Rating: 
Summary: What a gem 20 Stars!!
Review: ...... There is no bad chapter in this book which is 350 pages. And every page is packed with lightbulb moments, and the wisdom shared is wisdom that men as well as women, young adults to elders amongst us will savor. And when I said to my husband that Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis is someone I would like to have for a friend he stopped what he was doing and remarked that she must be very wise for me to say such a thing. But the fact is, she is someone who will remind the reader of a favorite relative, teacher, neighbor, friend who when they spoke they brought to life the adage that one shouldn't speak unless they have something of value to add. The author is also an excellent role model for humanity, having come through the darkest valleys of life (the holocaust) not a victim but a survivor and a champion for those who believe in taking what one has in their pantry of life and making a feast for the mind, body and spirit. The other thing wonderful I found in the book is the same belief that my Dad taught me, which is that by doing something good one passes a positive memory onto someone. The story of the young children who were kind to the young disabled child playing baseball creates the positive memory for all involved. The young woman Beth who befriended the kitten in Israel was a wonderful reminder that kindness to Gods creation never goes unnoticed. And I especially loved reading of parents whose children were lost by societies standards, but who proved society wrong. Or the stories shared of older couples struggling with spouses who had mental health challenges and bad habit challenges, and how there is a positive answer if one looks to God. This is THE book that we are buying for Mothers and Father's Day and Graduation and Birthday gifts. It is I promise you one of those rare books where you read a chapter, put it down and within a few hours you want to read more. And when you are finished you want to re-read it and in doing so you discover new lessons you missed the times before.
Rating:
Summary: A BEAUTIFUL REMINDER OF HOW PRECIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL LIFE IS
Review: A MOST BEAUTIFUL AND INSPIRING BOOK. FROM THE MOMENT I BEGAN TO READ IT,I COULD NOT PUT IT DOWN. IN A TIME SO THIRSTY FOR MORALS AND DIRECTION, THIS BOOK SHINES WITH SPIRITUALITY AND SENSITIVITY. THIS IS NOT A BOOK THAT SIMPLY READS, THIS BOOK SPEAKS TO YOU. RIGHT TO THE HEART!! I HAVE GIVEN THIS BOOK AS GIFTS TO MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY MEMBERS. I PLAN TO BUY MORE COPIES FOR HANUKAH GIFTS. THIS BOOK IS THE GREATEST REMEDY FOR ALL THAT AILS US. I LOVED IT, AND AM GRATEFUL REBBITZIN JUNGREIS TOOK THE TIME TO SHARE HER WONDERFUL KNOWLEDGE AND STORIE S WITH US.
Rating: 
Summary: nice and innocuous
Review: After spending a Shabbos reading this book and skimming through the online reviews, I found myself agreeing with both the positive and negative reviews: this was a goodhearted, innocuous, somewhat worthwhile, but ultimately not totally satisfying little book. You will certainly not hurt yourself reading it, but I would consider it more a snack than a meal. This book is very similar to Rabbi Telushkin's book, The Book of Jewish Values, in that it applies timeless Jewish wisdom to the equally timeless day-to-day problems of anger, gossip, etc. that have no doubt afflicted humanity since its origin. But Telushkin's book is meatier, more intellectual, more willing to grapple with the close calls -- so if you've read and liked Telushkin's book, it won't kill you to skip this one. If you haven't read either book, which should you read (or better yet read first?) I personally liked Telushkin's book MUCH better, but I think the answer to this question is a matter of taste. A few thoughts: 1) Jungreis's book is shorter (a fast 330 or so pages), maybe a little less complex -- I think it would be a better book for children and teenagers.
2) Although both Jungreis and Telushkin are Orthodox Jews, Jungreis is clearly writing much more for an audience of people who are Orthodox (or at least on the way to becoming Orthodox). By which I mean: Jungreis assumes that the voice of tradition is the voice of G-d, and understandably wants you to agree with her on that ground alone. Telushkin tends to softpedal such broad theological issues.
3) Jungreis' book is much more personal and autobiographical (and she certainly has an amazing life story), Telushkin's much more abstract.
4) Jungreis's book is a little more gooey and sentimental, Telushkin's a bit less so.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful! Inspiring! Ten stars!
