What better time than the new year for some life-changing inspiration?
What better time than the new year for some life-changing inspiration?
There’s nothing like spending a winter evening curled up on the couch with a good book — or even better, one that will change your life.
These 11 Israeli reads will do just that and give you fresh perspective on a wide range of topics, from the history of mankind to what makes the perfect cookie to the importance of staying resilient.
History professor Yuval Noah Harari published his game-changing book in 2011, which traces the evolution of mankind, the concepts that shaped our world, the myths that brought us together and the challenges we’ve overcome along the way. Prepare to be blown away in the best of company, as top fans of this international bestseller include former U.S. President Barack Obama and Bill Gates.
Brought to you by the bestselling author of “Predictably Irrational,” Dan Ariely’s latest endeavor is a graphic novel. Ariely teamed up with illustrator Matt R. Trower for a book about making cognizant and improved decisions at home and in the office, which is based on his years of research in neuroscience, behavioral economics and psychology.
Happiness is not an elusive state, and we can all teach ourselves to be happier, according to Professor Tal Ben-Shahar, the mastermind behind Harvard University’s most popular class who has written international bestsellers on the topic. Drawing on positive psychology, “Happier” provides readers with a set of principles that can put more joy in daily life.
You often hear that having a business is like having child, but rarely do you come across the idea that growing up is like growing a business. This is the argument Israeli high-tech veteran Inbal Arieli makes in “Chutzpah,” pointing out the parallel lines between a typical Israeli upbringing and the way in which a startup is shaped. Both have a lot to do with discovery, validation, efficiency and renewal. This similarity, she notes, is what stands at the core of Israel’s super-successful startup eco-system.
First published in 1975, “Once Upon a Potty” has already aided generations of parents in the complex and often frustrating process of potty-training. Alona Frankel’s masterpiece tells the story of Joshua (or Naftali if you’re reading the Hebrew version), who slowly but surely learns about bodily functions until he manages to use the bathroom successfully. Over the years, a female character called Prudence (Ziona in Hebrew) has emerged, making this a must have in every household with children.
An oldie but a goodie, “Start-Up Nation” is the book when it comes to understanding Israel’s massive high-tech miracle. Arguing that adversity is what brought Israelis to think outside of the box and succeed, it is inspirational on a national level and thought-provoking on a personal one.
“ISRESILIENCE” is an inspiring book that offers a glimpse into the resilience and wonderful achievements of Israeli people who have overcome adversity and made it to the top. Some of those featured are household names while others are relatively unknown, but all make us feel better while facing an uncertain future during the global pandemic.
If you’d like to make a change to your life, the kitchen is a good place to start — and there’s probably no better guide than this eponymous book by the Jerusalemite chefs who put vibrant, exciting and delicious Middle Eastern food on plates across the world. Granted, their recipes usually include about a thousand ingredients and multiple steps, but it’s totally worth it. Just try their roast endive or white chocolate, oats and cranberry cookie recipes to get a whole new perspective on life.
Sherri Mandell’s 13-year-old son Koby was killed in a terror attack in 2001, leading her and her husband, Rabbi Seth Mandell, to set up the Koby Mandell Foundation to support families who have lost loved ones. She is also a pastoral counselor who runs healing groups for mothers and has poured her knowledge, expertise and personal experience into a book that examines how it is possible to grow from grief. Thoughtful and compassionate, the eye-opening read may help those in difficult situations.
Feeling blue about the state of the planet? Ever wondered what the Bible said about going green? Volume 1 of “Eco Bible,” an ecological commentary on Genesis and Exodus, sheds new light on the well-known stories, links them to today and explores issues such as clean air, biodiversity and health. A Volume 2 delving into Leviticus, Numbers and Deuteronomy is set to be published next year.
The COVID-19 crisis has put trips to faraway destinations, during which we can take a deep breath, recharge and reevaluate our lives, on hold. But as Tzippi Moss shows in her new book, you don’t have to go that far away to appreciate all that nature can do for you. The read follows her, her husband and her son as they crisscross through Israel to raise money and awareness for ALS research, reflecting on life and gathering new lessons on the way.
11 Books by Israeli Authors that Can Change Your Life appeared first on ISRAEL21c.
