Rabbi Nachman of Bratslav (1772-1810) was born in what is now Ukraine, into a rabbinical family. Initially rejecting the family legacy of leadership in the Jewish community, he later accepted his role and became an influential spiritual teacher, reinvigorating the Hasidic tradition to which he was heir. He is particularly remembered for his creative parables, which draw on the folktales of Eastern Europe to communicate spiritual and moral lessons applicable to people of all faiths.

Jordan Finkin is a rare book and manuscript librarian, and co-director of Hebrew Union College Press. He translates from Yiddish, German and French.

Robert Adler Peckerar is the executive director of Yiddishkayt, a Yiddish cultural and Educational organization based in Los Angeles. He previously translated The Book of Paradise, published by Pushkin Press.