Featuring: Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum
Inspiring Rebbe (Rabbi), Insightful Friend, Compassionate Teacher
Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum was introduced to my life through Jim Brule’. Jim himself tells such encouraging stories as well as involving others in a series called “Stories for Healing” (77 videos – search on YouTube). I know that Jim was inspired by Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum, and I delight in the films that thankfully preserve some of the teachings and tales of this compassionate individual.
A lovely eulogy article written by Gil Bashe painted a picture of how Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum lived his life the way that he taught. I could see the Hasidic manuscripts spread across his small apartment and then making space as someone entered his home. From that article, Gil Bashe was reminded of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov from the late 1700s to early 1800s. Rebbe Nachman was known to say, “Some people tell stories to put people to sleep. I tell stories to wake them up.”
I watched one of his signature stories called “Rabbi Mordechai and the Wolves.” You will see a tease at the end. Yet, that does not take away from the message of the story. I have a sense that he liked to always leave people wanting more. That people, on their own, would pursue knowledge and wisdom through scriptures and everyday life.
Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum wrote many books, one that was even 800 pages long! Shorter versions or tomes can be found, though this feat alone is magnificent. I delight that he enjoyed to write or use any art forms to further the teachings and connections with others. Dance and music were crucial to bring in the spirit, to celebrate, and to give thanks.
You can see more details on Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum’s page with the Story Artists Memorial. More videos and pictures are there as well as memories from Jim Brule’.
If you have links to add – video, audio, articles – please share by emailing info@storycrossroads.org or commenting on this blog post.
Do you know a Story Artist who has passed on and want others to remember them? Memories? Pictures? You can submit names and memories of Story Artists who have passed on through our online form.
I appreciate Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum with his way of welcoming all – without judgement – and truly being there as a spiritual guide and mentor through the stories he told and heard.
Maggid Yitzhak Buxbaum still has a story. You have a story. We all have stories.