Customer Reviews

Life is a Test

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Everyone deals with challenges and it can be hard to understand why things happen. This book helped me focus on my role/actions, rather than on trying to understand the inexplicable events of life. I love Rebbetzin Jungreis' work and this book exceeded my expectations. Very uplifiting and inspirational work. I hope Rebbetzin Jungreis puts out more books in the future.

Prozac, Zoloft, Wellbutrin, move over. Your days are numbered. The pharmaceutical industry will lose billions in revenue after readers get their hands on this book. Simply put, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis' new book, "Life Is a Test - How To Meet Life's Challenges Successfully," (Mesorah Publications) is the spiritual equivalent to the myriad of anti-depressants on the market. There is no question that Rebbetzin Jungreis has her finger on the pulse of the people. I would surmise that from her vast experience counseling those facing a multitude of challenges that life presents, she decided to write this book as an answer to a collective cry for help from a lost generation, totally unequipped to understand the true meaning behind life's trials and tests. Fear not reader, for it is Rebbetzin Jungreis to the rescue. Your soul is about to get the ultimate work out, so get ready to stretch your spiritual muscles and become reinvigorated as you read "Life Is A Test".

This is Rebbetzin Jungreis' fourth book and its magnitude of depth, focus and analysis of our personal and communal struggles sets it apart from any other treatises on this subject. It is written as a trilogy, combining three books in one and takes the reader on a trajectory that is permeated with such a genuine sense of warmth and love that can only be termed palpable. In a society immersed in grotesque materialism, decadence and loss of any real and meaningful direction and purpose, we are clueless about what life is really about and more importantly, who we really are and what our potential could be. Rebbetzin Jungreis is the consummate storyteller and it is through this treasure trove of true stories do we begin to understand that our identity is not inextricably tied to our careers or professions or the external superficialities that our culture imposes upon us.

Rebbetzin Jungreis utilizes the timeless wisdom of the Torah to illustrate her points and to lead the reader on the road to true self-discovery. The book begins with the saga of Sam, Phyllis and daughter Kelly (names changed to protect anonymity), yet they could be any one of us. What follows is the story of the personal transformation of these three individuals that is beyond miraculous. By the middle of this book, the reader will feel a tangible connection to these people. Sam is a man who suffered a tremendous financial loss in business and was forced to declare bankruptcy. He and his family are secular Jews who turn to the Rebbetzin for guidance at this stressful juncture in their lives. Sam's cynicism is all encompassing, as it oozes from every pore of his body, while wife Phyllis is concerned with social status and personal appearance. Daughter Kelly is a 35-year-old single career professional that has had her share of painful relationships and is dubious about the prospect of ever getting married.

Through a series of counseling sessions with Rebbetzin Jungreis, rife with personal stories of her own tests and challenges and those of her family, the Rebbetzin explains that each of us is actually blessed by G-d with tests to assist us in realizing our full potential. Rather than falling prey to depression, despondency and hopelessness when we are tested by G-d, we have the G-d given power to change our lives for the better. For each of us our potential is different, as we are custom made by G-d and no two people are exactly alike and we must know that G-d would never test us if we did not have the wherewithal to pass. As the Rebbetzin states, "G-d actually makes a portrait of what He intends us to become and equips us with the necessary tools with which to realize His purpose. All of the tests, trials, and tribulations of our lives are orchestrated by the One Above so that we may fulfill this goal, and if you wonder whether you have what it takes to succeed in this mission, be assured that G-d never makes mistakes - the very fact that it is He Who created you is proof positive that it is within your capability to fulfill this charge."

Sam, Phyllis and Kelly soon learn the sublime truth of this Divine message and through their attendance and participation in the Hineni Torah classes; all three become closer to G-d. They learn to appreciate and understand the power of prayer, as they embrace the Torah and commandments. They begin to experience the kind of happiness and joy that no amount of money could buy. They begin to understand what life's tests really mean, what message G-d is sending them and they begin to deal with problems and pitfalls with great equanimity.

The second installment of this book deals with interpersonal relationships and the tests that are indigenous to them. Rebbetzin Jungreis speaks with the authority of a clinical psychologist and marriage counselor as she imbues those she counsels with a solid spiritual foundation and practical nuances that will assist them in making the right choices. Whether it comes to looking for qualities in a prospective life partner, to dealing with a marriage riddled with constant strife and infidelity, to attempting to bring a potential intermarriage to a screeching halt, or dealing with a rebellious, disrespectful and irreverent teenager, Rebbetzin Jungreis explores these issues with the kind of depth and aplomb that is seldom spoken about by television and radio psychologists and gurus.

The third and last section of "Life Is A Test" speaks of communal and global tests. The Jewish nation stands at a critical and dangerous precipice in history. Global anti-Semitism continues to dramatically increase, while natural disasters such as tsunamis and Katrinas become more prevalent. The events of 9/11 still haunt us as it stands as an eerie reminder of the beginning of the age of terrorism. Madmen, such as Iranian President Ahmadinejad threaten to vanquish the State of Israel and to annihilate the Jewish people, while the world remains silent. We are told by Rebbetzin Jungreis that the putrid stench of hatred against Jews is reminiscent of Europe in 1938. Rest assured that these assessments are not being promulgated by paranoia, but by someone who lived through that nightmarish period and knows from whence she speaks. Rebbetzin Jungreis implores us to recognize these "wake up calls", to realize that the times that we are living in are indeed the times of "Chevlei Moshiach', the birth pangs of the coming of our righteous Messiah. We are being importuned by Rebbetzin Jungreis to recognize that these birth pangs can be long and excruciatingly painful or they can be short and abbreviated, yet it depends on us.

