I received a free copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.
An honest and open discussion of the esoteric teachings of the Torah as it relates to the depths of the human condition in author Pnei Hashem’s “You”.
The Synopsis
There is a wisdom awaiting you that is not supposed to be a secret. It is ancient, and it is available, but it is widely unknown. It has been hidden for too long, and it is time for it to be revealed.
Existence is not meaningless. Humanity is not irredeemable. The future is not bleak. The alienation and despair that lurk just beneath the surface of the modern psyche are not the inevitable human condition. They are the result of misguided ideologies that pervade our global culture and invade our every thought. Each of us – each and every one of us – is so much more than we imagine. We are here for a reason, and we are equipped with all of the capabilities that we require.
“You” is an introduction to the deepest depths of the human experience based on the esoteric teachings of the Torah. These concepts have been shrouded in the cloistered world of Chasidic mysticism for millennia, and the goal here is to present them in terms that will be accessible and resonant to the layperson. The ideas that “You” expounds will be useful and inspiring for people of all creeds, races, and backgrounds, for those who practice and believe as well as those who question and doubt.
As our society is descending, once again, into conflict, tribalism, and illiberalism, it will be a better world for all of us when each of us recognizes her/his infinite value.
The Review
This was a truly profound and engaging read. The heart of this book lies in the exploration of Jewish mysticism and the Torah as a whole. The author’s expertise and research were so well-defined in this book, exploring passages and discoveries about this religious text that few modern spiritual and mystic readers have taken the time to explore on their own. The imagery of these passages was powerful in their own right, as it helps to see the connections between the stories being told and the messages that they have within them.
What stuck out to me immediately was the way in which the author was able to write about this subject without taking a “preaching” or “conversion” approach to the topics. The way the author allows people of all backgrounds to explore this topic and draw their own conclusions from it was so inspiring to read, for although I am spiritual I am not really a believer in any one particular religion or faith. However, the concept of ego death and the realities of consciousness as a whole was so captivating to read about.
The Verdict
Thrilling, mesmerizing, and thought-provoking, author Pnei Hashem’s “You” is a must-read nonfiction spiritual read. The eye-opening discussions and combination of philosophical and spiritual themes in regard to the Torah and Jewish Mysticism were brilliant to behold, and diving into the history and culture of this particular faith was heartwarming to read about. If you haven’t yet, be sure to grab your copy today!
Rating: 10/10
About the Author
The author, who wishes to remain anonymous, is an award-winning writer in the secular world who was introduced to the wellsprings of Torah and Chassidus as a young adult. After decades of study and frequent interaction with some of the most renowned Rabbis of the generation, the author has been encouraged to focus his clear and incisive writing style on the explication of the depths of Torah.Regarding the author’s anonymity, the hope is that this will enable the reader to focus exclusively on the message and not the messenger. The concept of bittul is central to the Chassidic tradition, yet it defies precise interpretation. Commonly translated as self-nullification, the idea is that one can express her/his greatest potential when s/he allows the infinite to flow through her/him without the interference of the ego. That said, each of us has been created with particular qualities and talents with which we are to fulfill our given task. Therefore, one must strive to make a positive impact on the world while simultaneously nullifying her/his desire for recognition or acclaim.The Lubavitcher Rebbe taught that everyone has a responsibility to use the qualities with which s/he was divinely endowed to share the universal wisdom and inspiration of Torah with those who are within one’s sphere of influence: if you know aleph, teach aleph. It is the author’s hope that this book will help many others – of all backgrounds and affiliations – to see the beauty and elegance of every aspect of their existence, and to live a life of profound optimism, love, meaning, and purpose.
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