Rating: 
Summary: When you think all is lost.
Review: Many years ago Rabbi Harold Kushner wrote the now classic book, When Bad Things Happen to Good People. Now it is as if Rabbi Naomi Levy has written a companion book with To Begin Again, which also discusses constructively what we can do when our lives are turned upset down.Drawing on her own experience when her father was killed and the author was a young woman, Rabbi Levy explains how she turned away from God and questioned how God could allow this murder to occur to her religious father and family. But she also goes on to describe the change in her thoughts abotu God as she attended college and then decided to become a Rabbi. Rabbi Levy explains how she came to think of God as by our side during our lowest times and the power or force that guides us back to productive lives. The author also helps us to see how other things in our lives like nature and friends and even community actitivites can help sustain us as we begin to live again As I enjoyed reading Rabbi Kushner's book almost 20 years ago, so did I enjoy Rabbi Levy's equally inspiring and informative book. And to add to my reading pleasure was the wonderful experience I had when I was able to hear Rabbi Levy speak in person and meet with her afterwards. I do hope she will continue to write and look forward to reading her books.
Rating:
Summary: It is hard to begin again
Review: This is a diamond of a book. I only wish Ms Levy had others to read.
Her book should appeal to Jews and Christians alike for we are truely one people. I thought her descriptions of pastoral work was enlightening and provided an interesting glimpse into the Jewish world that I know so little about. Her prayers are an inspiration and I (as a Christian) read them almost daily.
Don't miss this one it's realllly gooood!
Rating:
Summary: A touching and uplifting must-read.
Review: What a wonderful book. Rabbi Levy's thoughts and words are insightful and uplifting, and her strength and courage are incredibly contagious. By inviting her readers to share in her own pain and struggles, Rabbi Levy shows each of us, first hand, that it is possible to overcome even the most insurmountable obstacles and tragedies in one's life. She shows us that, no matter how painful it may be to confront the torments of our pasts, this confrontation is a necessary step on the road to healing. I have yet to read an author who has touched me on so many levels. By inviting her readers to glimpse into the lives of her congregants, Rabbi Levy shows us that, no matter how alone we may feel in our day-to-day struggles, there is always someone else who can understand or empathize with our pain. I recommend this remarkable book to everyone whose spirit and soul could use a lift. This book offers so much to so many. Thank you.
Rating:
Summary: Truly compassionate and comforting
Review: When I puchased this book it was with a little trepidation that it would not live up to all its reviews and ratings. In my opinion it deserves them all. I have found it a gentle, comforting and understanding companion during my time of intense pain, loss and loneliness after the sudden and recent death of my father. I loved my dad beyond words as he did his family - he was always there for us. This book with its stories, prayers and compassionate words makes you feel that you are not going crazy or behaving oddly in your time of pain. It is written in such an understanding and empathetic way and addresses all the feelings one has after tradgedy strikes. It has been spiritually uplifting for me. You certainly do not have to be Jewish to appreciate the wonderful compassion and stories that are contained in the pages of this superb book. It does not promise quick fixes but helps you to understand the pain you are going through, shows you that you are human and gives you pathways to seek assistance and eventually the coming to terms with what has happened. Naomi Levy has written this book from the soul.
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