Life is a Test

by Esther Jungreis

For over forty years, Rebbitzen Esther Jungreis has been a globetrotting spokeswoman for Judaism. Whether counseling a searching soul or addressing a packed house in Madison Square Garden, her message is elegantly universal. In Life Is A Test, the Rebbitzen's insights on faith, her soul-stirring wisdom, and her palpable love of all people saturate every page. Life Is A Test is really three books in one, each bearing a particular focus to help readers look for the message embedded in any difficulty. The book begins with tests of self-discovery and then examines the challenging realm of interpersonal relationships, concluding with a section on perceiving the Divine Design in the big picture of global events, as well as in one's own world. Regardless of age or experience, people of all persuasions will find meaningful substance in Life Is A Test. Rebbitzen Jungreis has captured so many of our deep-seated questions, and has graciously provided us with a decipherable answer key.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Nonfiction, Self Help

280 pages, Hardcover

First published November 7, 2006

About the author

Esther Jungreis was the founder of the international Hineni movement in the United States. A Holocaust survivor, she worked to bring Jews to Orthodox Judaism.

Reviews

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an inspiring book. If you are having some struggles in life it's a great book to read.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

the book isn't totally without merit, i enjoyed reading the rebbetzin's stories she collected while counseling the members of her community and (as always) it was interesting to read her talk about her experiences in the Holocaust, but i disagree with a lot of her opinions on things... and found her general education to be (predictably?) one-sided, i.e. her chiding a member of the congregation that Jews are commanded to love our neighbors but that it did not mean that we take on their observances/customs (which is actually untrue, historically Jews have taken on many of the customs (and rituals) of neighboring communities and made them our own as well)... the book is amusing, entertaining and rather spiritually comforting in ways, but not what i would call a "textbook" by any stretch...

[Galina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life is definitely a test, many experiences she talks about, hit home! I cried, I laughed and I cried some more. If I only had the chance to meet rebbetzin Esther Jungreis of blessed memory and attend her Hineni Torah classes, I would!! It is so inspiring, spiritual, eye opening, 'soul stirring wisdom' and counseling right at your fingertips. I enjoyed every page, and will reread this book over and over again!

[Alicia L. Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Definitely not for everyone but interesting and insightful. Written by a Holocaust survivor, now a Rebbetzin, from a religious family, she shares how life is a test from G-d. The almighty gives us all what we need to survive and thrive.

Note: I particularly found the explanation of arranged marriages very interesting.

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book showed me perspectives about Judaism that I had never heard before. About rushing into Shabbat, enjoying the third meal and why it’s so very important along with a few other things.
I plan on purchasing the physical copy to read again and mark with the things I want to remember and emphasize.

[Noa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing

[Regina · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a book to be savored, a woman's wisdom to be enjoyed and processed. Everyone should read it for it's honest storytelling and sincere and non judgmental observations on life in the modern era.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is perhaps my favorite book written by Rebbetzin Jungreis. Many times I've paraphrased a story she tells in this book about a young man who came to her to intervene with his parents who were eager for him to begin his college education. The Rebbetzin said to them (and please note, I read this quite some time ago so I cannot be relied upon for an accurate retelling of this story) something to the effect of that they would never consider their son educated and ready for life if he dropped out of school after completing 8th grade. But they treat his Jewish education in exactly that manner, considering a very skeletal Bar Mitzvah education sufficient for him to grow as a Jewish man throughout his life. Please read the book, not only to gain from the story I refer to, but not help yourself understand that life is full of curve balls, and it is up to us to use them as opportunities to grow.

[Chana · Rating 5 out of 5]

She knows so many stories, I often wonder how she can remember so many stories, an uplifting, spiritually awakening story for each individual and their needs. This woman is a living, walking, speaking embodiment of our Torah and she reaches out to everyone to help them. She is successful at it too. I love the way she speaks of her father, her stories of him are sacred. She is like a mommy for all of us; cajoling, sympathizing, inspiring, with a gentle and firm hand turning our faces to look at the truth, holding us so we don't fall, saying Take the hand of your Father in Heaven and you will be OK.

[Lorri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis‘ book is a must have for those who feel they are floundering, and feel they are being tested by the struggles and adversity presented before them. Life is a Test is a building block to help one succeed in their goals, succeed in making correct choices, and succeed in understanding the illuminations that self-discovery brings them. Each stage is enhanced through the power of Torah, Talmud, prayer and reflection. It is more than a self-help book, or book of inspiration.

[Helyn · Rating 1 out of 5]

so I knew the Rebbetzein was right wing but I was like, okay, a Jewish woman educator, I'll try out her book, la di da. Yeah, no. As soon as she linked the feminist movement with things that destroy people's lives I was like. Nope. NOPE. This is crap. Then I went to the JOFA website and took deep breaths

[Lamec Mariita · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're Jewish, then you mus have this book. It's very inspiring. Esther and her family are holocaust survivors. Esther teaches with life examples mixing spirituality, Jewish Torah knowledge and great insight. Very eye opening and interesting book.

[mary catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

people of all faiths will be enriched by reading this book.

[Glittervomit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful for conquering the changes of life.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everyone can learn something from this book.

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is a link to my review of this book:

http://froggiesflair.blogspot.com/201...