Forever In Awe
By Rachel Weiss
Feldheim Publishers
Forever In Awe by Rachel Weiss is far from your typical Yom Tov facts-and-figures manual. Contained within its 350-odd pages is a timeless treasury of delightfully entertaining stories, intriguing items about the mazal of the month as affects both events and the nature of a person born during that time frame, and a wealth of Torah wisdom and wit – all written in Rachel’s crisp, light writing style.
Rachel Weiss has the ability to consistently capture the reader’s attention and sustain his or her interest throughout the entire book. Each chapter is highly informative, inspiring and poignant. She reveals unique intellect and sagacity by unfolding ancient treasures that have escaped even lifelong students of Torah.
The various tales of tzaddikim are deeply insightful, engaging and uplifting. She lends meaning to each month of the Jewish calendar in an unparalleled manner. The charm of this work is that it makes the reader think, reflect and wonder, “How did I believe I knew all about each Yom Tov?”
While her writing is graceful and eloquent, she is unfailingly grounded in conveying our age-told tradition. One is frequently drawn to this book for a respite and picker-upper from the stresses of everyday life. Whether you keep it on your nightstand for a good and satisfying read at bedtime or take it along with you on vacation or on a commute to and from work, you will find yourself spiritually buoyed and intellectually enriched.
The book has at least seven chapters on Purim, each filled with vivid and captivating detail to enlighten the senses and enhance the reader’s appreciation for the Yom Tov. Take, for instance, the following excerpts of essays pertaining to Adar. From “Mazal Dagim”:
Most striking in the story of Purim is that its sequence of events seem to occur naturally. Yet one could hardly label any of the unfolding episodes as “unexceptional.” How feasible, for instance, is it that a king would demand his queen to appear naked in public?
And so the stage was set – for Queen Esther to step into her royal role and carry out her divinely-ordained mission. For behind the act of every raging Haman spewing hatred and venom to make man shudder is the Grand Orchestrator Himself. As Hashem wills it, so it shall be.
And another, from “Blissful Laughter … Forever After”:
The Piscean persona is masterful at change. A natural at masquerading, he is a slick impersonator – temperamental yet compassionate, timid yet clever and ever flexible, possessed of an inborn strength that can motivate one born under the sign of Adar (adirus, strength) to achieve great heights.
Long time Jewish Press readers will recall the in-depth Yom Tov essays by Rachel Weiss that would often grace the front and back pages of this paper, heralding an upcoming holiday. Many of those essays are included in this book.
Forever In Awe is truly the gift that keeps on giving, ideal for that special mishloach manos or for your Pesach hostess. This book casts an exciting light that will leave each and every reader “Forever In Awe.” A must read… a must for gift-giving to those dearest and nearest.