The Garden of Emuna: A Practical Guide to Life

I suppose people need to be ready to engage in any life changing event, but for those that have the capability to think without too much bias and arrogance about what they think they know, reading and studying this book has the capability to be a truly life changing event. The concept of emuna, or total and complete faith that G_d is in control of everything that happens while maintaining the concept of free will in human nature, if embraced, necessisarily changes a person's daily life, and only for the better. The interesting thing is that even if a person is an atheist or agnostic, the actual practices described in this book fit neatly with how to best make your life as positive and successful and fulfilling as possible. The great motivational speaker Earl Nightengale used the "Think and Growth Rich" book to deliver the concept of what he called the strangest secret: What you think about, you become. The only difference between what a believer in G_d and a non-believer does practically with their life is, in the context of this book, how they decribe results. A believer holds that it all comes from G_d, and a non-believer holds that it is the result of their actions combined with nature, luck, chaos, whatever. But there is no difference in the actual practices that align with the What you think about you become concept that is the core of modern motivational success media and writings. I would say that I wish I would have had this book 30 years ago, but by definition of the concepts in this book, that was not G_d's plan, so I accept it as correct. All questions will only be answered when Moshiach comes, but until then, excluding personal beliefs in religious texts, this is as good a handbook for peace and happiness as there is. I strongly recommend this book for everyone.

Okay, So I had a long talk with G-d and begged fervently for a life changing experience before I left on R&R vacation from Iraq to Israel. My experience came after I asked one of the merchants set up in the subway of Tel Aviv if he had any books in English. He handed me this one, his only book translated in English. I haggled with him about the price, and he quickly caved into my asking price of an equivalent $10 in shekels, stating, "I'm only selling you this book at the price because you have no idea what is in it". This struck me big time, and I dove into reading it. All of my friends in Jerusalem commented on my book when they saw me reading it and told me how much it helped them. Honestly, it has only helped me too. Shortly after reading it my mother passed away suddenly and without the knowledge that I gained from reading the book, I don't know where I would be right now. As a psych major, I've analyzed it and it makes total sense. If you look at the majority of all the mental illnesses, they all have one thing in common. Fear. Fear is crippling and destructive. This book teaches you about your relationship with G-d and spells out success formulas for happiness and it works. I found the book all empowering and reassuring and I would highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.

I'm attending a Messianic Bible College and this is the textbook for the Foundation of Faith class. All I can say is OMG!!! This book is changing my life. It answers the questions about all of life's ups and downs and how we are to respond. What you think you know you find that you don't have a clue. We've gotten so far removed from the Jewish roots of the Bible and the Jewish people. It's not them and us; we don't support them, they support us! This book is a must-read then must read it again and again and again. It is a must-share. Get several copies and give them away. We 'Christians' will never truly understand the Bible and what genuine faith (emuna) is until we begin to see everything through the eyes of the Jewish people and culture...that's where it started. Christians please READ THIS BOOK! I encourage you to keep an open mind because you will be challenged in your belief system, but READ THIS BOOK! You won't regret it. Get connected to the Jewish community and learn from them. Shalom Shalom

Love this book! It is so wise and practical, the best part is, that this book will bring you closer to God, our loving mighty Creator. Priceless!!

This book gives simple examples on how to live, and how to be happy. I am so glad I invested in this book as it has answered many questions I have about myself, and shows me how to life this precious life that HaShem has blessed me with. You will never be depressed again after you read this book. This book will teach you how to deal with life's changes,, its ups and downs. This should be a must read in every school in this nation. There would be no more depression, no more suicides, no more bullying and no more cut-throat culture if this book was made mandatory reading. Parents, before you buy anything else for your 12+ age child, give them this book. It will save you a lot of heartache down the road,,,

Excelente libro para el conocimiento de llevar una vida útil y feliz

This was a truly enlightening and motivational masterpiece which explains the importance of having faith in a world full of traumatic and devastating events to which we all have difficulty understanding - especially why bad things happen to good people and vice-versa. This work should be read by everyone, especially for those who are seeking the meaning of true faith, strength to overcome tremendously painful obstacles, as well as a pre-requisite reading for those who are seeking a spiritual return, or apply for conversion, to Torah observant Judaism.

A book everyone should read.

Essential!

... faith of the Jewish people? Where is their mighty HaShem? It certainly does not appear in this book or it is not as powerfully shown as it should. Yaweh is the Eternal, the One, the I am , He is not mentionned enough in this book. I guess the writer didn't want to offend people of other religion and forgot who HaShem is. Would not buy it if I was you but borrow it, and save the pennies :)