What do you think?
Rate this book
Toward a Meaningful Life
Toward a Meaningful Life is a spiritual road map for living-for Jews and non-Jews alike-based on the teachings of one of the foremost religious leaders of our Rebbe Menachem Mendel Sclmeerson. Head of the Lubavitcher movement for forty-four years and referred to throughout the world simply as "the Rebbe," Menachem Mendel Schneerson, who died in June 1994, was a sage and a visionary of the highest order. Although the Rebbe's teachings are firmly an chored in over two thousand years of scholarship, he applies age-old truths to contemporary life, showing us how to prepare ourselves to enter the new millennium. The Rebbe teaches and embodies a distinctly universal message, calling for all humankind to lead productive and virtuous lives, and for unity between all men and women and all nations. Now, the Rebbe's words of wisdom are available in English for the first time. Toward a Meaningful Life gives the modern reader-even the most secular-afresh perspective on every aspect of his or her life; whether it is a trivial concern or the most profound matter of the soul. The book gives the Rebbe's perspective on the range of life's cycles, from birth to youth to aging to death; from marriage, love and intimacy, work and fitness to pain and suffering; education, miracles, science, and state and religion. One learns how to bridge the dichotomy between accelerated technology and decelerated morality, between unprecedented worldwide unity and unparalleled personal disunity.
The Rebbe teaches that we now stand at the threshold of a new world--where matter and spirit converge--and that we are on the verge of entering an age of knowledge and information, using ideas that unite people as opposed to the materialism that divides them. With Toward a Meaningful Life, the reader discovers how each of us is indispensable and how we all can and must make our unique indelible mark on our common future. As a true leader; the Rebbe leads us on a journey toward personal and universal redemption, toward G-d. Simon Jacobson presents the Rebbe's teachings in profound, clear language, guiding each of us toward a meaningful life.
The Rebbe teaches that we now stand at the threshold of a new world--where matter and spirit converge--and that we are on the verge of entering an age of knowledge and information, using ideas that unite people as opposed to the materialism that divides them. With Toward a Meaningful Life, the reader discovers how each of us is indispensable and how we all can and must make our unique indelible mark on our common future. As a true leader; the Rebbe leads us on a journey toward personal and universal redemption, toward G-d. Simon Jacobson presents the Rebbe's teachings in profound, clear language, guiding each of us toward a meaningful life.
294 pages, Hardcover
First published September 1, 1995
254 people are currently reading
941 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
July 10, 2012
You never forget the book you were reading when your Mother passes away. This is mine. It allowed me to cry, to hurt, and to find peace, even if these were not the original reasons why I bought the book.
Indeed, I did not buy this book in order to reflect on her passing. I bought it because The Rebbe is one of those spiritual leaders that inspire me, and allow me to get closer to G-d. I bought it because it is a book about G-d, a topic I enjoy studying, and because it is a book written by a Jew for a Jewish audience. I couldn't envision not owning a copy of this book, as it exposes some of The Rebbe's most fundamental ideas and visions. It allows you to reflect on life and on G-d, while at the same time allowing you to grow closer to your faith and to living a better life.
It is purely coincidental that it happened to be the book I was reading when my Mother passed away, a fact that permeated the book as I struggled to finish it. Its chapters on death, on the cycles of life and aging, and on life after death are haunting. Indeed, the ideas behind the chapters allow you to truly let go of someone who is dying, knowing that they are never truly gone. They are hard words to accept, but they ring true.
There are many aspects of this book which are outstanding. You read about science and about modern society. You understand how people of faith as deep as The Rebbe come to hold G-d as above everything, and truly beyond everything. It renews your faith and your awe of G-d. If you don't believe in G-d, then it allows you to understand the faith and traditions and dogmas of the Jewish People. At times, you get angry and at other times you wonder how some people believe the things they believe. It is well written and neatly divided into sections, so you always know what to expect. The chapters on G-d are the most difficult to read, because they ask you to elevate your mind to a place that is nowhere near your reality. You climb and climb and climb... and at times you cannot fathom what is being said, but you keep climbing because you are learning.
If you can only read one book on Jewish faith, make it this one.
