Abraham J. Twerski (1930–2021)

In short, focused, well-written chapters Rabbi Dr. Abraham Twerski describes his experiences working as director of psychiatry at St. Francis Hospital in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He uses compassion, sincerity, and flexibility, to think outside the box to provide the best type of therapy to the priests and nuns who seek his treatment. He is respectful of the Catholic religion and understands that as human beings we all have failings.

If we are angry, anxious, or depressed psychotherapy can show more help us find our blind spots and come up with solutions. For many believing G-d is in charge is comforting and helpful.

Rabbi Twerski postulates that in general low self-esteem and lack of confidence cause most cases of depression. He advises people, no matter how low they've fallen, that everyone of us has unconditionally beautiful souls. Once we accept that we are all valuable, we will feel the potential of goodness waiting inside us to be expressed, and used purposefully. Regardless of what heartbreaking names we are called, or how badly we are treated, we need to understand that no one can take that divine gift away.

I especially loved that Rabbi Twersky is not arrogant and welcomes learning life lessons from everyone, including a plumber.

Excellent, engaging read. Gives reader lots to think about. show less

Using Charles Schultz's Peanuts strips, Rabbi Twerski comments on personal characteristics which can help or hinder the reader in personal development. Moderately effective and rather insightful; unfortunately many of the chosen strips are open to interpretation other than the chosen ones. Still, it is an interesting way to look at oneself, comparing one's own reactions and feelings to those of portrayed comic characters. Unfortunately not one of Rabbi Twerski's strongest books.

In this book, Twerski takes one line from scripture or the Talmud and gives a historical Chassidic Rabbi's interpretation of the line. There is frequently a little anecdotal story to illustrate the point. Then Rabbi Twerski puts it into his own words, very clearly and simply delivering the message.

He does all of this in two pages. Then he repeats the process 112 times, with other passages. Every little tiny chapter was helpful and profound, and because the chapters are so extremely short, show more and the book itself a small as well, it was a splendid book to read when I only had a very few minutes to read, but could then meditate on what I'd read while going on with the day. show less

Despite being published in 1958 many of the concepts and ideals still hold true today. Some of the messages might be common sense but a refresher course in common sense is sometimes what we need.