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The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today
What makes us happy? It's not what you think. Stress is everywhere.Clever marketing has led us to believe in chasing happiness down a path that doesn't lead anywhere. There is an answer.It's not a secret.An ancient formula can help.2000 years ago there was a prayer.A prayer for happiness.You can follow these ten practices in it. The prayer has helped thousands of people. No matter where you are in life, finding purpose is easier than you think.Rabbi Evan Moffic knows the power of prayer. He was called to lead a synagogue at thirty. The prayer became his guidepost.It provided him with the wisdom to lead beyond his years.It made him happy.It's not a typical prayer. It's an active prayer. You will live it.The magic is not in the words. It's in the way the words will change your life.You will discover those words in this book and the ten life-changing practices it reveals.Get started on your new life, now, with just one click.
209 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 12, 2017
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635 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 12, 2017
The Happiness Prayer isn't just quick fix "make me happy" prayer. It is also a Jewish prayer and I am not Jewish. Yet, I found this book to teach me truths and Scriptures in ways that I hadn't thought about them before. I truly found this book to be on insightful guide to living a better life.
The Happiness Prayer is called Eilu Devarim and is from a Jewish text called the Talmud. Evan Moffic made this prayer a way of living when he went through a time of personal challenge. The prayer begins with a statement of its purpose. The prayer is initially related to financial interest--an investment in the prayer of our time if we follow these lessons means that, like financial interest, our happiness will compound. He shares the prayer and his experiences, along with real experiences of other people, to teach readers how to use this prayer to live more joyously. In The Happiness Prayer, Moffic breaks the prayer down into chapters and looks at each part of the prayer in depth and offers wisdom in how to use it to live in our world today.
I think The Happiness Prayer has helped me to look at what it truly means to honor your parents, why we should grieve with those who are grieving and other aspects of life that I honestly hadn't considered in this way before. There is also an especially good discussion on what forgiveness means in part of this prayer. Moffic also explains that we need discernment and commitment to best use this prayer. "Each of our wisdom practices is good--yet no one person can do them all every day. . .We need to focus. We need to discern. . .And discernment is ongoing." He says that these wisdom practices that are part of this prayer require a commitment to be experimental, flexible and generous and then explains what that means to him. Moffic says that he has followed this prayer for several years, through life's ups and downs, and has been the better for doing so. Through The Happiness Prayer book, I could see where we would all be better off in following this prayer and living it as best we can. I would recommend this book to every one, both Christian and Jew, as it offers a lot of wisdom for us all in a small space.
I received The Happiness Prayer from Center Street/Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.
The Happiness Prayer is called Eilu Devarim and is from a Jewish text called the Talmud. Evan Moffic made this prayer a way of living when he went through a time of personal challenge. The prayer begins with a statement of its purpose. The prayer is initially related to financial interest--an investment in the prayer of our time if we follow these lessons means that, like financial interest, our happiness will compound. He shares the prayer and his experiences, along with real experiences of other people, to teach readers how to use this prayer to live more joyously. In The Happiness Prayer, Moffic breaks the prayer down into chapters and looks at each part of the prayer in depth and offers wisdom in how to use it to live in our world today.
I think The Happiness Prayer has helped me to look at what it truly means to honor your parents, why we should grieve with those who are grieving and other aspects of life that I honestly hadn't considered in this way before. There is also an especially good discussion on what forgiveness means in part of this prayer. Moffic also explains that we need discernment and commitment to best use this prayer. "Each of our wisdom practices is good--yet no one person can do them all every day. . .We need to focus. We need to discern. . .And discernment is ongoing." He says that these wisdom practices that are part of this prayer require a commitment to be experimental, flexible and generous and then explains what that means to him. Moffic says that he has followed this prayer for several years, through life's ups and downs, and has been the better for doing so. Through The Happiness Prayer book, I could see where we would all be better off in following this prayer and living it as best we can. I would recommend this book to every one, both Christian and Jew, as it offers a lot of wisdom for us all in a small space.
I received The Happiness Prayer from Center Street/Hachette Book Group. I was not required to write a positive review in exchange for the book.
