A Formula for Proper Living: Practical Lessons from Life and Torah

by Abraham J. Twerski

Extraordinary wisdom to help you understand yourself, lead your life and deal with other people. "As human beings, we have instincts for both good and evil, conscious and unconscious. To rectify ourselves―to live spiritually and properly―involves getting a handle on these impulses."
― from the Introduction In this special book of practical wisdom, Dr. Abraham J. Twerski draws from his extensive professional experience as a psychiatrist and spiritual counselor, a life-long student of Jewish wisdom texts, and his personal experience as a son of a wise Chassidic rabbi to give us practical lessons for life that we can put to day-to-day use in dealing with ourselves and others. In a presentation as warm and witty as it is profound, Dr. Twerski combines lively anecdotes, personal musings and insights and wisdom from sources ranging from Freud to the great Talmudic and Torah scholars throughout the ages. And with deep compassion and refreshing candor, he shows how these wisdom teachings can guide us in all moments of our lives, whatever our faith tradition.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Nonfiction

144 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2009

About the author

Abraham Joshua Twerski (Hebrew: אֲבְרָהָם יְהוֹשֻׁע טווערסקי‎) was an Israeli-American Hasidic rabbi, a scion of the Chernobyl Hasidic dynasty, and a psychiatrist specializing in substance abuse.

Reviews

[Michael Lewyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short, simple book that translates psychological concepts such as narcissism, projection and denial into language understandable to Orthodox Jews. For example, in describing projection, Twerski notes that the Talmud writes that "the defects a person sees in others are the person's own defects."

[batya7 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbi Dr. Twerski always said that he only wrote one book many times on the same topic: self-esteem. This is a slender volume, 124 pages, in six chapters. But it packs a lot into a small space.
1. What Drives Us?
2. Identity and Self-Esteem
3. Loving Others
4. Defending Against our Defenses
5. Adapting to Adversity
6. Perfecting the World, Perfecting Ourselves.

This book says it is for all people of all religions. I can see that. It is eminently readable and digestible. He speaks from the heart, plain and without embellishment. I could hear his voice narrating the text. I think this would be a good book to use for a study in how to live.

Rabbi Dr. Twerski inserts stories from the Chassidic masters, experiences from his 40+ year practice dealing with alcoholics and addicts, teachings from psychological icons such as Freud & Jung, and Torah sources in a masterful mixture. Along with showing how Torah principles inform the 12 Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous, he leaves us with his perspective of how to live, without preaching.

[andrew y · Rating 3 out of 5]

29/50
In 2023 I am going to dust off and read fifty books from my to-read list.

I respect Rabbi Twerski and the way he communicates, so much so that I’m reading three of his books in a row. I really appreciate the deep connection between spirituality and science that radiates through his words. This isn’t the strongest thing he’s written and almost feels like a primer - but maybe it is the perfect place to begin.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

It worth a reading and with few of takes. Good introduction to the subject.