A Shared Thought

An Essay Collection

What’s your opinion on essays? Most people have one, since they’re so different in purpose from other reading. A buffet of food for thought, the best essays provide a glimpse into a stranger’s insight and ruminations, triggering an exploration of our own thinking and self-knowledge.

Many of these essay collections are more alike than different, so these reviews point out their differences. Some are consistent in tone, with each essay feeling like another of the same thing. These are best read in short sittings. Others include a broader range of styles, which can keep you engaged for longer. Expect a satisfying and reflective read from all.

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An Audience of One, Sarah Shapiro
About the role of writing and reading in Sarah’s life, aging, parents, and the tremendous people around us
Feels soothing and subtly profound with an engaging cadence built by the variety of genre and pace, sophisticated and articulate writing (on sale this week at Amazon)

Lights from Jerusalem, Sara Yocheved Rigler
About the beauty, joy and sorrow in the minutia of life in Eretz Yisrael, and the insight gained from learning from our lives
Feels like looking at the world through a kaleidoscope of color and emotion. Read Sara Yocheved’s memoir, “God Winked”, first, for perspective on her perspectives :) 

Heads and Tails, Rabbi Beryl Wein
About the astonishing interactions and experiences Rabbi Wein encounters around the world
Feels like a fast-paced read made delightful with old schools humor and wit

Tales out of Shul, Rabbi Emanuel Feldman
About the dramatic challenges and changes one community experienced while moving closer to Torah, from the dedicated Rabbi who stood at its helm
Feels humorous and profound, frustrating but inspiring

Be a Blessing, Rebbetzin Esther Jungreis 
About Rebbetzin Jungreis’s intriguing personal history and her vast experiences with people worldwide
Feels like gentle and down-to-earth inspiration weaved subtly into fascinating anecdotes

Gevurah, Rabbi Twerski
About thorny issues of today, childhood in a bygone era, and perspectives and impact from unexpected places
Feels like a rich and satisfying reflections on a prestigious family and a storied career

Concentric Circles, Esther Sender 
About ordinary moments within a vibrant moshav life frozen in time, overheard conversations, interactions, and views
Feels like creative framing of everyday moments that will make you smile

Cinnamon and Myyre, Yaffa Ganz
About introspection within the mundane and the joys and challenges of family, friends, and community
Feels positive and dynamic, with smooth lyrical writing 

Truly Great Jewish Women, Then and Now, Rabbi YY Rubinstein
About the relevance in lessons from the great Jewish women from Tanach, from recent history, and from our own generation
Feels like a broad exploration across time and topics, with Rabbi Rubinstein's signature wit and depth

Something to Think About, Yaakov Solomon
About growing up in the 60s, current events of the 2000’s, and everyday opportunities
Feels like distilling a moment into a thought through intriguing storytelling

Mirrors and Windows, Malky Feig
About universal moments that unite Jewish women, and the delightful moments that make up the mundane 
Feels like homey and wholesome musing against the colorful backdrop of Eretz Yisrael, its people, and motherhood