Indeed, I did not buy this book in order to reflect on her passing. I bought it because The Rebbe is one of those spiritual leaders that inspire me, and allow me to get closer to G-d. I bought it because it is a book about G-d, a topic I enjoy studying, and because it is a book written by a Jew for a Jewish audience. I couldn't envision not owning a copy of this book, as it exposes some of The Rebbe's most fundamental ideas and visions. It allows you to reflect on life and on G-d, while at the same time allowing you to grow closer to your faith and to living a better life.
It is purely coincidental that it happened to be the book I was reading when my Mother passed away, a fact that permeated the book as I struggled to finish it. Its chapters on death, on the cycles of life and aging, and on life after death are haunting. Indeed, the ideas behind the chapters allow you to truly let go of someone who is dying, knowing that they are never truly gone. They are hard words to accept, but they ring true.
There are many aspects of this book which are outstanding. You read about science and about modern society. You understand how people of faith as deep as The Rebbe come to hold G-d as above everything, and truly beyond everything. It renews your faith and your awe of G-d. If you don't believe in G-d, then it allows you to understand the faith and traditions and dogmas of the Jewish People. At times, you get angry and at other times you wonder how some people believe the things they believe. It is well written and neatly divided into sections, so you always know what to expect. The chapters on G-d are the most difficult to read, because they ask you to elevate your mind to a place that is nowhere near your reality. You climb and climb and climb... and at times you cannot fathom what is being said, but you keep climbing because you are learning.
If you can only read one book on Jewish faith, make it this one.
October 30, 2007
It's as universal as books by the Dalai Lama, Tich Nhat Hahn or the Tao Te Ching.
June 16, 2012
I have read this book several times since it first came out. I try to read it at least once or twice a year. Whatever your religious background is, this book can speak to many people on a variety of levels.
September 26, 2015
The advice in this book is practical and pragmatic. I'm not sure you would need to be a rabbi to say or hear it from one, either. Sound suggestions. Although not too detailed in this review, I can say I'm very glad I found and read this book.
January 8, 2018
Interesting read with some valuable insights. For those of us who are not part of the Lubavitcher movement (and perhaps some that are), you’ll agree with some statements and disagree with others, but unquestionably this book is a worthwhile contribution to a religious dialogue and education.
March 2, 2012
This book has the root of some very powerful ideas, but they're too condensed here to have much substance. That said, it has ignited my interest in the Rebbe, which I guess was the point of the book in the first place. I hope soon to delve into some of his translated farbrengens.
December 13, 2008
This is a great book. You can open to any page and read. After reading a chapter, there is definitely time for discussion. Thought provoking and spiritual.
reference
October 5, 2010I am reading this for a book club. It should lead to some interesting discussions.
Currently reading
March 27, 2011Reading this alongside the Buddhist texts I have been studying is very gratifying and has me understanding it and appreciating both traditions in a new way.
November 7, 2024
This works as an appetizer, rather than a main course, for those eager to sample the wise teachings of the Rebbe. I guess as I've reviewed the Friedman-Heilman, Telushkin, and Eliezre books on the Chabad movement and its last leader, I'm familiar with basic Chassidic outlook or orientation now. There's no barrier to understanding the content. This presents his wisdom directly and unadorned.
The first part, on the individual, spoke more to me. Insistence on emotions being overcome by smarts, not wallowing in grief, listening to commonsense advice from those one trusts, learning to trust God, not making one's work one's life, and seeing the divine will no matter what may not be original or novel concepts, but they come across in Jacobson's distillation of his late teacher's instruction very clearly. He quotes directly often to open and close sections, while channeling the Rebbe into paraphrases that demonstrate the straightforward method in which he conveyed Torah.
The second part's about society, the third about God. The latter manages to convey the heart of the Kabbalah model of light and its container without using the terminology, no easy feat, but this makes it more accessible for newcomers to this always challenging worldview. While I admit having to admit one's weakness in the inability to figure out why there's evil, and leave it at that, isn't a comfort when one's tried by tough times, and can't just hope for a "miracle" or intervention when loved ones die, bills mount, debts accrue, and bad things happen to not-that-bad people, this sense of resignation does humble those among us who think we're the center of this vast mystery beyond.
The first part, on the individual, spoke more to me. Insistence on emotions being overcome by smarts, not wallowing in grief, listening to commonsense advice from those one trusts, learning to trust God, not making one's work one's life, and seeing the divine will no matter what may not be original or novel concepts, but they come across in Jacobson's distillation of his late teacher's instruction very clearly. He quotes directly often to open and close sections, while channeling the Rebbe into paraphrases that demonstrate the straightforward method in which he conveyed Torah.
