Let Us Make Man: Self Esteem Through Jewishness

by Abraham J. Twerski

Twerski, Abraham J.

Genres: Jewish, Self Help, Judaism, Psychology, Nonfiction

199 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1987

About the author

Abraham Joshua Twerski (Hebrew: אֲבְרָהָם יְהוֹשֻׁע טווערסקי‎) was an Israeli-American Hasidic rabbi, a scion of the Chernobyl Hasidic dynasty, and a psychiatrist specializing in substance abuse.

Reviews

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book opened my eyes to ideas that are invaluable for living a good, wholesome life. One concept that I especially liked was the connection between high self-esteem and anavah (humility) on the one hand, and low self-esteem and ga'avah (arrogance) on the other.

[Jake Busch · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75

While this is a book promoting a Torah-observant lifestyle, anyone can apply its valuable lessons to their lives. Twerski was a rabbi and psychiatrist focused on substance abuse, and the experiences he shares working with patients to help them overcome their personal struggles while improving their self-esteem can resonate with anyone, no matter the challenges they face. I could understand why someone might be turned off by the religious focus of the book – Twerski is writing from a perspective rooted in Torah, which could on its face appear inaccessible to the average reader. I wouldn't let that stop you from reading this book, especially if you want to understand why we feel low self-esteem at times, acquire tools for fostering positive self-esteem, learn about the Torah perspective on self-esteem, suffering, and personal development, or all of the above.

[Kressel Housman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski is the champion of self-esteem in the Jewish world, and this is probably his quintessential book on the subject. He draws on the Torah, psychology, and good common sense. If you're only going to read one Rabbi Twerski book, let this one be it.