Rabbi Yehoshua Kurland

This gentle, charming book, published in Jerusalem, uses humorous stories (many I've heard before) to open brief discussions about how to live one’s life. Rabbi Yehoshua Kurland hopes this book will inspire the reader to “take steps to improve your lot in life and make the world a better place, as you build your worlds with increased wisdom and joy.” The reader is not led to wisdom through lofty language and heady theories, but to “Aha!” moments through plain speech of common situations and concerns that so many of us face. The lessons build up the reader, rather than chastise the sinner.

For example, the seven Cs of child rearing provides the road map we all wish we had, but it’s a road map for parental behavior, not how the child should be. Children model the model: 1. Conduct (parental!) shows the child how to be a wise adult; 2. Cognizance shows the precious value of your children; 3. Cuddling emphasizes the positive in all interactions with children (even those who are middle-aged), including criticism “carefully lined in silk”; 4. Courtesy advocates the respect a parent shows to the child; 5. Consolation stresses that the child must always know the parent is there for her, no matter what; 6. Crisis Management takes on the teen years to maintain stability, to continue to show love and concern and respect during the tough times, and to keep communicating; and, 7. Crying to G-d through prayer helps the parent stay in touch with that wisest of parents for guidance.

The use of G-d for God didn't bother me as some have written. I assumed that as a Rabbi, the author was showing respect to his Creator.

This road map is a surprising read for me, new to the Rabbi’s writings. Positive, friendly, wise, and fun! I was going to put this on the free book cart at work, but I think I'll gift it to someone instead.… (mer)