September 16, 2017
Moffic takes us through a Hebrew prayer that has made a profound difference in his life. The Eilu Devarim is ten short verses written some two thousand years ago. Moffic has been saying the prayer and living the ten practices for the last eight years.
The prayer reveals spiritual truths that will benefit all people, Moffic says. “No one religion is the sole path to happiness,” he writes. (13-14) Each of us can make the choice to live these practices, making us happier. These practices include gratitude, kindness, learning, celebration, forgiveness, and more. Moffic offers many stories from his own life and the lives of others to illustrate the benefits of the prayer.
Moffic is a Jewish rabbi. The happiness prayer, the Eilu Devarim, is based on the Jewish understanding of God. Moffic does not recognize the saving and sustaining faith of Jesus Christ nor the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. For Christians, this book lacks the essential truths about happiness and inner joy taught in the New Testament.
Moffic has included questions for personal reflection or for discussion in a group. One minor irritation for me was that Moffic made reference to authors and studies, such as the benefits of journal writing, for example, but provided no bibliography for our further study. (This, even though “keep learning” is one of the wisdom practices.)
I recommend this book to readers who are not Christians yet are looking for wisdom practices to increase their happiness and enjoyment of life. You will also find out quite a bit about Jewish tradition and contemporary practice.
Food for thought: “Happiness begins in the mind.” (62)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
The prayer reveals spiritual truths that will benefit all people, Moffic says. “No one religion is the sole path to happiness,” he writes. (13-14) Each of us can make the choice to live these practices, making us happier. These practices include gratitude, kindness, learning, celebration, forgiveness, and more. Moffic offers many stories from his own life and the lives of others to illustrate the benefits of the prayer.
Moffic is a Jewish rabbi. The happiness prayer, the Eilu Devarim, is based on the Jewish understanding of God. Moffic does not recognize the saving and sustaining faith of Jesus Christ nor the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. For Christians, this book lacks the essential truths about happiness and inner joy taught in the New Testament.
Moffic has included questions for personal reflection or for discussion in a group. One minor irritation for me was that Moffic made reference to authors and studies, such as the benefits of journal writing, for example, but provided no bibliography for our further study. (This, even though “keep learning” is one of the wisdom practices.)
I recommend this book to readers who are not Christians yet are looking for wisdom practices to increase their happiness and enjoyment of life. You will also find out quite a bit about Jewish tradition and contemporary practice.
Food for thought: “Happiness begins in the mind.” (62)
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. My comments are an independent and honest review.
September 9, 2017
The Happiness Prayer: Ancient Jewish Wisdom for the Best Way to Live Today by Evan Moffic is a thoughtful book that explores happiness and contentment. The book covers many aspects on how to live a positive and balanced life. Moffic goes into great detail as he encourages readers to be kind, keep learning, honor your parents, be there for others, pray, forgive, be discerning, celebrate good times, and invite others into your life.
My favorite chapter was “Pray with Intention,” which discusses what prayer is and is not, different types of prayers, and whether prayer makes us happier. Another great chapter was “Be There When Others Need You”; I love how Moffic talks about how physical healing is sometimes affected by spiritual healing. Moffic is a rabbi, and the book incorporates a nice blend of theology and psychology. Happiness can be a complicated subject to examine, but Moffic skillfully weaves together social science and faith.
*I received this book for review*
My favorite chapter was “Pray with Intention,” which discusses what prayer is and is not, different types of prayers, and whether prayer makes us happier. Another great chapter was “Be There When Others Need You”; I love how Moffic talks about how physical healing is sometimes affected by spiritual healing. Moffic is a rabbi, and the book incorporates a nice blend of theology and psychology. Happiness can be a complicated subject to examine, but Moffic skillfully weaves together social science and faith.
*I received this book for review*
August 18, 2017
A beautifully written book that combines the science behind what makes us happy with Jewish religion and Rabbi Moffic's own experiences as a Rabbi. I found it very meaningful and feel that I will reread it and look at is as a reference book.
