Toward a Meaningful Life

This book was recommended to me during a time in my life where I was suffering from serious clinical depression - although I didn't know it at the time. One of my significant steps towards self-healing was through the reading and re-reading of chapters in this book coupled with application. I continually use different chapters as a source and for reminders. I have recommended this book to many and given it to others - and, uniformly, each has appreciated the contents. The messages are sound, thought-provoking, and for me, provided guidance and answers. The book is very rich - probably more relevant to an older, more mature/experienced-in-life reader, but many parts can be exerpted for dealing with children, husbands, wives, parents and, of course, life.

The author of this book compiles teaching from the Rebbe (Menachem Schneerson, the Lubavitcher rebbe until 1994) in a simple and skillful way, dividing them into topics that can be readily addressed. There are chapters on children and education, marriage and choosing a wife, sadness and how to cope with it, death; basically, all major emotions and events in life. The chapters are full of anecdotes, which make for a very vivid way of teaching. Though I am not a deeply religious man, I certainly appreciate the comfort provided by the book. It is not restricted to Jews, though I think Jews would be more familiar with the stories. It does an attempt to reconcile religion with science (a feeble one, I should add), being this I think the only more controversial part of it; otherwise, I can almost picture the old man whispering in my ear, pointing in the direction of righteousness and goodness.

Simon Jacobson's Toward A Meaningful Life is a true classic which pairs spiritual and intellectual concepts with advice and perceptions of everyday life: while its roots are in Judaism, its advice and insights will appeal to a wide audience and may be used as a self-help approach to finding wisdom in a chaotic modern life.

Both the title and the jacket of this book caught my attention, but little did I know what an incredible book this was until I began to read it. "Wisdom" only begins to describe it. It is so much deeper than that word conveys. Every time I read a selection from it, I see it with fresh eyes, and get something new from it. I've read it, and recommended it, over and over. I can't get enough of it.

Deserves more than 5 stars! I can't tell you how many times, while reading this book, I said 'this is so true' or 'I wish I knew this earlier'. Do yourself a favor, buy it and READ it!