Review: An amazing book by a wisdom-filled elder of our people! I absolutely loved it! All too often, the only stories we ever hear about Holocaust survivors are those who lost their faith in God because he supposedly was "not there" and failed to rescue the Jews. Why be religious, the skeptics always say, if it doesn't help you to physically survive? But for Rebbitzin Jungreis, descendant of an illustrious rabbinic dynasty and a survivor of the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp, there is more to life than mere survival. God is always there, even under the most horrible conditions that life can throw at us. The question is not how we die, but how we live. As her father taught her -- and she quotes him in the book -- "A long life is not good enough, but a good life is long enough." To Rebbitzin Jungreis, the "good life" is not one filled with material possessions, but rather, a life devoted to God, Torah, and mitzvahs -- a life filled with hope, forgiveness, joy and love. Short or long, such a life is always a good life. After surviving Bergen-Belsen, her father, who had been Chief Rabbi of Szeged, Hungary, before the Nazis came, charged her with a sacred mission: to help renew the faith in God among Jews, which the Nazis had tried to destroy. Rebbitzin Jungreis has devoted her life to doing just that. Her deep spirituality radiates from every page of this book -- not the wishy-washy, self-centered form of "spirituality" so often preached by New Agers nowadays, but the real thing -- the kind of spirituality that takes hard work -- and which manifests itself in a life committed to God and service to one's fellow human beings under any and all circumstances. I especially liked the parts where she talks about about doing tikkun olam (repairing the world) and forgiveness, saying: "To respond to hatred with hated can only beget further hatred and reduce the world to chaos. Whenever possible, we have to try to communicate by using the formual of our father Abraham by attempting to awaken the Divine spark even in the darkest of souls." (p. 38) Remember, this is from a Holocaust survivor, who personally experienced the darkest chapter in Jewish history. But, unlike many Jews who became embittered and still say "Never forgive," Rebbitzin Jungreis does not allow hatred to fester and poison her soul. Instead, she lights a candle in the darkness, working to heal broken hearts and rescue wounded souls from the abyss. This is a book you will want to read over and over. Whatever your own level of religious observance might be, her personal stories and heartwarming, down-to-earth advice will help you to lead a more meaningful life.
Rating:
Summary: A book certain to change your life!
Review: Here is a book that encompasses a no nonsense, tried and true formula for living a fulfilling and successful life. No, it is not the world according to Tony Robbins or any superhyped new idea of the milennium. It is the tried and true formula written by G-d in the Torah (the Old Testament.) Yes, I am jewish, but trust me, you don't have to be to read and use the concepts in this book. In practical language, and beautiful stories Esther Jungreis will fill you with inspiration and you will not leave the world of this book without becoming a better person. Please read this book...It will change your life.
Rating:
Summary: From HaShem's Book of Happiness
Review: In a time when most authors encourage readers to concentrate on themselves in the quest for happiness and fulfillment, Rebbetzin Jungreis pulls timeless truths from the Torah and from the writings of Rabbis and other wise people. This pithy and positive life view from a woman who spent much of her tender years in a concentration camp brims over with the true joy and true contentment of putting others' needs first, out of obedience and love for the Almighty. In addition, Rebbetzin Jungreis quotes accurately and in full from her sources--she has too much respect and love for both sources and readers to do otherwise. Depressed? Broken-hearted? Afraid? Feeling as if nothing matters? Get a life! A committed life, that is. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless Biblical Wisdom
Review: Rebbetzin Jungreis is an amazing woman and an amazing author as well. This book is one of my favorites! The Rebbetzin is a remarkable storyteller, her work is infused with wisdom that can only come from the Bible. When you read this book you will want to make changes in your own life, and you will be better for it!
Rating:
Summary: Flowing With Inspiration That Will Warm Your Soul
Review: The Committed Life is a truly memorable book that will touch your soul. There are many stories which detail of faith in G_d and human courage. Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis has experienced so much in her life most particularly enduring the evils of a Nazi Concentration Camp as a little girl. The Rebbetzin has gathered so much strength from her peers in that camp, that she has dedicated her life to inspiring others. There are so many inspiring accounts where Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis has saved others who need some spiritual guidance. Even a chance encounter with a passenger on a flight back to New York from Portland resulted in the passenger re-examining his own lifestyle and being more serious about Judaism. And what about her influence on such individuals plagued by the demons of drug addiction and cults? A truly phenomenal account. The Rebbetzin strives to encourage individuals to look to invite G_d into their lives. Throughout The Committed Life, The Rebbetzin illustrates in striking detail the many ways she has encouraged those with varying personal problems to apply loving kindness from the Torah, Talmud, and other good books as opposed to re-acting with malice. There are times when the Rebbetzin's tone may appear a bit aggressive. However, based upon her many experiences in a concentration camp and witnessing other draining events, one can at the very least understand that she has seen quite a lot. The Rebbetzin details her marriage to her husband, Rabbi Meshulem Jungreis with extreme warmth and passion. It's clear that she valued his loving kindness and inspiration to all no matter what the circumstances. The story of the Rabbi's relationship with one particularly congregation member, David stands out extremely. Grit, faith, and determination stand in the forefront in this account in David's quest to receive the Rabbi's blessing under the most extreme circumstances. This section alone will tug at your heart and will have you desiring oh so much more. Inspiring, captivating, and filled with passion. I can relate to many of the Rebbetzin's thoughts and feelings and look forward to reading and experiencing more of her spiritual soul.
Rating: 
Summary: Good...
Review: This book alone was nearly enough to convince me NOT to convert to Judaism. Jungreis sounds almost cultish in her stories of bringing non-practicing Jews to Orthodoxy. Any moral value or even sentimentality of the book is likely to be lost on most readers.
Rating:
Summary: encouraging
Review: this book is inspiring and encouraging. anecdotal stories on living a torah life. tamu
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