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Thresholds: How to Thrive Through Life's Transitions to Live Fearlessly and Regret-Free
Whether it’s our cozy bedroom, our toy-strewn family room, or our newly renovated kitchen, we all have our favorite rooms in our homes. But when do we ever think about the thresholds? We spend a lot of time traversing thresholds - both in our homes, and in our lives.
Of course, this is not a book about how to build a house; it is book about how build a rich and rewarding life. When I talk about the thresholds of life, I am referring to those times of transition; when we are moving from the way we were accustomed to living to a new way of thinking, feeling, and being.
Every one of us will experience many such moments. Some will be exciting - a new job, a marriage, the birth of a child. Others - the death of a parent, an empty nest, a divorce – will be painful. Either way, crossing from a “room” that is comfortable and familiar into one that feels uncertain and unpredictable, can be terrifying.
But what if, instead of viewing these thresholds as barriers or obstacles, you could see them as doorways to bigger and better opportunities? If you could embrace change as a wellspring of motivation rather than a source of fear? If the thought of the unknown future left you feeling empowered and excited, instead of paralyzed?
Here, Sherre Hirsch draws on decades of counseling individuals of all faiths and religions, the wisdom of ancient stories, research from psychology, and tales from real life, to help readers summon the faith, courage, and confidence to embrace the exhilarating new possibilities and experiences that lie across the threshold. With her signature warmth and empathic style, Hirsch, like a trusted friend, wise counselor, and spiritual advisor rolled into one, guides readers through the most challenging – and the most blessed – transitions of their one precious life.
Of course, this is not a book about how to build a house; it is book about how build a rich and rewarding life. When I talk about the thresholds of life, I am referring to those times of transition; when we are moving from the way we were accustomed to living to a new way of thinking, feeling, and being.
Every one of us will experience many such moments. Some will be exciting - a new job, a marriage, the birth of a child. Others - the death of a parent, an empty nest, a divorce – will be painful. Either way, crossing from a “room” that is comfortable and familiar into one that feels uncertain and unpredictable, can be terrifying.
But what if, instead of viewing these thresholds as barriers or obstacles, you could see them as doorways to bigger and better opportunities? If you could embrace change as a wellspring of motivation rather than a source of fear? If the thought of the unknown future left you feeling empowered and excited, instead of paralyzed?
Here, Sherre Hirsch draws on decades of counseling individuals of all faiths and religions, the wisdom of ancient stories, research from psychology, and tales from real life, to help readers summon the faith, courage, and confidence to embrace the exhilarating new possibilities and experiences that lie across the threshold. With her signature warmth and empathic style, Hirsch, like a trusted friend, wise counselor, and spiritual advisor rolled into one, guides readers through the most challenging – and the most blessed – transitions of their one precious life.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published August 18, 2015
14 people are currently reading
450 people want to read
About the author
Sherre Hirsch
7 books6 followersRabbi Sherre Hirsch is the spiritual life consultant for Canyon Ranch Properties where she serves as a speaker, teacher and retreat facilitator. She is also a highly sought-after inspirational speaker who has addressed audiences ranging from the United Jewish Federation to Thompson Reuters. She frequently appears in national media as an expert in her field. Her appearances range from the Today Show, ABC News, Extra, PBS and more. Visit her at www.SherreHirsch.com or follow her on twitter @sherrehirsch.
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
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November 23, 2018I enjoyed this book. It talks about how to build a rich and rewarding life. The author talks about all the moments in our lives that could happen. Some of the moments will be exciting, some will be happy and some will be sad. These moments give our lives definition, meaning and purpose.
October 18, 2022
This is an informative book when you're going through challenging times. While the author is a rabbi, the book isn't overwhelmingly religious and focuses more on useful tools to help cope with transition periods in our lives.
I particularly liked the explanation of how the brain works to romanticize our past. The result is that we forget how difficult some of our past experiences were. We automatically assume that what we are going through in the present time is the very worst thing we've ever gone through. Because of that, we also forget how much we are capable of surviving and more importantly we forget the tools we already possess to help us through tough experiences. This was a powerful reminder for me. It reframed my experience in a way that gave me a lot of optimism about my circumstances and my ability to overcome. That alone was worth the price of admission.
