Garden Of Emunah: A Practical Guide To Life

by Rav Shalom Arush

Emuna--faith--is the cornerstone for every Jew, and a deepening of faith opens our eyes to blessings and opportunities we never thought possible. This practical book offers insights into emuna, collected from very stories, commentaries, and teachings presented in an easily readable format. Comparing faith to a garden, this book leads the reader into the lush, fragrant world of true emuna--an existence marked by its exquisite limitlessness and a manner of living that is harmonious with God's will.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Self Help, Religion, Spirituality, Judaica, Nonfiction

292 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

About the author

Rav Shalom Arush is an Israeli Breslov rabbi and founder of the Chut Shel Chessed Institutions. He spreads the teachings of Rebbe Nachman of Breslov among Sephardic and Ashkenazic baalei teshuva, as well as many non-Jews, around the world through his books and speaking appearances.

Reviews

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic book to read. I loved the simplicity of it and how it really lays out the framework that human beings never have a need to feel overwhelmed, lonely or depressed.

[Craig Lewis]

Terrific book for person of any faith. Very impactful and accessible. Helps with business and professionally. One of the best books in this genre I have ever read.

[Toddlisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most profound books I have ever read! It brings enlightenment in all aspects of life. This is a must read to everyone!!!!

[Joel Kleehammer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is truly an amazing book. It has the power and the potential to change your life and enhance your relationship the translator, Lazer Brody (who is also awesome). However, that is only if you can accept Shalom Arush's definition of emuna, or faith. Rebbe Arush is truly a gifted author and speaker. He is both very knowledgeable and very accessible. He is engaged daily in the bringing of Torah to the masses, much in the pattern of The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of Blessed Memory. Rebbe Arush has written numerous works and had them translated from Hebrew into English, Spanish, French, Russian, German, and Yiddish.

Garden of Emunah is no exception. Here is the essence of the book in three parts: 1. Basic-level emuna: This is the firm belief that everything comes from Hashem by way of perfect divine providence, even the tiniest and most seemingly insignificant event. 2. Intermediate-level emuna: In addition to flawless basic emuna, the intermediate believes that everything Hashem does is for the very best. 3. Upper-level emuna: In addition to solid basic and intermediate level emuna, the upper-level individual believes that Hashem does everything for a specific purpose, and that every one of Hashem's actions conveys a special message.

I can accept that everything is from Hashem (G-d), in the sense that He either wills it, or He at least doesn't do anything to stop it; however, I cannot believe that everything that happens in a day, from my lost sock to being late to the bus stop is part of the plan of the Almighty. So, I can tackle level one without too much trouble. I can go with level two, but I cannot believe that everything is divine and for a reason. The author does well at explaining his case, but I just don't accept it fully.

This book would work well for anyone, so long as they believe in a God (which one is irrelevant and your personal denomination does not matter). It would, however, be easier to agree with all of the points if one were Jewish, like the author, but that's just my opinion.

[Riobhcah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Observing Halacha is wonderful, but it should lead us to the most important thing: that we believe in HaShem and thank him for being our Creator.

[Eliezer Sneiderman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trust in G-d is the difference between anxiety and serenity

[Yaffa]

Emunatecha Befi - not available on goodreads

[Rivka Levy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of the most life-transforming books you'll ever read.

It teaches you a bunch of profound things about some of life's biggest questions, including why 'bad' things happen to 'good' people; how to keep smiling when you're going through a tough patch; and how to break out of negative thought patterns and beliefs that keep you trapped in 'self-destruct' mode.

A must-read for spiritual seekers of any background, who really want to know how the world works, and what God wants from us.

[Stephanie Corbett · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is truly life changing!

[Chloe · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of book you can read over and over again..

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book came highly recommended and it's a good book. Very basic but important ideas throughout.

[Alexander Lochard · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a very powerful book. It made me realize that everything happens in life for a reason. Nothing occurs to one's life and existence out of the blue. Every little thing that happens in our lives is surely forged by our thoughts and our acts. I discovered that when my mind begins to wander off deep into thought, my thoughts can easily run lose, in all directions, eventually leaving my inner self feeling disappointment. Reading The Garden of Emuna has definitely shed a light on the source that reaches deep into my soul which I will name it "certainty". To live one's life and existence with certainty (emuna), which for some people is faith, is the essence of being one with the One. After reading this amazing book I have become more aware of my surroundings and how I tend to be reactive. This new awareness is giving me the opportunity to actually feel physically, on my body, the signs when I slack off, with my running chattering mind. Through this new awareness I have experienced feeling calmness giving me the chance to reset and center myself. Though it is new to me I have been able to let go and have more Emuna through each day of my life in this beautiful world we all live in. I highly recommend this book which also is written in Spanish for those who prefer to read this eye opening book.

