LEGEND OF THE BAAL SHEM

The Baal Shem was the revered religious leader of the Hasidim, an orthodox sect of Jews devoted to mysticism and strict observance of ritual law. Martin Buber's philosophy and writing on this subject is extensive. He is a respected scholar, and his work deserves a more thoughtful reading than Theodore Bikel gives it. Bikel's reading is measured, lacking in drama, and differentiates little between characters. Each tale falls into the same soporific cadence, and the overall feeling is one of sameness. J.P. ©AudioFile, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 92]