July 26, 2017
This book will probably become quite popular as a gift, and, thus, may end up on best sellers lists. Unlike many others on those lists, however, Rabbi Moffic's book will deserve to be on any and all lists. While the title makes the rabbi's work sound like some type of hokey self-help endeavor, it's really not hokey at all. Actually, it's hard to describe exactly what it is, though. A guide for what's truly important in life? A guide for living a meaningful life? A guide that convincingly explains why some traditions and rituals are important and should not be abandoned? Whatever it is, the book is an intelligent, challenging and comforting read . . . that makes you want to go out and join the nearest synagogue. :)
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
(Note: I received a free ARC of this book from Amazon Vine.)
October 2, 2017
Thank you Net Galley and Center Street for this title in exchange for my honest opinion. I'd been off a non fiction period for a bit, and this book was calling to me. It isn't just "self help." This is a book that makes you think. It is a Jewish prayer, and I have an affinity for Judaism. It speaks to me. So, this book was special. that said, it wouldn't matter what religion you follow, there are truths that will help you. I will return to this book over and over again. he Happiness Prayer is called Eilu Devarim and is from a Jewish text called the Talmud. Evan Moffic made this prayer a way of living when he went through a time of personal challenge. The prayer begins with a statement of its purpose. The prayer is initially related to financial interest--an investment in the prayer of our time if we follow these lessons means that, like financial interest, our happiness will compound. He shares the prayer and his experiences, along with real experiences of other people, to teach readers how to use this prayer to live more joyously. In The Happiness Prayer, Moffic breaks the prayer down into chapters and looks at each part of the prayer in depth and offers wisdom in how to use it to live in our world today.
I think The Happiness Prayer has helped me to look at what it truly means to honor your parents, why we should grieve with those who are grieving and other aspects of life that I honestly hadn't considered in this way before. There is also an especially good discussion on what forgiveness means in part of this prayer. Moffic also explains that we need discernment and commitment to best use this prayer. "Each of our wisdom practices is good--yet no one person can do them all every day. . .We need to focus. We need to discern. . .And discernment is ongoing." He says that these wisdom practices that are part of this prayer require a commitment to be experimental, flexible and generous and then explains what that means to him. Moffic says that he has followed this prayer for several years, through life's ups and downs, and has been the better for doing so. Through The Happiness Prayer book, I could see where we would all be better off in following this prayer and living it as best we can. I would recommend this book to every one, both Christian and Jew, as it offers a lot of wisdom for us all in a small space.
I think The Happiness Prayer has helped me to look at what it truly means to honor your parents, why we should grieve with those who are grieving and other aspects of life that I honestly hadn't considered in this way before. There is also an especially good discussion on what forgiveness means in part of this prayer. Moffic also explains that we need discernment and commitment to best use this prayer. "Each of our wisdom practices is good--yet no one person can do them all every day. . .We need to focus. We need to discern. . .And discernment is ongoing." He says that these wisdom practices that are part of this prayer require a commitment to be experimental, flexible and generous and then explains what that means to him. Moffic says that he has followed this prayer for several years, through life's ups and downs, and has been the better for doing so. Through The Happiness Prayer book, I could see where we would all be better off in following this prayer and living it as best we can. I would recommend this book to every one, both Christian and Jew, as it offers a lot of wisdom for us all in a small space.
September 4, 2018
When I get up in the morning, I say the blessing before studying Torah. Part of this blessing is adapted from the Talmud, and states: "The fulfillment of the following commandments yields a man the fruit thereof in this world, where the principal remains to him for all eternity: the honoring of father and mother; the practice of lovingkindness; the timely attendance of the House of Study, morning and evening; hospitality to strangers; visiting the sick; outfitting a poor bride; attending the dead to the grave; devotion in prayer; and the making of peace between man and his neighbor."
Mofflin paraphrase this prayer as follows: "How will you find happiness in this world and peace in the world to come? By learning these wisdom practices from your ancestors: Honor those who gave you life, Be kind, keep learning, Invite others into your life, Be there when others need you, Celebrate good times, Support yourself and others during times of loss, Pray with intention, forgive, Look inside and commit." What follows is a reasonable essay on each of these wonderful things.
