This book appears in English in a time of troubles for the Jewish people. This book offers a healing, life-affirming alternative to a religious approach based on solidarity, imposed by external enemies. Bar-or enriches the book by offering images and models that draw upon the poetic and mystical insights of the kabbalistic tradition. Broad in structure and vision, richly detailed in the warp and woof of daily living, this book brings an inspired and inspiring voice to uplift Jewish life at a critical moment. I recommend this book strongly to all who seek a positive Jewish identity and a fulfilling way of living the Jewish heritage. Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg Senior Scholar in Residence at Hadar Institute; President, JJ Greenberg Institute for the Advancement of Jewish Life “The Jewish people must bring the celebration of life to the world” – how much truth and power there is in this idea. Not in wild celebration, butin the blessing hidden within it. For the giver receives, and the one who blesses is blessed. Mordechai Bar-or invites us on a personal journey with social lessons. It’s worthwhile to set out on this path with him. Prof. Tzivia Valdan Developmental Sociolinguist, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev The Jewish tradition is full of insights and ideas concerning the emotional prosperity of human beings. In his new book, Mordechai Bar-or extracts some of the most important insights and presents them to the contemporary reader in an updated and clear way. Micah Goodman author of The Wondering Jew