The second part's about society, the third about God. The latter manages to convey the heart of the Kabbalah model of light and its container without using the terminology, no easy feat, but this makes it more accessible for newcomers to this always challenging worldview. While I admit having to admit one's weakness in the inability to figure out why there's evil, and leave it at that, isn't a comfort when one's tried by tough times, and can't just hope for a "miracle" or intervention when loved ones die, bills mount, debts accrue, and bad things happen to not-that-bad people, this sense of resignation does humble those among us who think we're the center of this vast mystery beyond.
June 13, 2023
Important. Read this.
March 23, 2024
There are so many thoughts to take away from this.
The most important one being: thoughts must be supported by deeds. Good words don't mean anything if they are not accompanied by good deeds.
G-d told us to improve life on earth. The instructions on how to do it are in the Torah.
Man must devote his life to G-d.
Every day - you must devote a certain portion of the day to studying, to prayer and to doing a good deed.
There is a dichotomy of body and soul - and both are important. Take care of both.
Every person has a purpose from G-d, just like a composer chose each note. So celebrate each birthday - thinking of whether or not you are fulfilling your purpose. You can start every day anew and be better than yesterday.
Encourage good behavior (in children and loved ones) instead of scolding the bad one.
Young people must have a purpose in life. They are looking for something that's meaningful. That's why they are protesting. Encourage them and tell them that they are our hope.
Marriage is holy. One must keep working on it - giving help to a spouse.
Love is incredibly important, you cannot just love G-d, you have to love other people. We have 2 eyes - one to see how we ourselves can improve, the other one to look at other people and see their best qualities. You should look for the diamond in each person and help them also to see it.
One must build a good house, where each child feels that they are loved. Each person who lives there should feel that he is loved, including people who visit you. Responsibility is on the parents. The center of life should be home, not your job.
You must take care of your body, and don't neglect it, because that is how you can take care of your soul. Visit the sick people to bring them optimism. When eating remember that it's not just for pleasure but to get energy to lead a meaningful life.
You must work - to lead a meaningful life. The work that you do must be meaningful. Vacation can be a rest from physical work but you should continue growing as a person. Remember that Work is a realization of your talents, and it is not just for money. Do the best that you can - and this way you will fulfill G-d will.
Why charity? When you do it - you become G-d like, you get more than the recipient. The most effective charity is $. You must do everything that you can to become successful, but remember - that in the end, it's G-d's blessing, and treat it such. You should do both financial charity and mental charity (supporting a depressed person). Someone who has financial difficulties - should be giving more $ to charity. Take G-d as a business partner.
Old age is not the time to relax. Even as you may become physically less active, your mental status should be sharp. Keep working on projects that in the past you may not have had time for.
And learning.
For those whose life's meaning was material - death is the end. But if your goal was improving your spiritual growth - there is no end, as the life keeps continuing to inspire others. When there is a death - just support the loved ones, don't explain anything to them. But we know - that there is a purpose, so do good deeds in their names.
Why suffering? It helps us to understand life, to grow as a person. It is a part of life. But that does not give the others the right to cause suffering. Suffering is usually felt by those who feel alone. You need to move away from pain. Help others who are suffering by being with them. And remember - the time for absolute faith is during suffering.
Fear, anxiety and depression - cause people's behavior. Most people fear other people's opinion and want to be loved. But you should fear only yourself and think about the purpose for which you are here. Conquer fear by understanding that you are here for a purpose. Do the best that you can. Ask what G-d wants from you. Try to find the good in even bad situations. And work - one small step at a time.
We must do mundane every day actions. But the goal is to find something that connects them all. When you wake up (the very first thing) - think about what you can do to make this day full of meaning. When you work - remember that you are improving this world. Appreciate each day and focus on each day, including the slow and steady progress.
Responsibility: we are responsible for our own actions - and you cannot blame other people or G-d for your actions. But we are also responsible for others (when it's cold - you can put on a coat to warm yourself or to build a fire - for yourself and others). Before helping others - help yourself. But once you are successful - help others, we all live in the same world. Wherever you go - look for opportunities to help and support others.
Government must balance the needs of individuals and the collective. A leader must inspire others and help others to become better. There are plenty of opportunities to become leaders - in many different spheres.
