The Way of Humanity: Study and Discussion Guide

As The Way of Humanity: According to Chasidic Teaching describes, this book is a translation of the German transcription of a six-part lecture Martin Buber gave to the Woodbrookers Association in 1947 (xvii). Each part of the lecture includes a Chasidic story followed by Buber’s interpretation. Collectively, each part of the lecture presents a clear path for living what Buber called a “real life,” as opposed to “the ‘so-called’ life, that is, a life that is commonly and conventionally led” (xx). “Real life” is, at its heart, a life of meaning defined by a clear purpose and deep connections to the self, to others, and to God. Each part of the lecture puts forward clear steps one can take if one desires to live this type of life. 

This study and discussion guide, written by CCAR Press Editor Rabbi Annie Villarreal-Belford, serves as a support for people reading and teaching The Way of Humanity. To help facilitate class discussion or for deeper personal explorations, there are specific questions for each chapter on the both the original Chasidic story and Buber’s interpretation of the story. In addition, this guide provides questions and suggestions for how each reader can approach their own Way, their own path toward service to God (or Source, the Divine, Love—however one personally understands the word “God”).

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