The suffering that brings you to despair
and even desperation can—with healing—become a
source of hope, purpose and blessing.
Are you:
Feeling anxious?
Feeling depressed because of the loss of health, a relationship or a job?
Grieving the loss of a loved one?
Grieving loss by a suicide?
Feeling hopeless?
Concerned about a friend who has suicidal thoughts?
Feeling anxious?
Feeling depressed because of the loss of health, a relationship or a job?
Grieving the loss of a loved one?
Grieving loss by a suicide?
Feeling hopeless?
Concerned about a friend who has suicidal thoughts?
This wise and helpful guide explores the
nature of personal suffering and brokenness and the potential
for personal crisis as a source of strength and renewal instead
of despair and death. Examining the personal journeys of
biblical and historical figures such as Moses, Maimonides,
Abraham Lincoln and Martin Buber—as well as the
author’s own personal experience with despair—it
looks at brokenness as an inescapable element of the human
condition. It traces the path of suffering from despair to
depression to desperation to the turning
point—healing—when first-hand knowledge of
suffering can be transformed into blessing.
“Can help readers in pain move from a life of deep suffering to one of healing and purpose.”
—Jewish Book World
“A deft blend of the personal and
the theological, a book to lift souls and even to save
lives.”
—Rabbi
Harold Kushner, author, When Bad Things Happen to Good People
“Wisdom of the heart and of the
head…. A book for those who struggle with depression, and
for those who live with those who struggle with depression. In
short, for many, many of us.”
—Rabbi
Joseph Telushkin, author, A Code of Jewish Ethics and
Jewish Literacy
Jewish Literacy
“People of all religions will find both wisdom and practical inspiration here. Highly recommended.”
—Library Journal
“Rich with honesty and
wisdom…. Gets to the heart of the human experience of
prolonged despair and the possibilities for healing. Gentle,
learned and insightful … provides kind and solid company
for anyone seeking guidance, perspective and hope when the
world comes crashing in.”
—Rabbi
Nancy Flam, co-founder, National
Center for Jewish Healing;
co-director, Programs, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
co-director, Programs, Institute for Jewish Spirituality
“Offers much advice in dealing with [despair] soundly and pro-actively.... An excellent read and a solid gift for those who are dealing with a serious case of the blues.”
—Midwest Book Review
“Reminds us that we are not alone, suffering is not new and healing is possible.... Full of useful information.”
—Publishers Weekly
Erica Shapiro Taylor is a volunteer with Tarbut V’Torah Day
School and a court appointed special advocate.