As you can guess from the difference between the original prayer and what the author writes, this book isn't (I think) intended as a work of precise scholarship. But for what it is (a pep talk reminding the reader of all the good things he/she has forgotten to do or doesn't do enough of) I thought it was perfectly fine- kind of like a book version of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood targeted to grownups.
One small thing: I really did not like the cover art. It shows hands clasped in the traditional Christian pose for prayer. Did the publisher not think Jews would read this book?
Mofflin paraphrase this prayer as follows: "How will you find happiness in this world and peace in the world to come? By learning these wisdom practices from your ancestors: Honor those who gave you life, Be kind, keep learning, Invite others into your life, Be there when others need you, Celebrate good times, Support yourself and others during times of loss, Pray with intention, forgive, Look inside and commit." What follows is a reasonable essay on each of these wonderful things.
As you can guess from the difference between the original prayer and what the author writes, this book isn't (I think) intended as a work of precise scholarship. But for what it is (a pep talk reminding the reader of all the good things he/she has forgotten to do or doesn't do enough of) I thought it was perfectly fine- kind of like a book version of Mister Rogers' Neighborhood targeted to grownups.
One small thing: I really did not like the cover art. It shows hands clasped in the traditional Christian pose for prayer. Did the publisher not think Jews would read this book?
October 16, 2017
A paraphrase by the author of the Hebrew original of the prayer (chapters in the book are titled the same):
"How will you find happiness in this world and peace in the world to come? By learning these wisdom practices from your ancestors:
Honor those who gave you life.
Be kind.
Keep learning.
Invite others into your life.
Be there when others need you.
Celebrate good times.
Support yourself and others during times of loss.
Pray with intention.
Forgive.
Look inside and commit."
I loved this book.
I'm NOT Jewish, by the way, but you truly don't need to be or have any real knowledge of Judaism to get good things from this piece of writing. It's written for everyone and anyone who desires a richer, more satisfying life. Rabbi Moffic writes knowledgeably, with a warm conversational voice....I just naturally assume that we (Rabbi Moffic and I) are natural friends because of it. He has no idea. Ah, well....
After reading the first three chapters, I was recommending this book to people I know and love. And people I just have marginal contact with. If we all read it and acted on even HALF the principles here, the world would be a better place, indeed. I would say I would loan you my copy, but you won't want to give it back, there'll be notes and underlines, it would make things awkward between us....better to get your own copy.
(Mine was a Goodreads giveaway, but I will be purchasing a couple as Christmas gifts. SUCH a good book!)
"How will you find happiness in this world and peace in the world to come? By learning these wisdom practices from your ancestors:
Honor those who gave you life.
Be kind.
Keep learning.
Invite others into your life.
Be there when others need you.
Celebrate good times.
Support yourself and others during times of loss.
Pray with intention.
Forgive.
Look inside and commit."
I loved this book.
I'm NOT Jewish, by the way, but you truly don't need to be or have any real knowledge of Judaism to get good things from this piece of writing. It's written for everyone and anyone who desires a richer, more satisfying life. Rabbi Moffic writes knowledgeably, with a warm conversational voice....I just naturally assume that we (Rabbi Moffic and I) are natural friends because of it. He has no idea. Ah, well....
After reading the first three chapters, I was recommending this book to people I know and love. And people I just have marginal contact with. If we all read it and acted on even HALF the principles here, the world would be a better place, indeed. I would say I would loan you my copy, but you won't want to give it back, there'll be notes and underlines, it would make things awkward between us....better to get your own copy.
(Mine was a Goodreads giveaway, but I will be purchasing a couple as Christmas gifts. SUCH a good book!)
August 29, 2017
One of the things I’ve been meaning to do with these theologically-oriented reviews is stretch outside of my comfort zone as a Christian and review works from people who don’t share the same belief system as mine. Whether it is a book by a Muslim author or a Jewish one, I’m open to learning about other religions and customs. Well, The Happiness Prayer fits the bill. Authored by Rabbi Evan Moffic, a young man who leads a large synagogue in Chicago, The Happiness Prayer is notable in that its wisdom can apply to any religion — even if the examples it culls from are Jewish in origin.
