Category: Books

AS: Your new book combines the Zera Shimshon’s unique commentary with the lyrical beauty and deep emunah of Tehillim. How did this sefer come to be written, and how is it structured?

RNS: After the success of my other Zera Shimshon books, which combine Rav Shimshon Chaim Nachmani’s Torah with true stories, we felt that putting together selections from Tehillim — a sefer so beloved by Klal Yisrael — with the Zera Shimshon commentary, which Klal Yisrael has been learning with such enthusiasm and geshmak — would be a very meaningful project. Sefer Tehillim is divided into the 30 days of the month. We structured the sefer according to those thirty days, choosing selections from each day. So, there are 30 parts to the sefer and we have a number of pieces based on the Tehillim of each day. And of course, each day also includes a true story.

AS: How do you go about connecting your stories with the themes of the selected Tehillim and Zera Shimshon’s commentary?

RNS: I take a good look to discover the essential themes in one of the selections, and then I find a story that connects to that message, helping the reader see how the message can play out in real life.

AS: Tell us about the segulah of the Zera Shimson — and about the amazing stories of that segulah included in this sefer.

RNS: In his introduction to Sefer Zera Shimshon, Rav Shimshon Chaim requested that Klal Yisrael learn his sefarim. He wrote that he would bless those who study them with the berachos of children, parnasah, and many other blessings. People have told me that they have experienced wonderful miracles after learning these sefarim and, of course, the full Zera Shimshon commentary. I include many stories of people who saw unbelievable yeshuos after studying the Zera Shimshon, to give chizuk to those still waiting for their personal yeshuos.

AS: How will this sefer enhance our recital of Tehillim?

RNS: It will give a person greater understanding into what David HaMelech wrote. Many times, we just say the words of Tehillim without understanding what we are reading. The Zera Shimshon introduces us to the underlying ideas and concepts that we can find if we know what to look for. And the Zera Shimshon was a master at discovering the gems that lie beneath the surface of every word of Torah.

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We still miss him.

As the second yahrzeit of Rav Chaim Kanievsky ztz”l approaches (on Shushan Purim), we still remember his amazing diligence and Torah knowledge. His berachos, given so generously over the years to tens of thousands. His many sefarim that opened — and continue to open — new vistas of understanding. His annual siyumim that both awed and inspired us.

With the release of two absorbing books on Rav Chaim — one specifically for young readers, the other for readers of all ages — we can bring back the memories … and the inspiration.

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Children ages 4 – 8 already know and love Shmuel Blitz’s books about great Jewish men and women. In A House Full of Chesed, we met the matchless Rebbetzin Henny Machlis. Rebbetzin Batsheva Kanievsky came to vivid life in A House Full of Love. Now, in A House Full of Torah, our young readers will be amazed by story after story about Rav Chaim Kanievsky.

With literally hundreds of thousands of his children’s books in print, Shmuel Blitz is one of Torah Jewry’s most successful and popular authors. The secret of his success? It’s quite simple, he tells us: “Give children the books that they like — and they will read. That’s what I try to do. I choose the stories that I feel will most relate to a child, that a child would learn from, and that would hold their interest. And, mostly, stories that children can incorporate into their own lives.”

With a full-color illustrations by gifted artist Lea Kron, A House Full of Torah is clearly going to be another Shmuel Blitz classic for kids.

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When asked how he had the time to give so many people advice and berachos, Rav Chaim once said, “Do you know how many minutes there are in an hour? Sixty! Do you know how many seconds there are in each minute? Sixty! There are three thousand six hundred seconds in an hour. Do you know what you can do with three thousand six hundred seconds?”

In Precious Moments with Rav Chaim, we see that Rav Chaim used every one of those hours, minutes, and seconds for his avodas Hashem, his Torah learning, and his work for the countless Jews who came to him for berachos and guidance, day after day.

A magnificent, full-color book with literally hundreds of photos, Precious Moments with Rav Chaim is a book for all ages. And as we read it, we are amazed. Awestruck. And inspired.

AS: A Daily Dose of Pesukim of Bitachon – what an intriguing title. Please tell our readers what the book is about and what reciting “pesukim of bitachon” can accomplish for its readers.

RDS: “Pesukim of bitachon” are a compilation of pesukim from Tanach, primarily Tehillim, which discuss our reliance on Hashem, the trust we have in His goodness, and our belief that He cares for us. When these pesukim are recited and understood, they can bring great salvation and protection.

AS: The Maharal talks about a segulah of saying pesukim of bitachon, which is especially timely in view of today’s difficult situation. Can you please share his words with readers?

RDS: The Maharal’s words are quoted in Mishpat Tzedek (214) and in the early work Taharas HaKodesh by R’ Binyomin Wolf (p. 30). The Maharal recommends that a person should recite pesukim that speak about bitachon. Reciting these pesukim every day, he explains, strengthens a person’s trust in Hashem, which is one of the most fundamental precepts of Judaism. After reciting these pesukim, he adds, a person should pray to Hashem for help in acquiring the great quality of bitachon.