Men and women are equally important, even if they are different. Just like two different parts of a car - without either one the car cannot function. Each person has unique abilities and should use them.
Science is there to understand the laws of the world, created by G-d. We now understand the unity of the entire world. We can use nature to serve us. Science is not there to deny G-d.
How does G-d reveal himself to us? Through logic, through nature and through humans - each of which is a part of G-d. How do we connect with G-d - through prayer and good work, especially charity. No matter what you do - you can build a G-dly place at your place of work. When you believe - you are going to use your brain and logic to improve the world.
The point of studying to be good is to act. Otherwise all of the preparation is pointless. One must act well, not just grow intellectually as a person. Ensure that good deeds are part of your every day life.
The most important one being: thoughts must be supported by deeds. Good words don't mean anything if they are not accompanied by good deeds.
G-d told us to improve life on earth. The instructions on how to do it are in the Torah.
Man must devote his life to G-d.
Every day - you must devote a certain portion of the day to studying, to prayer and to doing a good deed.
There is a dichotomy of body and soul - and both are important. Take care of both.
Every person has a purpose from G-d, just like a composer chose each note. So celebrate each birthday - thinking of whether or not you are fulfilling your purpose. You can start every day anew and be better than yesterday.
Encourage good behavior (in children and loved ones) instead of scolding the bad one.
Young people must have a purpose in life. They are looking for something that's meaningful. That's why they are protesting. Encourage them and tell them that they are our hope.
Marriage is holy. One must keep working on it - giving help to a spouse.
Love is incredibly important, you cannot just love G-d, you have to love other people. We have 2 eyes - one to see how we ourselves can improve, the other one to look at other people and see their best qualities. You should look for the diamond in each person and help them also to see it.
One must build a good house, where each child feels that they are loved. Each person who lives there should feel that he is loved, including people who visit you. Responsibility is on the parents. The center of life should be home, not your job.
You must take care of your body, and don't neglect it, because that is how you can take care of your soul. Visit the sick people to bring them optimism. When eating remember that it's not just for pleasure but to get energy to lead a meaningful life.
You must work - to lead a meaningful life. The work that you do must be meaningful. Vacation can be a rest from physical work but you should continue growing as a person. Remember that Work is a realization of your talents, and it is not just for money. Do the best that you can - and this way you will fulfill G-d will.
Why charity? When you do it - you become G-d like, you get more than the recipient. The most effective charity is $. You must do everything that you can to become successful, but remember - that in the end, it's G-d's blessing, and treat it such. You should do both financial charity and mental charity (supporting a depressed person). Someone who has financial difficulties - should be giving more $ to charity. Take G-d as a business partner.
Old age is not the time to relax. Even as you may become physically less active, your mental status should be sharp. Keep working on projects that in the past you may not have had time for.
And learning.
For those whose life's meaning was material - death is the end. But if your goal was improving your spiritual growth - there is no end, as the life keeps continuing to inspire others. When there is a death - just support the loved ones, don't explain anything to them. But we know - that there is a purpose, so do good deeds in their names.
Why suffering? It helps us to understand life, to grow as a person. It is a part of life. But that does not give the others the right to cause suffering. Suffering is usually felt by those who feel alone. You need to move away from pain. Help others who are suffering by being with them. And remember - the time for absolute faith is during suffering.
Fear, anxiety and depression - cause people's behavior. Most people fear other people's opinion and want to be loved. But you should fear only yourself and think about the purpose for which you are here. Conquer fear by understanding that you are here for a purpose. Do the best that you can. Ask what G-d wants from you. Try to find the good in even bad situations. And work - one small step at a time.
We must do mundane every day actions. But the goal is to find something that connects them all. When you wake up (the very first thing) - think about what you can do to make this day full of meaning. When you work - remember that you are improving this world. Appreciate each day and focus on each day, including the slow and steady progress.
Responsibility: we are responsible for our own actions - and you cannot blame other people or G-d for your actions. But we are also responsible for others (when it's cold - you can put on a coat to warm yourself or to build a fire - for yourself and others). Before helping others - help yourself. But once you are successful - help others, we all live in the same world. Wherever you go - look for opportunities to help and support others.
Government must balance the needs of individuals and the collective. A leader must inspire others and help others to become better. There are plenty of opportunities to become leaders - in many different spheres.
