The new book Letters for Life, compiled by Levi Shmotkin, relates 12 recurring ideas in the Rebbe’s counsel for navigating their own mental and emotional journey. Full Story
For over 40 years, people from all walks of life would turn to the Rebbe for his private counsel. Whether it was hippies grappling with existential questions, adolescents struggling with friends, or spiritual leaders feeling like imposters, they all found in the Rebbe a listening ear who would mine the depths of Torah to guide them through their emotional turmoil.
But what would he advise them? And how can a present-day reader tap into these transformative ideas to enhance their own life?
Through an extensive research project launched in 2019, a team of researchers, headed by Levi Shmotkin, studied over 20,000 letters and 1500 interviews to identify core principles in the Rebbe’s guidance.
With the help of Mashpiim, professionals and literary advisors, their groundbreaking findings are now presented in an easily readable book.
Weaving together digestible excerpts from letters, compelling stories, and common challenges, Letters for Life relates 12 recurring ideas in the Rebbe’s counsel. The goal is for readers to gain practical tools for navigating their own mental and emotional journey.
“The Rebbe taught thousands of people” explains Dr. Edith Eva Eger, best-selling author of The Choice, “the practical tools for how to attain inner peace and happiness. His powerful guidance, related beautifully in this book, is sure to enrich the emotional life of all who read it.”
“The Rebbe recognized years ago what is now a whole new path in the study of neuro-science: living with a higher consciousness positively transforms our minds and insulates us against depression, addiction and many other mental health concerns. This book will skilfully teach you how to apply his deep wisdom to live a truly awakened life, filled with joy, healing and fulfillment,” said Dr. Lisa Miller, Professor of Psychology at Columbia University, and bestselling author of The Awakened Brain.
“What a wonderful, beautiful book,” says Dr. Yisroel (Edwin) Susskind, PHD, and past president of the Psychological Association of Maryland. “Reading it, I could imagine myself being a young boy, sitting on the Rebbe’s lap, hearing his wise guidance. The book lays out practical advice from the Rebbe, in words that are both gentle and forceful. The concrete suggestions, demonstrated in actual real- life examples, will be useful both to everyday people, as well as to professionals ( teachers, Rabbis, therapists…).
“The compilers of the book start each chapter with a statement of basic principles, followed by relatable specific examples, and close with a pointed summary that clarifies the basic principles. This clarity enables the reader to apply the particular examples to his own individual situation.”
Letters for Life is being published by Chabad.org and Kehot publication society in connection with 3 Tammuz 30 years. Pre order your copy here!
