We Plan, God Laughs: Ten Steps to Finding Your Divine Path When Life is Not Turning Out Like You Wanted [Hardcover]

Sherre Hirsch (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1, 2008

The old Yiddish proverb, “We plan, God laughs,” expresses a truth everyone can relate to. At every stage of life we make plans, setting out where we want to go and imagining what we will be like when we have “arrived.” But things have a way of turning out not quite as we hoped or expected.

In WE PLAN, GOD LAUGHS, Sherre Hirsch argues that too often our plans are limited to ones we think up at bedtime, or are devised by our parents, or by what looks good on a résumé. Addressing serious spiritual issues, Hirsch takes readers through ten basics steps for formulating a plan that reflects who we are now and who we want to be—a plan that is alive, organic, and in sync with God.

Hirsch teaches the importance of letting go and recognizing that even the most ordinary life is extraordinary in the eyes of God. She makes no foolish promise that life will turn out as we plan, but shows that with hope, faith, and belief, we can change our lives for the better and make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Hirsch, a rabbi who has counseled many individuals over the years, puts their stories to good use as she proffers 10 steps to self-improvement and spiritual health. In addition to everyday stories from Hirsch's work life, as well as personal reflections (for example, to illustrate the idea of step seven, the divine spark, Hirsch tells the story of how she decided to become a rabbi), Hirsch draws on familiar figures from the Bible. She uses Jacob and Esau in step three to demonstrate how to forget past hurts and fears in order to become present in the here and now, and Jacob's ladder to illustrate step eight's instruction to be adventurous and take leaps of faith. Hirsch writes fluidly and makes readers feel as if she's speaking directly to them and never patronizes. Anyone who can advise readers to [t]ake your chicken, put all your 'oopses' on it, swing it around a few times, and call it a day in a way that makes complete sense is worth reading. (May)
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Review

Advance Praise for We Plan, God Laughs

“Sherre's humor, insights and warmth charm me. This book is like an inspiring visit with a wise spiritual teacher.”
—Naomi Judd

“An uplifting book! Where there is despair, Rabbi Hirsch offers hope, and where there is confusion, she shows us the path to clarity.”
-Rabbi Harold Kushner, author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People

“Rabbi Sherre Hirsch has blessed us with a wonderful book to lift our souls. In a voice of wisdom and compassion, she inspires us to heal our hurts, realize our dreams and laugh with God.”
—Naomi Levy, author of To Begin Again and Talking to God

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Harmony (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0385523610
• ISBN-13: 978-0385523615
• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 1 x 7.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Must Read, April 1, 2008

By 

Kenneth Gillett (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: We Plan, God Laughs: Ten Steps to Finding Your Divine Path When Life is Not Turning Out Like You Wanted (Hardcover)

A wonderfully written book by Rabbi Sherre Hirsh. Her tone warm, insightful and wise; I would highly recommend this book to anyone. Has brought clarity to things I've questioned relative to my journey through life. Rabbi Hirsch's personal references and guidance is wonderfully uplifting.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars inspirational, April 27, 2008

By 

Helen L. Dinapoli "Helen D" (Reno, Nevada USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: We Plan, God Laughs: Ten Steps to Finding Your Divine Path When Life is Not Turning Out Like You Wanted (Hardcover)

I found Rabbi Hirsch's book, We Plan, God Laughs, warm, funny and inspirational. I've read numerous self-help books, but this one was special. Rabbi Hirsch's very human, very jewish, voice came through loud and clear and gave the book a personal reach that most of these types of books don't benefit from. I'm not jewish, but my niece has always had a deep connection to her jewish roots through her paternal grandparents. So, I sent the book to her after reading it. I have to say it transformed her life and, whether she was just ready for this type of exploration or not, I believe the book gave her the impetus she needed. After reading it in almost a single sitting, she ended up contacting her father and a brother and sister she hadn't spoken to in many years. It freed her from any residual anger she may have had over whatever problems had surfaced lo, those many years ago. I'd say helping even one person in such a manner deserves a five star rating for this book.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Keep it on your bedside table, April 2, 2008

By 

fluffy jindo - See all my reviews

This review is from: We Plan, God Laughs: Ten Steps to Finding Your Divine Path When Life is Not Turning Out Like You Wanted (Hardcover)

Sherre Hirsch has written a wonderful, easy to read treasure that is funny and moving. This book made me feel like I was not alone in thinking that life is not turning out like I had planned. And maybe that is a good thing. She has inspired me to dream bigger that I could have ever imagined. Everyone should read this!