Men and women are equally important, even if they are different. Just like two different parts of a car - without either one the car cannot function. Each person has unique abilities and should use them.
Science is there to understand the laws of the world, created by G-d. We now understand the unity of the entire world. We can use nature to serve us. Science is not there to deny G-d.
How does G-d reveal himself to us? Through logic, through nature and through humans - each of which is a part of G-d. How do we connect with G-d - through prayer and good work, especially charity. No matter what you do - you can build a G-dly place at your place of work. When you believe - you are going to use your brain and logic to improve the world.
The point of studying to be good is to act. Otherwise all of the preparation is pointless. One must act well, not just grow intellectually as a person. Ensure that good deeds are part of your every day life.
September 20, 2016
Absolutely Amazing! A MUST READ for Everyone!
I wish I had read this book of wisdom from Rebbe 20 years ago. It is so amazing I told everyone about, including my non Jewish friends. I even ordered another copy in Russian for my mom! If you have teenage children, let them read this book! I believe that every human being should read this book of great wisdom, especially our politicians! If everyone applied morals and values provided by Rebbe, this world would have been a better place. There would peace among every human being! This book deserves 100 stars!!!
I wish I had read this book of wisdom from Rebbe 20 years ago. It is so amazing I told everyone about, including my non Jewish friends. I even ordered another copy in Russian for my mom! If you have teenage children, let them read this book! I believe that every human being should read this book of great wisdom, especially our politicians! If everyone applied morals and values provided by Rebbe, this world would have been a better place. There would peace among every human being! This book deserves 100 stars!!!
April 19, 2016
Whether you agree with Orthodox Judaism or are an atheist, there's much to admire in at least the idea behind Hasidism: finding a formula for living a meaningful life. More people should try it. That said, it's hard to accept their first principle: God.
September 16, 2016
This is one of the best books that I have ever read. For me, it was one of those books where you can only read a few pages at a time, because the information in it is so deep and profound. This will be a book that I will read every summer. It's that good.
November 14, 2010
i loved this book.
July 28, 2019
incredible book. The knowledge and wisdom in here is valuable, and I find myself picking it up and re-reading it all the time.
December 19, 2012
Thought-provoking and wise, but a little too condensed. Still, a repeat.
November 10, 2025
I started going to Shabat services at a Reform synogogue at the end of August. It was something new but it lacked the theological depth and didn't have any young people so it was not quite for me. After about a month, I went to the Chabad of Vanderbilt University. Met young people and rabbis who were passionate about Judaism obviously. It felt surreal during the Kabalat Shabat and the Oneg. During the Oneg (dinner), I looked down at the table got the surreal familiar sense due to the fact that I had been at such tables many times during my childhood. It was nice and I loved talking to the younger rabbi, Rabbi Sholom Gurary. On the following Monday, there was a Sukkot dinner where I asked him for recommendations for an all encompassing book that well explains and (intentionally or unintentionally) proves Judaism. Not his fault but he recommended this book Toward a Meaningful Life as a good entry level book.
This book didn't very much resonate with me but I got a better sense of Rabbinic rhetoric which I began noticing before.
Here's my opinion on his POV and style of writing: In the beginning, he wrote about universal ideas in a very easily acceptable way because of how vague and yet all encompassing his rhetoric is. Anytime there would be a paragraph break where he would insert the words of the Rebbe, I could tell that the Rebbe had a similar rhetoric. I think that the Rebbe was a man of genius intellect who was also a rabbi. He VERY obviously knew what he was doing and how his words would come off in other people's minds when he would speak. It's the kind of way in which (even adjusting for differences in translation), he spoke in a way that is very succinct AND most importantly confusing. To an admirer of his, this confusion is due to the profoundness of the idea which he had just transmitted. To someone unfamiliar with his work, it's just an unclearly (poorly) communicated sentence. To myself, I see it as an intelligent way to have your words become timeless. If you were to create your own religion you would be SIGNIFICANTLY more successful if you're writing held strong moral conviction and written in an interpretable fashion. That way, each generation with their new worldy generational values, can claim spirituality and reinterprate the words of your scripture. Anyway I have more to say but right now I need to work on my Persuasive Speech for Public Speaking at APSU.
This book didn't very much resonate with me but I got a better sense of Rabbinic rhetoric which I began noticing before.