I particularly liked the explanation of how the brain works to romanticize our past. The result is that we forget how difficult some of our past experiences were. We automatically assume that what we are going through in the present time is the very worst thing we've ever gone through. Because of that, we also forget how much we are capable of surviving and more importantly we forget the tools we already possess to help us through tough experiences. This was a powerful reminder for me. It reframed my experience in a way that gave me a lot of optimism about my circumstances and my ability to overcome. That alone was worth the price of admission.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 15, 2019
Some extremely solid thought provoking ideas. I missed the part that this was written by a Rabbi when I was choosing this book. I’m glad I did because I think it would have kept me from reading it. Although the ideas were Jewish focused they hold true across all backgrounds.
February 16, 2020
I didn’t realize this book was written by a Jewish rabbi until after I started reading the book. Reading about Bible stories to help make points was relatable, as I am a Christian and I can relate to the stories and how they compare to my own life. But she mentions in this book that you don’t have to be religious, and she talks a lot about having faith in yourself, which is important. We make the decisions as individuals to move throughout our everyday lives. We have to make our own decisions, even if we feel we are being directed by a greater power or not.
I learned a lot of things that I didn’t think I would out of this book. I’m glad that I picked it up and read it. Mostly I am grateful for having her perspective about things I have been thinking about, and that perspective helps me think about how to be the person that I want to be. So I consider that outcome to be a success from this book.
I learned a lot of things that I didn’t think I would out of this book. I’m glad that I picked it up and read it. Mostly I am grateful for having her perspective about things I have been thinking about, and that perspective helps me think about how to be the person that I want to be. So I consider that outcome to be a success from this book.
February 6, 2020
3.5 stars.
A bit unexpected for various reasons.
For one, I wasn’t expecting so many religious references but then again, I didn’t know she was a rabbi. Although, I will say it was interesting to see how the author interpreted some of these religious events. The contents of the book spoke about transitions through life. And I think the author handled the subject beautifully. I know I took away some positive advice. The writing was good.
Overall, I think I’m a slightly better person for reading this book and that’s really all I can ask for.
A bit unexpected for various reasons.
For one, I wasn’t expecting so many religious references but then again, I didn’t know she was a rabbi. Although, I will say it was interesting to see how the author interpreted some of these religious events. The contents of the book spoke about transitions through life. And I think the author handled the subject beautifully. I know I took away some positive advice. The writing was good.
Overall, I think I’m a slightly better person for reading this book and that’s really all I can ask for.
September 23, 2020
This book is like talking to an old friend, who's advise and life wisdom you trust deeply. Hirsch writes so clearly and kindly, it's a gentle read. It's about the transitions of life-big and small, and how to reframe the fear we feel around them. It's always good to move forward, even if we don't know what comes next.
August 18, 2022
Sometimes it takes me a while to read a self help/motivational type of book but this one I did not want to put down! I’ve had many transitions during the last few years and could really relate it to my current situation and feel like this perspective is very helpful and makes me want to try to think more objectively about situations in my life. I would read it again!
January 28, 2023
This book will help readers on how they will cross the liminal moments of their lives. The insights and examples that the author provided clearly shows that the good and bad experiences we have encountered from the past are preparations and trainings to make us more resilient and build our courage to move forward.
October 13, 2019
a bit too religious for my taste but i'd give it five stars nonetheless. it's very anecdotal so if that's something you're into i'd recommend and vice versa if not, i wouldn't. i thoroughly enjoyed this book, and definitely would recommend to anyone.
January 22, 2019
Just enough Bible to give it heft
August 29, 2015
This book was my first time winning a lottery on Goodreads and getting an early chance to read a book from a publisher.
I am all for any book that is about acknowledging the fear and excitement, the contradictory feelings, that accompany times of transition. The author isn't telling you how to make decisions in your life, but rather how to feel confident in the space between and know you aren't alone in the often uncomfortable periods of liminality.
Halfway through we are treated as readers to some very sound practical advice for reframing experiences and handling emotions, but that is not the bulk of the text. I did particularly enjoy Hirsch's discussion of faith as a concept that can be independent of religion.
The book is less dense than I prefer a work of non fiction to be, personally. But it is an easy read and full of stories from the writer's life as a counselor and spiritual guide.
Sherre Hirsch is a rabbi and more than half of her book are stories of her work and references to the Hebrew Bible. She does however seek to use her faith tradition to illustrate, not to preach. The book is classified as self help/motivational, but definitely is more spiritual/religious than the title alone suggests.
