Overview

Over a decade ago at BINA (a Sydney-based organisation dedicated to adult Jewish Learning), a new weekly class began. A great group of women gathered to listen to, discuss and explore ideas of Personal growth and character development. These lectures discussed relevant and contemporary life strategies using ancient Jewish wisdom and their modern-day application. Our sages teach that one learns the most from one's students. This is so true in my case and I am indebted to all those that attend these sessions. They have greatly strengthened and enhanced my own personal growth journey, and in this book I offer the highlights of these lectures in the form of articles to readers in the hope that they may similarly enrich their own lives.

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9780648408611

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Reviews

Anybody who has tried to master a negative aspect of his or her personality or behaviour has experienced the difficulty and complexity of attaining enduring change. Surveys find that by February most New Year's resolutions have given way to relapse, and every Rosh Hashanah we are once again faced with a long list of actions and traits that we once again seek to change. Similarly, studies consistently show that most people 'know' what is right ethically but in the heat of the moment will find it difficult to bridge the gap between moral knowledge and moral action. Rabbi Michael Gourarie has written a wonderful guide harnessing ancient Jewish wisdom, his personal experience learned in his many years in the rabbinate, and a gift for common-sense and clarity. I found myself learning something new on every page as Rabbi Gourarie shared vignettes, wisdom from Chasidic teachings and research in mental health. The insights and practical advice shared in this book were culled from over a decade of weekly adult education classes Rabbi Gourarie gave to women in Sydney which included discussions on a variety of topics ranging from personal-growth, to improving communication skills and family relationships. Sections on gratitude, forgiveness, and responding to stress all contain practical strategies that go beyond cookbook style recommendations to thought provoking approaches that reflect the depth that comes from this approach. Research on how to instill ethical behaviour in our children consistently shows that the most effective approach is to teach values in a context that promotes reflection and integration into a cohesive value system. Rabbi Gourarie's book masterfully provides some of the 'glue' that promotes an integration of the insights of life-experience, Chassidic wisdom and psychology in the framework of Jewish thought. I strongly recommend this book to anybody who is looking for new perspectives on personal growth and improved relationships. --David Pelcovitz, Ph.D. Straus Chair in Psychology and Education, Yeshiva University, New York, New York Rabbi Gourarie's collection of articles is heart-warming. He encourages us to be kind, resilient and forgiving. I wish Rabbi Gourarie all the best and thank him for encouraging us to be our better selves. --Gabrielle Upton, Member for Vaucluse Rabbi Michoel Gourarie has been a voice of reason within the Australian Jewish community for decades. His regular columns in the Australian Jewish News provide an insight into Judaism that can be understood by those across the religious spectrum. To have all of Rabbi Gourarie's writings in one book will be an asset to the community, and an opportunity for people to learn from a respected rabbi and teacher. Shekoyach. --Joshua Levi CEO Australian Jewish News If we are fortunate in our lives somewhere along the way we encounter at least a few special people who change us in powerful, positive, and sometimes unexpected ways. One such person I have been blessed to have in my life is Rabbi Gourarie. For the past 10 years I have attended Rabbi Gourarie's Thursday morning women's shiur. It is the best hour of my week. We come along because all of us have a yearning for a more meaningful and successful life. We have been inspired by different philosophies and ideas, but always including the most important book of all and that is the Torah. Judaism has taught me that the most important thing in my life is our moral values and not our personal feelings. It also teaches us wisdom and so much more. --Rita Weinberg

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