Einstein and the Rabbi: Searching for the Soul

Einstein and the Rabbi, by Naomi Levy, is on one level a mystery about a letter that Albert Einstein wrote to a grieving Rabbi; and it is on an another level about the mysteries about the soul. The book explains the connections we all have. However, this book is really about love: the author’s love for her family, especially her husband, Rob. However, her love spreads out to encompass the reader. As you read the book, you feel her invitation to the reader to live more fulfilling lives by tapping into the reader’s soul. She wants the reader to reach his or her potential in love, work, and parenting. She wants us to find our calling. This book is not mere New Age theology; rather Rabbi Levy taps into ancient Jewish texts and thought to illuminate how the soul can be tapped into to create a more meaningful and successful life. Furthermore, she wants us to tap into our pain to find our path. Her story about the biologist is a great example. Some stories will make you cringe. It was painful to read about the woman who killed a man while she was reaching for her phone. Other stories will make you laugh. I could not help laughing at the story about how she and her husband forgot that they left her car at her in-laws. The book is an easy read. I read the book over three evenings before going to bed. So, if you read the book quickly to find out what prompted Einstein to write a letter to Rabbi Marcus; I would recommend that you keep the book at your bedside. Much of the book were Rabbi Levy’s sermons to her congregation. I am fortunate to attend her services. I can tell you that each sermon caused the congregation to think and reflect. In fact, one sermon caused me to change my life. You can read it in “Pregnant Forever.” Each chapter is a world in itself, and I would recommend you picking up the book and read or reread a chapter that reflects your concerns at the moment. Highly recommended.

I love this book!It was one of the few books I have both listened to (the author reads it herself) and read. It is such a great reflection on life and our purpose here and it brought me tears several times. Thank you, Rabbi, for your wisdom and honesty.

I got everything I wanted and needed after reading this book. She gets into technical definitions as well as deep Jewish culture teachings. This is a book that will have to be read many, many times to get the most out of it, and I am looking forward to that. I got wisdom, inspiration, and a new perspective on life from reading this book. I was pleasantly surprised by how moving this book was as well. I'm more of a sensitive dude to begin with but this book brought me to tears on several occasions. Absolutely worth the read.

Good book but didn't hold my attention

This book, based on a true story is useful in terms of history and family and grief, and much more.Thank you to the author.

This book is transforming my life. Unbelievable wisdom is shared in its contents.... both old and new. I have a new lease on life thanks to this author. A must-read for those in search for meaning in life.

This is my first book upon returning from pilgrimage in Israel. I’m Christian, but Israel has inspired me to take a deeper look for further insights into the common ground between Christianity and Judaism. This book was recommended to me by a local rabbi and his wife. I’m incredibly grateful this title was suggested. It’s a beautiful book. And it has been immensely helpful in the transition between the Holy Land and a return to ordinary life.To begin with, the book offers fascinating insights into a beautiful letter from on of the greatest minds of all time. She combines those insights with stories from moments of the authors own life as well as the lives she has touched through her vocation. Her writing style is delightful, and conversational. Rabbi Levy has the ability to tell stories that are beautiful and emotional and yet have depths that a reader can continue to engage with. This book has caused me to laugh out loud, to weep, and to grow. I highly recommend it.

I know too little about the Jewish faith so I started with lots to learn. Rabbi Naomi Levy has lots to say about soul. That is also in my Mennonite/Protestant tradition but we have not used the term so much in recent years. She revitalized my interest and brought much from her faith tradition to enrich understandings of soul. Her reference to Einstein makes you wonder how this is going to end. I'll not give it away but the end is heartwarming, exciting, spiritually nourishing. My wife is reading it now and also really appreciates the language, the spiritual depth and lucid writing. I highly recommend it.

Never having read much in the way of Jewish teachings, I found this a thoughtful and inspiring read

Brilliant read

This is a very thoughtful book with much to digest. Rabbi Levy incorporates a wealth of Jewish knowledge into her bite sized chapters on Jewish philosophy for living. Well worth the read.

I was very disappointed in this book. I was expecting something with a bit more heft and depth. Instead it was actually a self help book, loaded with simplistic notions and platitudes.