includes also the first Chasidic discourse of his successor, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneersohn.

ANTICIPATING THE REDEMPTION.

Rabbi Menachem Mendel Shneerson. Translated by Rabbi Eliyahu Touger. New York: Sichos In English. Vol. 1, 1994,. 118 pp; Vol. 2, 1997. 146 pp.
Translations of Chasidic discourses of the Lubavitcher Rebbe that focus on the Redemption and its ultimate consummation, the Resurrection of the Dead - seven in the first volume, eight in the second. The first volume includes the last discourse edited by the Rebbe for publication before his stroke in 1992.

ON THE ESSENCE OF CHASIDUS (bilingual).

Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Translated by Rabbi Heschel Greenberg and Sheina Sarah Handelman. New York: Kehot, 1978/2003 130 pp.
Scholarly discourse on the nature, function, and role of the teachings of Chasidut for the individual and the world-at-large. Extensive explanatory notes.

LIKUTEI SICHOT: AN ANTHOLOGY OF TALKS.

Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson. Translated by Rabbi Jacob Immanuel Schochet (volumes. 1-5). New York: Kehot. Vol. 1 (Genesis), 1980, 230 pp.; vol. 2 (Exodus), 1983, 223 pp.; vol. 3 (Leviticus), 1987, 248 pp.; vol. 4 (Numbers), 1992, 274 pp.; vol. 5 (Deuteronomy).
Chasidic teachings from the Lubavitcher Rebbe on the Torah-portion of the week and the holidays.

THE JEWISH HOLY DAYS IN CHASIDIC PHILOSOPHY

Nosson Gurary. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson, Inc, 2000, 235 pp.
A half-dozen or so thoughtful illuminating essays on each of the holidays and on Shabbat, as well as on Tomtov in general and on Rosh Chodesh. Based primarily but not exclusively on Chabad chasidut.

THE SEFIROT: TEN EMANATIONS OF DIVINE POWER.

Y. David Shulman. Northvale, NJ: Jason Aronson, 1996, 249 pp.
Essays on the ten sefirot as expounded in Breslov Chasidism, particularly in Likutei Halachot by Rabbi Nathan of Nemirov.

CHASIDIC MASTERS: HISTORY, BIOGRAPHY AND THOUGHT.

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. New York: Maznaim, 1984, 192 pp.
More excerpts and biographies, this time grouped historically under each master. Some repetition of material from The Light Beyond.

THEMES IN TANYA.

Rabbi Yekutiel Green. Translated by Rabbi Moshe Miller. Kefar Chabad, 1992, 222 pp.
Essays on the major topics of the first fifteen chapters of the Tanya.

ANATOMY OF THE SOUL.

Chaim Kramer. Jerusalem: Breslov Research Institute, 1998, 364 pp.
Teachings of Rabbi Nachman on the spiritual significance of every organ and limb of the body.

MAYIM - WATER.

Moshe Mykoff. Jerusalem/NY: Breslov Research Institute, 1987. 64 pages.
Rabbi Nachman's insights into the concept of free will, based on the famous Talmudic passage "Four entered Paradise", that is also important for Kabbala study.

THE LIGHT BEYOND: ADVENTURES IN HASSIDIC THOUGHT.

Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan. New York: Moznaim, 1981, 372 pp.
Excerpts from Chasidic works, organized under topics, including Meditation and Prayer. Includes short bibliographies.

CONTEMPORARY SAGES: The Great Chasidic Masters of the Twentieth Century.

Avraham Yaakov Finkel. Northvale, New Jersey: Jason Aronson Inc, 1994, 219 pp.
Short excerpts of teachings from thirty-seven contemporary important Chasidic masters - and their photographs. Divided into three sections: before, during and after the Holocaust.