New Book Highlights Rebbe’s Advice to Businessmen

A newly-published book that collects the Rebbe’s guidance to business-people has hit the market. The volume is titled Learning on the Job: Jewish Career Lessons.

Organized by profession, the book presents over 100 life lessons the Rebbe derived from occupations like accountancy, telemarketing and watchmaking.

Learning on the Job is dedicated to the memory of Rabbi Simcha Zirkind and Brana Deitsch and was written by Dovid Zaklikowski.

As part of the Advice for Life series, the new book features stunning design, easy-to-read format and striking art and photos. Chassidic pop artist Yitzchok Moully’s artwork graces the pages.

Interspersed between the lessons are stories of the Rebbe’s encounters with a variety of business people. In one, philanthropist Eduardo Elsztain, chairman of the large Argentinian investment company IRSA, asked the Rebbe if he should invest in stocks.  “I am not so happy about investing money in the stock market,” the Rebbe told him. “The stock market does not leave a person with peace of mind. It disturbs you from sleeping properly.”

The Rebbe advised Elsztain to transfer his money slowly out of stocks into other investments. “It is not safe. It is better if you invest in something that is safe,” the Rebbe said. “Investing in another venture will be good for you.”

In another, the great baal tzedakah Mr. David Deitsch asked the Rebbe how he could assist Israel in 1973. The Rebbe told him, “Israel needs industry. There are many immigrants coming to Israel. I suggest you build a plant in Israel.”

The lessons that make up the bulk of the book are adapted from the Rebbe’s talks, correspondence and private audiences. The lesson to the astronomer reads:

“The moon’s monthly cycle of waxing and waning makes it appear larger on some nights and smaller on others. There are even nights when it is completely hidden, yet it always reappears.

“Every day will bring challenges, some small and some large. Each challenge we overcome becomes a force for good in the world, a light shining in the darkness.”

Another, to the microbiologist, reads:

“An antibiotic taken many times will eventually lose its effectiveness. The bacteria become resistant, and the doctor changes the medication or increases the dose to heal the patient.

“When you are used to a certain dose of prayer, Torah study and mitzvahs, you may stop feeling the positive effects on your daily life. If this happens, increase the amount of time and effort you invest in your observance, and it will once again invigorate your day.”

The new volume is available at your local Judaica store or Amazon.com. Bulk orders are available from RebbeAdvice@Gmail.com.

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4 Comments

  • great book

    but it is not just the text… it the design, the feeling… I keep it near my bed…

  • SHLICHUS

    another great book
    chazak chazak
    what a great job
    I got two and plan on getting more
    to give to friends and relatives

    thanks
    waiting for more