The Happiness Prayer is exactly what it bills itself to be: it is an ancient Jewish prayer that has 10 practices for finding pure happiness. Moffic guides the reader through each practice that makes up the prayer, whether it is forgiving others for their transgressions (it’ll make you a more joyful person) or just simply celebrating the good times when they happen. The book should be a godsend to those who either want to do deep personal reflections or those who are members of religious book clubs because there’s a series of questions at the back of the book to offer further thinking on the practices proposed within.
Read more here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
The Happiness Prayer is exactly what it bills itself to be: it is an ancient Jewish prayer that has 10 practices for finding pure happiness. Moffic guides the reader through each practice that makes up the prayer, whether it is forgiving others for their transgressions (it’ll make you a more joyful person) or just simply celebrating the good times when they happen. The book should be a godsend to those who either want to do deep personal reflections or those who are members of religious book clubs because there’s a series of questions at the back of the book to offer further thinking on the practices proposed within.
Read more here: https://medium.com/@zachary_houle/a-r...
September 19, 2017
The Happiness Prayer helped me to learn a lot about the Jewish culture and specific Judaism in many different ways. I found and learned the different to many Hebrew words, which made it easier to understand some Hebrew words I didn't understand. I was amazed to learn that a Hebrew Child is named at eight days old. This book was informative and provided so many great details on customs that I wasn't aware of. Although The Happiness Prayer, wasn't exactly what I thought it would be, it gave me a lot of other insight that I had not expected. I think if the reader can open up their perspective and being willing to learning, this book will open your eyes to new things and a new perspective of doing things. I give this book 4/5 stars. Thank you to the publisher for providing me a complimentary copy for review.
November 26, 2017
This book is an interesting concept. He takes a piece of Talmud from the morning service and show how it is so very relevant to today's world and our individual lives. Moffic writes in a breezy style interspersing wisdom of the Jewish tradition and modern research and psychology. It reminds me in some ways of Rabbi Harold Kushner. He uses personal stories to make his points. His section on forgiveness is particularly good. I used a portion of this book with my congregation, who wonders if this piece of Talmud is a prayer or included in the siddur/prayerbook for study purposes. I explained that I use A Woman of Valor from Proverbs and traditionally recited on Friday nights (and included in many prayerbooks) as a similar kind of check list. I wish that he had included footnotes and sources.
March 22, 2018
If a book touts (on the cover, the introduction and blurbs on book seller sites) that it is based on an ancient Hebrew prayer, I would like to see the complete prayer, complete with source, the transliteration, and a modern translation. Maybe even a well-known traditional translation.
When all I get is a summary of the important points in the introduction, well, I feel cheated. Yes, the book covers a lot of self-help information on the difference between how we define success and how we live with happiness.
It's well-written, but I've read other books on being happy. Books I enjoyed more.
You may well love the book. It has stories from Moffic's experiences (which are interesting and enlightening) linked to the steps of the prayer. (They are very similar to the 10 commandments.) You may enjoy the book. I found it just OK.
When all I get is a summary of the important points in the introduction, well, I feel cheated. Yes, the book covers a lot of self-help information on the difference between how we define success and how we live with happiness.
It's well-written, but I've read other books on being happy. Books I enjoyed more.
You may well love the book. It has stories from Moffic's experiences (which are interesting and enlightening) linked to the steps of the prayer. (They are very similar to the 10 commandments.) You may enjoy the book. I found it just OK.
May 27, 2018
The Happiness Prayer is a bit of an unfortunate name for this book. It is about a wisdom prayer from the Jewish tradition that provides a way towards a happier life, so it's not that it's inaccurately named - it's just that I really want to stress that it matters what one means by happiness. Happiness can easily be understood to be satisfying ones wants and desires, putting self first, getting the stuff you really want, etc. That is not the happiness Rabbi Moffic is speaking of. Happiness here is similar to the way "abundant life" is talked about in the Gospels. Learning behaviors, attitudes and habits that are fulfilling and lead to better self-understanding and to better relationships with God and other people. Enjoyed this book, especially the many stories from Jewish traditional sources.