If it is casually relayed examples of others' trials and triumphs that inspire you to sally forth, then Thresholds could ease your mind and soul.
I am all for any book that is about acknowledging the fear and excitement, the contradictory feelings, that accompany times of transition. The author isn't telling you how to make decisions in your life, but rather how to feel confident in the space between and know you aren't alone in the often uncomfortable periods of liminality.
Halfway through we are treated as readers to some very sound practical advice for reframing experiences and handling emotions, but that is not the bulk of the text. I did particularly enjoy Hirsch's discussion of faith as a concept that can be independent of religion.
The book is less dense than I prefer a work of non fiction to be, personally. But it is an easy read and full of stories from the writer's life as a counselor and spiritual guide.
Sherre Hirsch is a rabbi and more than half of her book are stories of her work and references to the Hebrew Bible. She does however seek to use her faith tradition to illustrate, not to preach. The book is classified as self help/motivational, but definitely is more spiritual/religious than the title alone suggests.
If it is casually relayed examples of others' trials and triumphs that inspire you to sally forth, then Thresholds could ease your mind and soul.
August 20, 2015
~Disclaimer: I received this book for free in a giveaway~
Pros: Has some positive messages, is very quotable
Cons: Very religious, disparages self help books (but is a self help book)
Overall: For a book that claims that everyone of any religious background can find help in this book it has TONS of religious references. The author talks about God and the path He sets you on. The author relies on stories from the bible (Ruth, Moses, Eve, Yocheved, Genesis, Sarah, and Jacob) as examples of the scenarios she is putting forth.
However, this book does have some useful messages: perfection is impossible, don't be too focused on the end result, words can linger longer than bruises, we are more able to cope than we believe we are, and not to focus so much on staying safe that you don't experience life. The problem is these are the same messages many a self-help book has trotted out. It isn't offering much in the way of something new.
I think if you are a Jewish or Christian individual and want a self help book that uses religious texts this is a great one. However, if you are not looking for that.....
Pros: Has some positive messages, is very quotable
Cons: Very religious, disparages self help books (but is a self help book)
Overall: For a book that claims that everyone of any religious background can find help in this book it has TONS of religious references. The author talks about God and the path He sets you on. The author relies on stories from the bible (Ruth, Moses, Eve, Yocheved, Genesis, Sarah, and Jacob) as examples of the scenarios she is putting forth.
However, this book does have some useful messages: perfection is impossible, don't be too focused on the end result, words can linger longer than bruises, we are more able to cope than we believe we are, and not to focus so much on staying safe that you don't experience life. The problem is these are the same messages many a self-help book has trotted out. It isn't offering much in the way of something new.
I think if you are a Jewish or Christian individual and want a self help book that uses religious texts this is a great one. However, if you are not looking for that.....
December 3, 2016
This book found me at the right time in my life as I am crossing a threshold and currently living in a "hallway", where I expect to be for some time so I'm sure I will return to portions of this book over the next few months for grounding and support when I feel like I'm losing my way. I thought the book was well-organized and I liked the references to Torah portions about the chapter themes -- and in fact expected more Judaic references even though the author is no longer a pulpit rabbi and identifies herself as more of a spiritual counselor. I had the opportunity to hear the author speak twice at local events while I was reading it, and I appreciated being able to receive extra nuggets of guidance and insight from her. What I appreciated the most about the book is that certain paragraphs made me stop reading and start thinking/reflecting. I "lived" with this book for a few months, and I think that's a good way to read it rather than trying to plow through it all. I probably could have done without so many shared stories of the author's sessions with individuals in her counseling sessions - those became distracting and "filler".
August 18, 2015
I won a copy of this book from a giveaway. I would give it 3 1/2 stars if I could, but I didn't feel like it deserved a full 4.
While I feel the overall objective was heartfelt and motivating, I found that it fell flat in its entirety. There were a few key points that made me think, "Aha! That makes sense," but most ideas were very repetitive. Also, for claiming to not have to follow the Jewish faith or even believe in God to gain something from the book, there were several biblical references used to prove points. While it did not bother me as a believer, it seems contradictory to those that are not.
Finally, there were a lot of unfinished examples. The stories of those she's counselled were often used to prompt an explanation, but details on how they ultimately worked out were missing. I wonder if I would have connected better had I known their end results...
