After the success of his spiritual memoir, The Egotist, Jesse Bogner used his tools of perception to write articles about the climate of the world. This compilation is more than merely the sum of its parts. It’s a journey through the mind of someone’s spiritual transformation commenting on the corporeal plane of existence.
From Trump, to anti-Semitism, to Israel, Bogner uses the issues of his time to express the hidden nature of reality.In Bogner’s I began writing articles about politics and the spiritual roots of a world in crisis. A world of contradictions that reveals the flawed development of man using rational systems. These rational systems that cannot cope with an irrational world and the seemingly irrational nature of the creatures that inhabit it.
It began as supplemental work to the novel I was working on, before becoming an obsession, a calling from above.The more I explored political tropes, the more my perception changed. The earth is crying out for its correction and Kabbalah is its remedy. Kabbalah is the method to reveal “the world to come” in one’s lifetime. A tool that connects the corporeal world to the spiritual plane that contains a memory of and all the force of all the great spiritual titans of Israel.
Jesse Bogner is a twenty-seven year old author, screenwriter and journalist. His memoir and social critique, The Egotist, has been translated into four languages. In 2013, he moved from New York City, where he was born and raised, abandoning a decadent lifestyle chockfull of substance abuse, to study Kabbalah in Israel under Michael Laitman. Since then, his work on the subject has been featured in The Huffington Post, Shatterproof Addiction Blog, The Jerusalem Post and The Times of Israel. He is the subject of a forthcoming documentary for Larry King’s The Spirituality Network and is currently working on a post-apocalyptic Kabbalistic novel.
Very interesting perspective on the current political situation. I am Jewish as well so I appreciate reading a political commentary from a Jewish-Israeli viewpoint. It is also interesting reading the NY Times articles on socialism at the same time as reading this book. I would like to read more by this author.
First… I must admit that the word “tikkunim” has fascinated me for more than ten years, even from the first moment when I heard it. For this reason, Jesse’s book appealed to me more than a book’s title can do. Second… Right after I had started reading it, I understood that the book is mainly an indiscriminate radiography of American politic, spiced with global politics too. Although I am not into politics (and, I love to think that I never will be)… the author’s words kept me reading on, due to a catchy compilation between the reality of our society, and the filters applied by the author’s mind, through his spiritual journey. To say that it’s a very well researched, thought-provoking collection of articles and essays that put things in perspective, is less than I want to express. In fact, it’s so much more… mainly because the author uses kabbalistic meanings and interpretations. Especially the final part where he approaches the deepness of the opposite forces, the end of suffering, pleasure-seeking and its alternative, opportunity to correct the world, Torah and angels, the world’s four phases, the absence of shame, social injustices, unconditional love, and much more. The book is not only a collection of intelligently written articles and essays, but it’s also too profound to even try to dig into its surface with a review. Tikkunim is powerful. So powerful that, it succeeded to determine a non-politic person like me, to read from the first page to the last, without even trying to skip any lines. Tikkunim is about change, about reasons, about meanings, about chaos, about relationships, systems and the future. About our possible bright future, whose brightness depends on us… the Earth’s inhabitants. Jesse Bogner not only succeeded to keep me busy, but I almost devoured Tikkunim. Nevertheless, he also made my heart beat faster, while my mind has revolted many times. Especially the third part named “Building a world of love out of the ashes.” Talking about genital mutilation and north Afrikaans, Jews, refugees and holocaust, victimhood and self-proclaimed victims, freedom of religion and much, much more… it was excessively strong for me. Jesse Bogner’s Tikkunim is a call. A call to corrections, to connect with each other, to improve our world, to love each other above all our differences. As for now, I’ll make my duty as a reviewer to conclude. For you, who see that the world is broken, I recommend Tikkunim (Corrections). For you, who want to help in repairing the world, I recommend Tikkunim (Corrections). For you, who are already tired of the push and pull of the ego game, I recommend Tikkunim (Corrections). For you, who want to end the cycle of suffering, I recommend Tikkunim (Corrections). Finally, for you who want to widely open your eyes, towards the hidden part of our reality, I recommend Tikkunim(Corrections). That being said, I’ll end my review with the author’s words. However, I am hopeful. The darkness only appears to reveal the light at the end of the tunnel.
Tikkunim (Corrections) by Jesse Bogner is a collection of the author's thoughts, articles, personal experiences, photographs, social media posts, and conversations on a whole host of topics, ranging from politics and religion to multiculturalism and the repetition of history. There's even a blurb on Bogner's opinion of the current state of film-making, sandwiched between sections on Jewish literature and anti-Semitism ("While some people say “What about Moonlight,” I would argue it’s not even the best American film in a year of very bad films. Manchester by the Sea and Nocturnal Animals were way better."). Interspersed throughout his opinions, Bogner provides background, facts, and, in many cases, supporting evidence for his stances.
It's evident that while Tikkunim was a work in progress, some of Bogner's assertions (particularly, a Trump win prediction) bordered on prophetic. The book is as intelligently written as it is indiscriminately compiled, with punches of contentious, unencumbered declarations meeting at the intersection of spirituality and calm. In fairness, even if a reader doesn't agree with everything the author has to say, it's virtually impossible to ignore the things he does get right. I personally found a lot of the reading to be uncomfortable, but something tells me that is exactly what Bogner was after. Debate fuels thought. Thought fuels reflection. Reflection fuels understanding. And it is here, in our communal convictions and shared aphorism, that Bogner and I will agree: He who is devoid of wisdom despises his neighbor, but a man of understanding holds his peace.
Review written by Please Pass the Books for Readers' Favorite.
An enlightening, controversial and thought-provoking read...
If, like me, you enjoy reading books that explore current social issues within the context of human emotion and relationships, you must read Tikkunim: (Corrections) by Jesse Bogner. The author weaves an intelligent narrative using his observation and perception skills to write articles about the climate of the world.
I'm sure the author intends his viewpoint to be a part of his unleashing of consciousness and a responsible topic to discuss. The statement he is making in the book is about how humans are destroying the earth and each other and we are destined to annihilation if we don't change our conscious behaviors. This is an honest, brave and bold exploration on the current state of world affairs. It’s needed. And the author should be commended for it regardless of whether we agree with him or not. This is why freedom of speech is so important.
Things are almost never the way that they seem at first glance, and this book emphasizes that on many points. Bogner succeeds in his mission to keep readers on the treacherous edge of making their own minds up. However, as enlightening as it is controversial, this provocative read will no doubt prove to be contentious for some. And, this would be one of the main reasons why I would highly recommend it!
Although the book's content may limit its audience, this is a book for liberal and conservative alike. It is a call for positive participation and a dedication to create a better future for our children and for those generations still to come.