December 28, 2017
I really enjoyed this book. As someone that has struggled over the years with my faith and life, I often have a hard time reading books that are too religious or "preachy". This one is neither. I found it helpful in my search for my faith at a time I've been trying to get back to my Jewish roots and, more importantly, learn to live and be happy.
I would recommend this to anyone who just wants to find a path to happiness. It has Jewish ways in it but can be read and followed by people of any religion, or no religion at all.
*I received a free copy for my honest review and that is what I have given.
I would recommend this to anyone who just wants to find a path to happiness. It has Jewish ways in it but can be read and followed by people of any religion, or no religion at all.
*I received a free copy for my honest review and that is what I have given.
October 2, 2019
A very interesting and readable book written by a rabbi based on a traditional prayer written 2000 years ago.
The book encourages us to honour those who gave us life whilst inviting others into our lives. It also supports praying with intention, forgiveness and keeping learning.
A worthwhile read for Jews and Christians alike.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
The book encourages us to honour those who gave us life whilst inviting others into our lives. It also supports praying with intention, forgiveness and keeping learning.
A worthwhile read for Jews and Christians alike.
I was given this book by Netgalley and the publisher. This is my voluntary and impartial review.
July 19, 2019
It is an well written, easy and even fun read. It introduce 10 practices which can have positive impact on the practitioners life.
The practices are:
Honor Those Who Gave You Life
Be Kind
Keep Learning
Invite Others into Your Life
Be There When Others Need You
Celebrate Good Times
Support Yourself and Others During Times of Loss
Pray with Intention
Forgive
Look Inside and Commit
The practices are:
Honor Those Who Gave You Life
Be Kind
Keep Learning
Invite Others into Your Life
Be There When Others Need You
Celebrate Good Times
Support Yourself and Others During Times of Loss
Pray with Intention
Forgive
Look Inside and Commit
December 11, 2020
What a lovely book!
Each chapter can be taken on its own or can build.
I loved the chapters on loss- which were very timely for me.
Rabbi Moffic writes beautifully, and everything is easy to understand and appreciate.
Each chapter can be taken on its own or can build.
I loved the chapters on loss- which were very timely for me.
Rabbi Moffic writes beautifully, and everything is easy to understand and appreciate.
September 18, 2023
A fine read for someone looking for an introduction to some of the key tennents of a balanced, peaceful life based on Jewish philosophy. A lot of the anecdotes and examples the author referenced were things with which I was deeply familiar so I was disappointed there wasn't much new in here for me.
December 14, 2017
I love Evan Moffic's approach to living a meaningful life. The book is wonderful. I'm keeping it close at hand on my shelf. And thank you Diane, for bringing my attention to it!
December 16, 2017
Insightful
Well written. Easy to digest and excellent content. Will be recommending this book going forward. The author has made ancient wisdom accessible for us today.
Well written. Easy to digest and excellent content. Will be recommending this book going forward. The author has made ancient wisdom accessible for us today.
February 6, 2021
I found this book remarkably enjoyable and thoroughly engaging. Rabbi Moffic provides simple analysis and relatable examples. It’s left me wanting to know so much more!
May 19, 2022
Comforting and inspiring, a reminder of what truly matters and a guide to creating more joy and meaning in life from a Jewish perspective. I will return to this book for its wisdom and guidance.
March 18, 2023
This book has been a joy to read. It is full of useful and original insight. From the first paragraph, it has been engaging. Written by a rabbi, i am eager to read more of his work. Truly enjoyable.
November 24, 2017
I read it not as a religious book even if it is, but I tried to keep the good things beyond the religious aspect. The writer is a rabbi and my religion is different but I liked the common part of all this: how to be grategul, king, learn new things, forgive and so on. Great book.
December 21, 2017
The Happiness Prayer by Rabbi Evan Moffic is a beautiful book. It takes an ancient Jewish prayer and shows us how the ideas mentioned in it will help us to live a happier life, some of these ideas are to pray with intent, be kind, and honor your elders. We are taken through each idea and shown how it can be implemented inti our lives. This is not just a book for jews, but for all humanity.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews