Sefiros and Self Acclaimed by Experts

A new book, “The Sefiros and the Self: A Divine Blueprint for Self-Discovery and Personal Growth”, delves into the Sefiros, or ten attributes as described in Chassidus. Authored by Rabbi Yaakov (Yankie) Feder, a business owner and author, the book is a culmination of years of research.

The book, published by the prestigious Feldheim Publishers, received enthusiastic reviews. Being hailed by experts in Chassidus as “a remarkable piece of work,” the book, published by Feldheim, brings the Sefiros to life.

“One of the foremost challenges of the modern Jewish world,” writes Rabbi Dr. Alter B. Z. Metzger, Professor of Judaic Studies at Stern College, “is the sense of disconnect between spiritual and material values. It is a constant struggle to incorporate lofty ideas into daily life. There is a great need for tools that help translate the timeless lessons of Torah into down-to-earth terms.”

Rabbi Metzger states that the new book “is a remarkable piece of work that directly addresses this issue. It provides us with a broad landscape view of human behavior relying on many mystical concepts. By focusing on common scenarios and real-world problems, Rabbi Feder provides a grounded system that can help the individual repair his or her own inner disconnect and dysfunctionality.”

Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Executive Vice President Emeritus of the Orthodox Union, enthusiastically endorses The Sefiros and the Self as a way “to build a bridge between psychology and basic kabbalistic concepts.”

Dr. Weinreb states that there is much confusion in the Jewish world and many turn to psychology for solutions to the emotional problems of living. “Whereas secular psychological theories have much utility, they are far from consistent with traditional Jewish ideology,” he writes, “I found Rabbi Feder’s explanations of the Sefirot and their potential significance for mental health to be very clear and very practical. His book will inform the reader of a profound and useful system, which will help him or her develop a sense of self, providing a framework for spiritual growth and development.”

Professor Yaakov Brawer Ph.D., Professor Emeritus, Faculty of Medicine at McGill University and Maggid Shiur at Seminary Chaya Mushka and the Montreal Torah Centre, says that Rabbi Feder applies his extensive knowledge of Chassidus to the development of a therapeutic approach to modern pathologies of the spirit.

“His book is organized in a logical, systematic format according to the hierarchical arrangement of the sefiros,” the professor writes, “The elucidation of the sefiros is rich and expounded in such a way as to be completely understandable to the intelligent novice. The applications to the human situation are insightful, meaningful, and eminently relevant. I suspect that almost everyone can find themselves in this book. The writing is elegant and engaging.”

Rabbi Moshe Weinberger, spiritual leader of Congregation Aish Kodesh of Woodmere and Mashpia at Yeshiva University, says that The Sefiros and the Self is a masterpiece. “By using clear illustrations drawn by modern day life and wisdom, Reb Yaakov has opened the doors to the soul, making the deepest mystery of man accessible to all serious students of Torah and Chassidus.”

The Sefiros and the Self can be found in your local Judaica Store, on Amazon.com or Feldheim.com.