New Book Shares the Rebbe’s Counseling For Life

For nearly nearly half a century, people from all walks of life turned to the Rebbe for his private guidance and counsel. Whether it was hippies grappling with existential questions, adolescents struggling with friends, or leaders plagued by self-doubt, in the Rebbe they found a spiritual giant who cared about them unconditionally, and who listened to them fully and attentively.

During thousands of in-person sessions and written correspondence, the Rebbe addressed their issues and guided them out of their emotional turmoil. Without evading their dilemmas nor relieving them of responsibility, the Rebbe shared with them new perspectives, habits and practices to help them transform their state of being.

But what would he advise them? And how can a present-day reader tap into those transformative ideas to enhance their own life?

Through an extensive research project launched in 2019, a team of scholars, headed by Rabbi Levi Shmotkin (originally of Stamford, Connecticut), studied some 20,000 letters and maanos (brief handwritten responses) and 1,500 interviews and personal accounts, and identifed core principles in the Rebbe’s guidance.

With the help of Mashpiim, professionals and literary advisors, their groundbreaking findings are now presented in the highly readable new book.

With an expressed goal that readers gain practical insight and tools for their own emotional wellness, Letters for Life weaves together excerpts from the Rebbe’s correspondence and compelling stories to convey 12 recurring ideas in the Rebbe’s counseling.

“With startling clarity, boundless empathy, and timeless wisdom,” Kehot’s back cover text enthuses, “the Rebbe’s voice pierces through the noise – guiding readers toward health, hope, and healing.”

“The Rebbe taught thousands of people the practical tools for how to attain inner peace and happiness,” explains Dr. Edith Eva Eger, famed Holocaust survivor and best-selling author. “His powerful guidance, related beautifully in this book, is sure to enrich the emotional life of all who read it.”

“The Rebbe recognized years ago what is now a whole new path in the study of neuro-science: living with a higher consciousness positively transforms our minds and insulates us against depression, addiction and many other mental health concerns,” says Dr. Lisa Miller, bestselling author and Professor of Psychology at Columbia University. “This book will skilfully teach you how to apply his deep wisdom to live a truly awakened life, filled with joy, healing and fulfillment.”

“What a wonderful, beautiful book,” says Dr. Yisroel (Edwin) Susskind, PHD, and past president of the Psychological Association of Maryland. “Reading it, I could imagine myself being a young boy and hearing his wise and sweet guidance. The book lays out practical advice from the Rebbe, in words that are both gentle and forceful. The concrete suggestions, demonstrated in actual real-life examples, will be useful both to everyday people, as well as to professionals (teachers, rabbis, therapists…).  

“The compilers of the book start each chapter with a statement of basic principles, followed by relatable specific examples, and close with a pointed summary that clarifies the basic principles. This clarity enables the reader to apply the particular examples to his own individual situation.”

Letters for Life is being published by Chabad.org and Kehot Publication Society in connection with 3 Tammuz 30 years. Pre-order your copy here.