Rabbi Steinsaltz has written an inspiring and illuminating introduction to the Tanya, a fundamental work of Hasidism and one of the greatest books of moral teaching (mussar) of all time. He presents overviews of its broad philosophical and spiritual messages as well as a point-by-point commentary on the text, originally written by Rabbi Shneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812). Steinsaltz's commentary. which covers only the introduction and the first 12 basic Hasidic concepts, theoretical background, metaphors and parables from daily life, and stories from the past and present lives of the Hasidim. A glossary defines and expounds on various terms and concepts. Best known for his monumental commentary on the Babylonian Talmud, Steinsaltz is a recipient of the Israel Prize and a resident scholar at academic institutions, including Yale. No library should be without the complete Kehot Publications Society bilingual edition of the Tanya, and Steinsaltz's commentary willl help to make a significant part of the original text better understood. Also helpful is Nissan Miindel's Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi: A Bography of the First Lubavitcher Rebbe. Recommended for large public, Jewish, and religion libraries and university libraries hosting Jewish studies departments. —David B. Levy, Beth Abraham Synagogue Lib. Baltimore (Library Journal, September 1, 2003)