Besides the spiritual benefits of saying these bitachon-building verses, the Maharal points out tremendous benefits in this world, as described by earlier Sages and transmitted to him through the generations. These benefits include annulling harsh decrees. In fact, Maharal writes, it has been tested and proven that reciting these pesukim protects soldiers going to war, and it even helps businessmen when they travel for business or before they begin their workday. Certainly, these are benefits that we can all hope and pray for today.

AS: You chose to focus on pesukim of bitachon chosen by R’ Yosef Zundel of Salant. Please tell us a little about him.

RDS: Rav Yosef Zundel of Salant was a talmid of Rav Chaim of Volozhin and the rebbe of Rav Yisrael Salanter. A great tzaddik, he was particularly known for his immense bitachon.

AS: In the sefer, you explain and illustrate these pesukim with Torah insights and stories. How did you find such appropriate and powerful material, which enhances our understanding of bitachon and brings the pesukim to life?

RDS: I gave a daily shiur in these pesukim, using the basic commentaries. And, of course, the rest was up to Hashem.

Pull quote: When these pesukim are recited and understood, they can bring great salvation and protection.

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AS: We all have heard what are called “hashgachah pratis stories” — like the man who went to minyan and missed the plane that crashed — but there’s so much more to it. Can you briefly tell us what hashgachah pratis is — and what it means to our lives?

RHK: Hashgachah pratis is our awareness of Hashem’s constant involvement in our world. What does it mean to our lives? Let’s look at a paraphrased quote from Living With Hashgachah Pratis:

When we internalize Hashem’s perpetual influence in our lives, it can reshape our perspective on life, turning every experience into a moment of gratitude, enabling gratitude to become second nature. Life — every breath, heartbeat, and fleeting moment — becomes a wondrous journey, enhanced by Hashem’s omnipresent care and love …. Even struggles and adversities are not mere hurdles; rather, they are specifically designed challenges meant to mold us, enabling growth and resilience, making us stronger and greater in the process …. When we feel Hashem’s hashgachah pratis in our daily struggles, it enables us to convert them into eternally rewarding spiritual growth.  

AS: The book contains more than 125 stories about hashgachah pratis in everyday life. How did you go about finding so many fascinating stories?

RHK: I don’t mean to give a “cute” answer, but it was hashgachah pratis. I heard some stories, experienced some, “accidentally” came across some, read some, researched some. But the fact that they all wound up in this book is truly Hashem’s hashgachah pratis, to be mechazek us in Living With Hashgachah Pratis.  

AS: Do you have any tips to help us strengthen our awareness of Hashem’s hashgachah pratis?

RHK: It is important for people to be mechazek themselves by keeping a personal journal of their own hashgachah pratis stories. Rav Moshe Feinstein, Rav Yaakov Kamenetsky, and Rav Yechezkel Levenstein advocated keeping a personal journal of hashgachah pratis stories in one’s daily life, as an effective means for personal chizuk. And readers can inspire others with their personal hashgachah pratis stories by sending them to HPratisStories@gmail.com, or by visiting https://vanitefillah.org, for inclusion in the next volume on hashgachah pratis. (Personal identifying information will be removed upon request.)

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Life — every breath, heartbeat, and fleeting moment — becomes a wondrous journey….

Vayimaen, the newly-released book by Rabbi Yechiel Spero, captures a revolution — and helps to strengthen it even more!

In just one year since its inception, more than 60,000 people have learned how to see a better world by joining the Vayimaen revolution. They’ve signed up for daily inspiration from 100+ world-renowned rabbanim and personalities who offer daily insights on beautifully crafted and incredibly inspiring video clips.  

Members of this Vayimaen revolution have learned about the greatness — and the satisfaction and happiness — that comes from accessing the strength and, yes, the kedushah that dwells within us all. As Yosef HaTzaddik did so many generations ago, they’ve discovered the power of “vayimaen” — the happiness and serenity that we achieve when we live our own authentic lives, not seeking them elsewhere.

Now Rabbi Yechiel Spero, who has engaged and inspired us with so many bestselling and beloved books, moves the revolution forward with a new book based on the stories, anecdotes, and divrei Torah of the Vayimaen speakers, and including his own novel ideas and stories.

In Vayimaen, we will learn not to compare our lives with others and to live the best life we can. We’ll discover how to look at the world, and the people around us, with positivity and caring, to overcome roadblocks and seize opportunities for personal growth. We will learn from a large variety of Torah sources how every moment of rising above temptation is laden with untold blessings and salvations. We’ll learn how to dream of greatness and, yes, how to achieve it, one challenge at a time.

This book reawakens the truth that authentic happiness lies not in the allure of society, but rather in the haven of purity that exists within us.

More than 60,000 people have learned how to see a better world by joining the Vayimaen revolution.

Order your copy of Vayimaen today on ArtScroll.com

Watch: Rav Moshe Tuvia Lieff On the Impact of the Vayimaen Movement!

AS: How did you feel when United Hatzalah president, Eli Beer, first told you about the miracles that his volunteers — more than 1,700 (!) of them — experienced on October 7, when they raced to the battleground to rescue the wounded?