Here's my opinion on his POV and style of writing: In the beginning, he wrote about universal ideas in a very easily acceptable way because of how vague and yet all encompassing his rhetoric is. Anytime there would be a paragraph break where he would insert the words of the Rebbe, I could tell that the Rebbe had a similar rhetoric. I think that the Rebbe was a man of genius intellect who was also a rabbi. He VERY obviously knew what he was doing and how his words would come off in other people's minds when he would speak. It's the kind of way in which (even adjusting for differences in translation), he spoke in a way that is very succinct AND most importantly confusing. To an admirer of his, this confusion is due to the profoundness of the idea which he had just transmitted. To someone unfamiliar with his work, it's just an unclearly (poorly) communicated sentence. To myself, I see it as an intelligent way to have your words become timeless. If you were to create your own religion you would be SIGNIFICANTLY more successful if you're writing held strong moral conviction and written in an interpretable fashion. That way, each generation with their new worldy generational values, can claim spirituality and reinterprate the words of your scripture. Anyway I have more to say but right now I need to work on my Persuasive Speech for Public Speaking at APSU.
June 16, 2022
This is probably the deepest book I have ever read. A friend lent it to another friend, using me as the middleman. I was looking for some sort of peace or a way to understand what's going on in the world right now and this book seemed like it might be the ticket. Right is now wrong and we are forced to accept anomalies of human nature as normal--nothing makes sense anymore and I needed an aid to sort some of this out. It's more than my brain can handle. What is going on? Why is this happening? Is God even here anymore?
Did this book do what I hoped it would do? It did better than that. It made me think. It made me see things from a different perspective. It gave me hope for the future. It showed me a way of living life that I'd forgotten. For instance, it was mentioned that we spend 90% of our lives working, playing, eating, and sleeping. Give the remaining 10% to God. Meditate. See God in everything, even if it's bad. Lose your arrogance and ego and be humble. Love and respect your elders. There is no evil, only an absence of good. Do good. Be good. There is no darkness, only an absence of light...there's just so much to this book and so many parts that I read over just to make sure I got everything I was supposed to.
This book was written by a Jewish rabbi about the teachings of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. I'd never heard of either of them until I read this book. I'm not Jewish or Christian. I'm more of a spiritualist and don't practice organized religion and still this book taught me so much about life and trying to get closer to God. I found out what we're supposed to do with our lives and just why we're here.
This book could change your life and earns an easy five stars.
*I bought a copy of my own. I have a feeling I will be referring to this in the years to come.
Did this book do what I hoped it would do? It did better than that. It made me think. It made me see things from a different perspective. It gave me hope for the future. It showed me a way of living life that I'd forgotten. For instance, it was mentioned that we spend 90% of our lives working, playing, eating, and sleeping. Give the remaining 10% to God. Meditate. See God in everything, even if it's bad. Lose your arrogance and ego and be humble. Love and respect your elders. There is no evil, only an absence of good. Do good. Be good. There is no darkness, only an absence of light...there's just so much to this book and so many parts that I read over just to make sure I got everything I was supposed to.
This book was written by a Jewish rabbi about the teachings of the Rebbe Menachem Mendel Schneerson. I'd never heard of either of them until I read this book. I'm not Jewish or Christian. I'm more of a spiritualist and don't practice organized religion and still this book taught me so much about life and trying to get closer to God. I found out what we're supposed to do with our lives and just why we're here.
This book could change your life and earns an easy five stars.
*I bought a copy of my own. I have a feeling I will be referring to this in the years to come.
April 4, 2024
''Toward a meaningful life'' is not a book about Judaism - to me, it is a book about spirituality, even tough it was written by Jews.
Basically, the book talks about our purpose in life: to unite our spiritual and material worlds, and the tension between both will reveal the best of each of us.
In what feels like a real theology class, the first chapters provide an explanation on how to apply this mission in many aspects in life: in growing up, in marrying, in creating a family, raising children, being a solid professional.
A few chapters came out as particularly interesting: I found the birth chapter particularly touching. The marriage and how to build a real home chapter provide a very practical guide. The philanthropy chapter is also very practical in terms of how to practice good deeds in a mission-driven way. And, finally, I found the pain chapter even more intriguing: the way it treats the thematic is parallel to the way the Hero Journey, from Joseph Campbell, does.