It is clear for all who have eyes to see and ears to hear, that Rebbetzin Jungreis is a true Torah scholar. This book is replete with a voluminous amount of passages from the Torah, Talmud and Kabbalistic sources and each is given more than ample explanation as she delves into complex sources with such ease and finesse. What is most remarkable is her knowledge of Gematria - (mathematical equivalents for Hebrew letters) and how they apply to our times. Please don't skim this book - you'll miss tons of amazing insights, and while we're on the subject of amazing and mind blowing insights, please take note of the meaning of the number 11 on page 231. You will never forget it.

Rebbetzin Jungreis' message is clear, uncompromising and unremitting. Only through a sincere return to G-d, only through genuine and heartfelt prayer, only through performing acts of kindness, only through learning Torah will our lives and values begin to take shape. Only then can we begin to experience the kind of contentment, serenity and tranquility that our souls long for. Only then can we understand what real happiness and joy means, only then can we save our nation from the plethora of insidious haters who rise up to destroy us and only then will we merit G-d's redemption on a personal and collective scale.

"Life Is A Test" is a must read for anyone seeking answers to the vicissitudes of life, for anyone who has grappled with issues of self-discovery, and frankly, for just plain anyone.

This book is a significant historical and religious contribution to the corpus of books on Jewish thought and will be a welcome addition to any library.

A THUMBS UP !!! FIVE STARS !!

The Rebbetzin does it again. What a beautiful, uplifting, inspiring book. Rebbetzin Jungreis has a way of making you live through her experiences and brings you to laughter and tears. Whatever you do, don't miss this one!

Dear Readers or potential readers,
If their is any book that I recommend on faith this is it. I am a intellectual person, in all humility please forgive me. Yet this book is not about the mind but the heart. If their was ten books that I would choose to take to a deserted island or a 40 year journey through the Negev. This would be one of them...really. Rabbitzin Jungreis is a real Tzadika for our time...I am serious!
I love her insights on how too really approach G-D in this day and age. It is simple, reading and practicing the Torah with all your heart.
If you are a Jew/ess in search of something real, then read this book. If you are a Jew/ess who is soul searching, then look no further. If you are a Parent who is worried about the future of their children...this book is for you. If you are looking for your soulmate...don't over look reading this book first.
I am a true blue Sephardim Spanish/Portuguese, Andalusian Jew, I love intellectual things, read my reviews, but sometimes you just need the truth i.e. Torah Emet, Baruch Ata Amonay Elohkinu Melech Ha Olam, Aher Natalanu TORAT EMET, Vehaye Olam Betuchainu, Baruch Atah Amonay, Noten HaTorah.
The truth of the Torah superceeds everything. Look, Christianity has nothing on a real true blue G-D fearing Jew, who loves HaShem and believes that Our G-D is real and answers prayers to boot. Is this not the true message of Faith...The Good news really is... our G-d, the G-d of Zion, Adon Olam, Amonay Tzevaot, HaShem, El Shadai...Elokai Avutainu is real and has a purpose for you, oh childern of Israel. Just turn the pages, as rabbitzin Jungreis eloquently writes and encourages one to do so.
She is simple in her approach, live like a G-d fearing Jew, pray with kavanah, practice chessed and watch your world turn around.
If you want to be encourged, if you need your life to get better, if you want answers...read this book and turn to HaShem with all your heart it really works.
This book is needeed in every Jewish library.
Shmuel s''t

This book reminds us that no one goes through life easily. We all have issues to overcome - whether they are emotional, physical, financial or concerning relationships. It gives a positive Jewish perspective on how to overcome theses problems.

Two thumbs up for this excellent book. Rebbetzin Jungreis did it again. As its predecessor "The Committed Life", this edifying book leads you through many real life issues and the way Judaism helps you handling them. It is written by a seasoned character who has already worked wonders in the outreach world. I would say this reading could be profitable to both Jews and non Jews.

This book will inspire your soul, Life is a Test shows you how to recognize and understand the key of spiritual laws in order to improve your life and the lives of everyone around us,and how to reduce emotional chaos and increase personal harmony.Thanks ESTHER JUNGREIS

I loved the book Life Is A Test when it first came out. It's one of the most important and paradigm shifting of books I've read in recent years. I've benefited a great deal by the Rebbetzin's wisdom so I was thrilled to learn the book had been professionally produced in audio format. While actress Mare Winningham does the lion's share of the narration, the Rebbetzin does a very warm opening, the first chapter, and a touching close. It's no small thing to communicate such passion as she does - and Mare Winningham delivers a very convincing reading. Being one of those that prefers to "hear" a book, I found this one rich. There are serious life lessons embedded here. Listening to them articulated so well here brought them back to mind easily. If you've read the book, you'll have a distinctively different experience with the audio - more multidimensional. I recommend it highly and heartily.

This book is written for everyone who wants to understand the source of our strength and love.

This book was written by Rebbetzen Esther Jungreis. She and her family are Holocaust survivors and it is truly inspirational. She gives examples of how the difficulties we often face help make us stronger and better.