Negative emotions have much to teach us about ourselves and our relationships with others and the world at large. Rabbi Bonder draws on the wisdom of the Talmud, Hasidic tales, and Jewish mystical lore in presenting insights into the effects of envy, jealousy, hatred, and anger. He shows that whether we are on the giving or the receiving end of these unpleasant emotions, we can learn to transform them and live peacefully in the spirit of the biblical commandment "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Among the topics discussed are: The consequences of malicious gossip, slander, and insults Cultivating humility as the middle way between pride and lack of self-esteem Learning to rejoice in the happiness and success of others Knowing when it's better not to be nice The proper way to correct or criticize others Living with ill-will and avoiding fights Forgiveness and reconciliation Turning your enemy into your best friend
Rabbi Nilton Bonder was trained at the Jewish Theological Seminary in New York City and lectures regularly in the United States. Born in Brazil, he is a best selling author of eighteen books in Latin America. He leads one of Brazil most influential Jewish congregations and is also active in the civil rights and ecological causes. Some of his books have been translated in Europe and Asia and five of them in the US.
His last book published in the US has been selected among the best 20 books on Judaica on 2002 and has been included in the Best Jewish Writing of 2002 - organized by Tikkun Magazine.
Our Immoral Soul was adapted as a play and selected as the best brazilian play of 2007 by Veja Magazine, the most prestigious in the country. It has a version being staged in São Paulo (www.almaimoral.com) and another in Buenos Aires (www.elalmainmoral.com.ar). An English adaptation is to begin in 2011 in Australia.
A second play is scheduled to be staged in Brazil on his book "Heaven's Criminal Code".
His latest book "Taking off Your Shoes" on an expedition with Harvard University on footsteps of Abraham, has made the best selling lists in the country.
He has led workshops for main corporations like IBM, MCI, ABN-Amro, Globo Network Television, Brazilian Oil Company and delivered lectures at Boston University, New York Central Library, American Academy of Psychoanalysis, Blanton Peale Counseling Center, Open Center, San Francisco and New York, Nationaal Vakbodsmuseum, Amsterdam, Leiden University, Omega Institute, The Learning Anex, San Francisco, Libreria L'Ancora, Milão, State of the World Forum, Brandeis University, Jewish Museum, Praga, and United Nations Peace Conference.
