Customer Reviews

Day By Day: Reflections on the Themes of the Torah from Literature, Philosophy, and Religious Thought

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I was deeply saddened to learn of the death of Chaim Stern, the editor of this book. He had a profound impact on my life. Through his prayer books and other writings, he has touched millions of people. Please, allow yourself the joy of being touched by his work, and buy this book! He is an inspired man who shares wisdom that will have a lasting impact on you. He was one of the greatest thinkers of our time. His passing is a tragic loss, since he remained so prolific. Yet, his words will live on and on. Please enjoy the richness of this book for years to come, and let his memory and influence continue forever!

This volume of readings for a year sets the tone for each week with a reading from the Torah. For each day of the week there is a selection of readings. These readings may be a single sentence, a poem, a paragraph, a teaching tale. They are a variety of traditional Judaica, philosophers, poets, Christians, Hindus, Buddhist, Taoist. They are so well selected that they create a coherent whole not a mishmash and reflect a deep, mature spirituality on the part of the collector. While the weekly cycle may target a Jewish audience, the book is so well put together that it can be recommended for individuals of any religious persuasion.

A concrete example of the variety. For week 28 (Leviticus 14:1-15:33) Sunday: Emily Dickinson, Jacob J. Halevi, Dag Hammarskjold; Monday: psalm, Talmud; Tuesday: psalm, Chasidic, Kenneth Hildebrand, Leigh Hunt; Wednesday: Talmud, Blaise Pascal, Sigrid Undset, Sir Thomas Browne; Thursday: Psalm, Yiddish proverb, Janet Harrison, Archibald Rutledge, Juvenal; Friday: Abba Kovner, Chasidic, Elinor Wylie, Helen Keller; Shabbat: Psalm, Lion Feuchtwanger, Clarence E, Pickett, Booker T. Washington, Albert Camus. Wonderful.

A very worthwhile read. The author has used terrific and verifiable sources for this inspirational daily devotion. Perfect for those of us who don't have much time for reading; yet desire personal growth. These reflections offer depth of insight and encouragement. I highly recommend it.

This is a the work of a brilliant man--a compilation of thought and stories, poems and prose from the world's great thinkers and writers. Wonderful for anyone with any interest in contemplation of the great themes of life. Truly spiritual.

This is the book I read each morning before breakfast. I have been through it a number of times on its annual cycle. My first time through the book I indicated which passages I liked best. Then on the second pass, I underlined phrases I liked. Now I write in the margins my own words in response to the words printed. No other book in by library has that distinction. A book that has become so moving and intimate to my life is surely a magnificent book. The editor/author, Rabbi Stern, is by my account a blessing to all who have met him through his work. I highly recommend this book.