[Edy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this author and how he speaks about challenging times being there to be a roadmap to work on our own faults/ inner wounds.

As someone who went through a bitter divorce, the Rabbi also seems to know the female heart:

“Children are not even a consolation for a woman that feels unloved, neglected, and disrespected. Even though she has a deep dread of divorce, she’ll demand it at all costs when she sees a hopeless future. A woman prefers loneliness to a purgatory of constant criticism and humiliation.”

[Judit Gueta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really think you have to be in the right emotional (or spiritual) state when you read this book. I went through a challanging period of time with lots of anger and frustration that would have made me throw this book out of the window but when I calmed down this book helped me accept whatever the reasons might have been for my difficulties and its teachings hopefully armed me for whatever might come.

[Noa Tahar Lev · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's a very positive and uplifting book that had me mesmerized most of the times, other times where I was quite off were due to how gentiles are talked upon. The story that was alarming in particular was regarding the 3 years old that was murdered by a drunk soldier and apparently it was because of his gentile mother in his previous life. Other than that I really enjoyed it and would probably read it again whenever I feel in need of a spiritual uplifting.

[erl · Rating 1 out of 5]

Like "Clan of the Cave Bear" or "The Hobbit", I am the only person I know who didn't like this book. Although Rabbi Arush occasionally does seem to hit the nail on the head, I find much more often his assessments are trite and unrealistic. He also makes a lot of assumptions. I'm glad I read it because I gave it a shot, but overall I found it presumptuous.

[Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

I found this book presents a very negative, unJewish description of God, with bad things happening when/because people do not have strong (or strong enough) faith. On the contrary, our sages say that whatever happens, good and bad, to believer and nonbeliever, is part of God's plan and is done for our improvement.

[Michael Zeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ideas ☆☆☆☆
Grammar and spelling ☆

Was this book even proof read? "They're" instead of their?! Multiple missing words.. "Are" instead of our. " My" instead of me..

Factually incorrect statements- Hellen Keller did not develop Braille. Louis Braille, Bertha Gyndykes Dhkar, Minnie Crabb and Francesco Lana de Terzi did...

[Jennifer Thompson-Thalasinos · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book reminds me so much of The Power of Positive Thinking, but with a Jewish mindset. It helped put some things in perspective that I've struggled with since losing my husband in the San Bernardino terrorist attack. For all my Jewish and Messianic friends this is a must read.

[Kaitlin Rapke · Rating 5 out of 5]

An easy yet practical guide to attaining higher and (hopefully) unwavering belief as well as reconciling challenges that may arise and approaches/perspectives to tackle them with.
Has definitely helped me and my journey in emunah!

[Brian E. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book on explaining the Jewish definition of faith. It could only have been better if there was a chapter on how having complete faith in G-d must include the belief that G-d has faith in you. This is the best book I have ever read.

[Andrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book because it brings a sense of peace by reminding you that everything is in God's hands. Some of the actions it suggests feel a bit too extreme, but overall, the wisdom in this book is helpful and inspiring. You don’t need to be Jewish to enjoy and learn from it.

[Michael Bialys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! A must read! Will give you an entirely new perspective on life, and our relationship to G-D!

[Zac · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has been one of the most influential ever on me.

[Andrea · Rating 5 out of 5]

"When one places a grain of wheat upon fertile land, then it sprouts and grows well, and no winds or lighting and thunderbolts can harm it.
Emuna is essentially the power of growth..." 🩷

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't even begin to express how this book helped change my life. It strengthened my faith in G-d and in turn, affected my life in such a positive way. Even if you already believe in G-d (which I did before reading this book), read it. It will impact you in an incredible way. It is truly a gift.

[Golak]

there is lots to learn from this book!!!

[Maayan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Life changing book on emunah!

[Robert-bampi Rickman-smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book.

[Boweavil · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful, thoughtful, but the writing style is horrible. Just try to forget the writing and concentrate on the helpful hints for a happy life.