RNS: I was very proud of the volunteers for being willing to be moser nefesh for Klal Yisrael on such an incredible level!

AS: The subject of the book is so difficult, and yet this is a book that uplifts rather than frightens. How did you manage to make this so inspiring?

RNS: It’s about what you choose to focus on. I could have focused on how terrible the whole situation was (and still is). Instead, we look at and are truly inspired by the courage and caring of the volunteers, and by the amazing miracles that happened and continue to happen all the time.

AS: What was it like, speaking to people about their experiences under fire?

RNS: I conducted many, many interviews. Most of the volunteers wanted to talk. If someone did not want to speak about their experiences, we respected that and canceled the interview. Speaking to the volunteers was challenging at times, since some of them used our sessions as an informal type of therapy. Some of them were still shellshocked by what they’d been through, though it was a few weeks afterward. Others described what they had seen in graphic detail and I had to tone things down for my readers. We cried together and laughed together and they transported me to the places they had been and to the moments of great danger they experienced, and, of course, how Hashem helped them rescue hundreds of our brothers and sisters.

AS: Is there one lesson that you hope readers will take away when they read Angels in Orange?

RNS – That nothing random happened on Simchas Torah. Every person who was down there was there as part of Hashem’s plan. People whom Hashem chose to live were in the most dangerous situations — terrorists on all sides — being shot at — but they walked out without a scratch. Someone was in control and Someone had a plan, and we need to remember this and not to feel that we are helpless. Because we are not helpless. We have the greatest and most effective weapon on our side: Hashem.

We have the greatest and most effective weapon on our side: Hashem.

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Mothers and fathers. Morahs and rebbeim and even principals and menahalim. Especially in these challenging times, they have so many questions on chinuch. So many questions … and here is an address for all those looking for sensible and practical answers, firmly rooted in our Torah wisdom: Rabbi Yaakov Bender, Rosh Yeshiva of Yeshiva Darchei Torah in Far Rockaway.

Rabbi Bender is a nationally acclaimed Rosh Yeshivah who has made Darchei Torah one of the country’s premiere schools and who travels the world speaking about chinuch issues. Chinuch with Simchah, the fourth in his much-hailed series, once again allows parents to benefit from Rabbi Bender’s wisdom, experience, insight, and sensitivity.

Will giving a child a “kosher” MP3 player open the door to dangerous technology, or will it prevent the child from discovering more problematic devices? At what age is it appropriate for a child to go to the funeral of a grandparent? Eretz Yisrael is at war, and my twelve-year-old daughter wants to go to an ice-cream party. Should we tell her it’s inappropriate? How should I, as a parent, and my child deal with a playground bully? And what if the bully is an adult?

In Chinuch with Simchah, Rabbi Bender gives us answers to these, and to more than 200 other pressing questions. He includes both specific guidelines and also discuss the principles of chinuch and parenting on which his advice is based.

It is quite extraordinary how much is contained in these brief questions and answers. We learn when and how to discipline and when to look away, how to understand our children’s lives and worldview, how to foster respect without creating distance. And, yes, how to raise Torah-true, stable, happy and “mentschlich” children even in the 21st century. Though the answers are brief and to the point, we can feel the warmth and love Rabbi Bender has for every child — and his decades of experience in handling the myriad challenges of modern-day chinuch.

Purchase your copy of Chinuch with Simcha today on ArtScroll.com!

We’re living in a time when many of us are experiencing almost unprecedented tears and fears. Missiles and sirens, increasing anti-Semitism around the world, heartbreaking pictures of levayahs have become a part of our daily headlines and news feeds. Sorrow seems to be in the very air we breathe.

Is this a time to talk about simchah?

The answer, says Rabbi Mayer Yedid, is a resounding … YES!

As a rosh yeshivah, educator, sought-after speaker, successful author, and member of the Rabbinate of Brooklyn’s large and thriving Congregation Shaare Zion, Rabbi Yedid has taught, guided, and helped thousands of people of all ages. In his newly released book, The Power of Simchah, he takes us on a fascinating journey to simchah. 

How do we find the positive in our lives, even in difficult times and circumstances? What is the amazing power of optimism, and how can we achieve it? Yishuv hadaat — what is it, why is it important, and how do we make it part of our lives? What is the connection between savlanut, patience, and simchah — and how do we incorporate both of them into our daily interactions?

Drawing on examples and wisdom from Sarah Imeinu, Rabbi Yedid shows us how simchah is based on our perspective, our thoughts, and our feelings, rather than on our actual circumstances. From Yosef HaTzaddik we learn the power of positive thinking. We will also discover how to strengthen simchah through incorporating the “Dayeinu attitude” into our lives: taking each moment, each event, each item in our lives and realizing how special it is.

Just as he did in his other highly praised and popular books, The Power of Chinuch and The Power of Tranquility, Rabbi Yedid blends Torah hashkafah with practical advice and a deep understanding of human nature, teaching us how to tap into the wondrous power of simchah — and lead the best life we can.