The other chapters of the book become way more philosophical and less easy to read. Having said that, I would not say this is your go-to, easy reading for the end of the day or for a holiday. This is a book to be read slowly.
I recommend it to anyone who likes to study spirituality, theology and philosophy, or is just looking for meaning in life. Also, it can potentially generate some interesting discussions for a book club.
Basically, the book talks about our purpose in life: to unite our spiritual and material worlds, and the tension between both will reveal the best of each of us.
In what feels like a real theology class, the first chapters provide an explanation on how to apply this mission in many aspects in life: in growing up, in marrying, in creating a family, raising children, being a solid professional.
A few chapters came out as particularly interesting: I found the birth chapter particularly touching. The marriage and how to build a real home chapter provide a very practical guide. The philanthropy chapter is also very practical in terms of how to practice good deeds in a mission-driven way. And, finally, I found the pain chapter even more intriguing: the way it treats the thematic is parallel to the way the Hero Journey, from Joseph Campbell, does.
The other chapters of the book become way more philosophical and less easy to read. Having said that, I would not say this is your go-to, easy reading for the end of the day or for a holiday. This is a book to be read slowly.
I recommend it to anyone who likes to study spirituality, theology and philosophy, or is just looking for meaning in life. Also, it can potentially generate some interesting discussions for a book club.
November 20, 2019
This is a read and read again life aid
I first encountered Rabbi Simon Jacobson on Youtube, giving a lecture on meditation. I had no idea Jewish folks meditated! I kept returning, to more lectures, then found this book. It was so helpful to me, I took notes into my diary, and realized this was a book I would have to return to, again and again, as my understanding matures. How to deal with personal tragedy, how to deal with large-scale tragedy, we're surprising and helpful. My relationship with God has become more clear.
I first encountered Rabbi Simon Jacobson on Youtube, giving a lecture on meditation. I had no idea Jewish folks meditated! I kept returning, to more lectures, then found this book. It was so helpful to me, I took notes into my diary, and realized this was a book I would have to return to, again and again, as my understanding matures. How to deal with personal tragedy, how to deal with large-scale tragedy, we're surprising and helpful. My relationship with God has become more clear.
August 18, 2025
"Remember that in the journey of life, your body is the vehicle but your soul is the compass. By following its voice, you remain focused on your destination, and each step—each day—brings you closer. How you live today determines how you will live tomorrow. The very next thing you do, no matter how small, will determine the rest of your day and, ultimately, the rest of your life.
It is never too late to start living your life meaningfully." 🩷🩷🩷
It is never too late to start living your life meaningfully." 🩷🩷🩷
June 2, 2017
It's kind of basic, I guess it works since at the beginning he warns that he's going for the 'universal' appeal, since readers 'might not be familiar with terms such as 'torah' and 'mitzvot'' but it was just a lot of common sense and seemed mostly directed to an audience of workaholic parents who need to be told to spend time with their children etc. etc. etc.
December 9, 2023
I read this book annually. I read like a chapter a week as I go to bed. It is such wonderful pragmatic advice. It is widely applicable, not just in a religious /judaism manner. Each read it seems as tho I discover or rediscover some gem that fits my current life circumstance and gives me a new view. Highly recommend.
July 6, 2018
Inspiring
A truly inspiring book. It is impossible to read this book and ignore the insightful observations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Individually and communally the world would be better off if some of his thoughts were implemented
A truly inspiring book. It is impossible to read this book and ignore the insightful observations of the Lubavitcher Rebbe. Individually and communally the world would be better off if some of his thoughts were implemented
February 19, 2020
Not great.
The first few chapters were pretty good. Interesting and full of good advice on life for pretty much anyone.
Then the farther I read, the more it went downhill.
In the end, I wouldn’t recommend it. A few decent chapters out of 30 is not a win, imo.
The first few chapters were pretty good. Interesting and full of good advice on life for pretty much anyone.
Then the farther I read, the more it went downhill.
In the end, I wouldn’t recommend it. A few decent chapters out of 30 is not a win, imo.
September 22, 2017
Inspirational and thought provoking. An enjoyable read.
July 28, 2019
Loved it. Short straightforward chapters that discuss each facet of our life and how we can bring more meaning to it.
February 8, 2021
Unbelievable insight in a short and understandable way. A bid of a hard read you gotta put your mind to it and it's worth every second.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews