Healing from Despair: Choosing Wholeness in a Broken World »

This guide explores the nature of personal suffering and brokenness and the potential for personal crisis as a source of strength and renewal instead of despair and death. Examining the personal journeys of biblical and historical figures such as Moses, Maimonides, Abraham Lincoln and Martin Buber - as well as the author's own personal experience with despair - it looks at brokenness as an inescapable element of the human condition. It traces the path of suffering from despair to depression to desperation to the turning point - healing - when first-hand knowledge of suffering can be transformed into blessing.

Publishers Weekly

A child of Holocaust survivors and former psychiatric patient, Spitz bravely shares his own story, in bits and pieces, in an effort to offer hope and consolation not only to those fighting depression but to their friends and families. Through an in-depth series of biblical examples, Talmudic tales and stories from people in his congregation, Spitz offers a long history of despair through the ages, meant to remind us that we are not alone, suffering is not new and healing is possible. Tools for actively seeking solace round out each chapter, covering everything from perspective and transformation to forgiveness and gratitude. Despite the brave baring of his story, Spitz remains at a distance, almost hidden amid long Torah portions. Though full of useful information, particularly regarding help for those affected by suicide, the narrative disappoints, lacking warmth and accessibility. (Nov.)

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Introduction Tools for Perspective 18

1 A Shattered Vessel 19

Tools for Transformation 51

2 Bitter Darkness 53

Tools for Gratitude 65

3 Forgiving the Lost Soul 67

Tools for Forgiving 81

4 A Healed World 83

Tools for Healing 107

5 You Shall Be a Blessing 109

Tools for Becoming a Blessing 141

Practical Guidance Distilled: Checklists for Specific Areas of Concern 143

Notes 151

Suggestions for Further Reading 169