While I feel the overall objective was heartfelt and motivating, I found that it fell flat in its entirety. There were a few key points that made me think, "Aha! That makes sense," but most ideas were very repetitive. Also, for claiming to not have to follow the Jewish faith or even believe in God to gain something from the book, there were several biblical references used to prove points. While it did not bother me as a believer, it seems contradictory to those that are not.
Finally, there were a lot of unfinished examples. The stories of those she's counselled were often used to prompt an explanation, but details on how they ultimately worked out were missing. I wonder if I would have connected better had I known their end results...
September 10, 2016
Although the book wasn't life changing, I'm glad I read it.
The author uses the term "thresholds" to describe the changes we make in our lives that are major and minor. Major being going off to college, starting a new job, getting married, having a child, etc. "Minor" being decisions that are major, but others might not realize how impactful they are and call them "minor." She uses the word "liminal" a great deal, to talk about the times in our lives when we're in the midst of major transitions.
As other reviews have mentioned, she does use Biblical references, which makes sense since she's a rabbi. I didn't find them bothersome or annoying, as some people have.
Ultimately, she says to have faith in yourself, that you will get through hard times, and that there's no perfect decision.
The author uses the term "thresholds" to describe the changes we make in our lives that are major and minor. Major being going off to college, starting a new job, getting married, having a child, etc. "Minor" being decisions that are major, but others might not realize how impactful they are and call them "minor." She uses the word "liminal" a great deal, to talk about the times in our lives when we're in the midst of major transitions.
As other reviews have mentioned, she does use Biblical references, which makes sense since she's a rabbi. I didn't find them bothersome or annoying, as some people have.
Ultimately, she says to have faith in yourself, that you will get through hard times, and that there's no perfect decision.
August 17, 2015
Great book! Exactly what I needed at the right moment. I am currently in the processing of transitioning out of my current profession into a new one, as well as relocating to a new state. I won this book on Goodreads and am so thankful I did. It gave some new prospective to how we look at and perceive fear based feelings that may come with transitioning and crossing new thresholds in life. Do you act or not act upon these feelings? Do you stay stuck where you are or do you take a leap of faith and jump? This book will help you sort through these types of questions and more. Very well written, easy to read, and worth the investment if you are even remotely allowing fear to stifle the decisions in your life.
April 15, 2016
I never seek out a self help book, so only choose from those beckoning from the New Book Shelf at the library. Threshholds was better than a lot of them and, if you have never heard Bible stories, offers a sort of Cliff notes with interpretation. Addressing the paralysis that might exist before decisions, she offers suggestions for simplifying that process by making the goals more realistic.
If you read just pages 177-187 you will get the outline of her beliefs without the anecdotes, but you'll miss learning about Joseph, the interpreter of dreams, among other stories.
If you read just pages 177-187 you will get the outline of her beliefs without the anecdotes, but you'll miss learning about Joseph, the interpreter of dreams, among other stories.
August 21, 2015
Sherre Hirsch provides an approachable way to navigate the big and small challenges in one's life. I found it incredibly helpful in navigating starting up my consulting practice, founding a company and raising my son as a single mother. She helps you with tools and a unique point of view. Even if you are not Jewish, do not be turned off. This is wisdom and guidance for all. A very quick read. I highly recommend!
December 30, 2015
This book is thought provoking. I loved the chapter on looking backward, and how we have changed from who we once were. Sherre's idea that memories of our past are not entirely true, but are slanted towards our fondest recollections really resonated with me. She uses some great examples from clients that she has worked with. There are some great nuggets here. I would have given the book 5 stars except there are too many religious passages.
July 24, 2016
A very readable and astute look at what holds all of us back from crossing thresholds in our lives, from one room or hallway to another which will lead us down a new road, or toward a new experience. Fear is one thing which holds us back. The tendency to romanticize the past is another. These things make it challenging for us to move forward. In gentle language the author, an ordained Jewish rabbi, explains and leads people on to the lives they need and want.
August 21, 2015
Change and challenge are a part of everyone's life. Thresholds taught me strategies to consider my options and respond as my best-self. After I finished I ordered copies for family and friends. Highly recommend!
August 24, 2015
Love this book and an sharing it with friends and family.
September 16, 2015
Thank you GoodReads for my copy Threshold. I did enjoy this book and I'm sure my friends and family will as well.
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April 6, 2016Review by Deborah Miller for the Jewish Book Council.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews