Rabbi Mendel Kalmenson, Chabad shliach in Belgravia, London, and a best-selling author, was the guest lecturer at Chabad of Tribeca in Manhattan’s Speaker Series last month.
Over 65 people came together at the event, which featured a wonderful spread of sushi and sake. Rabbi Kalmenson also launched his latest book, titled: “On Purpose: Practical Wisdom for designing a life of Purpose.”
Drawing on the teachings and example of the Rebbe, the book contains many perspectives, principles and practices aimed at helping readers live with purpose, empowerment, and intentionality.
“In a world beset by distraction and inundated with countless causes, discovering one’s unique purpose can seem overwhelming,” explained Kalmenson. “The book aims to help readers navigate that challenge through the timeless teachings of the Rebbe.”
The book, produced and released by Chabad.org and published by Ezra Press—an imprint of Kehot Publication Society—is backed by compelling research showing that living with purpose doesn’t just enhance emotional well-being but transforms physical health.
Studies indicate it improves sleep quality, enhances resilience, boosts self-esteem and significantly reduces the risk of anxiety and depression, and, incredibly, research shows that living with purpose can add up to seven years to one’s life!
The significance of the book’s timing wasn’t lost on experts in the field. “This brilliant and fascinating book could not come at a more important time,” says Professor Tal Ben-Shachar of Harvard University. “Our world is in desperate need of role models who exemplify integrity and goodness, who lead with purpose and passion. I cannot think of a better role model than the Rebbe for politicians, managers, teachers and parents.”
Rabbi Zalman Paris, Shliach in Tribeca, opened the evening with an inspiring reflection on the transformative power of the Rebbe’s ideas to change the world. Now more than ever, in a world beset by moral confusion and chaos, so many are desperately trying to make sense of a vast and turbulent world, and their unique place and purpose within it.
Rabbi Kalmenson then gave a presentation based on the Rebbe’s teachings on positivity and purpose. The talk resonated deeply with those who attended, leading one attendee to share:
“We all get consumed by the demands of everyday life. Rabbi Kalmanson’s talk about the positivity bias elevated my perspective and got me thinking about where, in my life, I’ve been too focused on the negative and not giving circumstances and people the gratitude they deserve.”
Another attendee shared:
“We loved it. An inspiring palette cleanser! The talk on Positivity and Purpose with Rabbi Kalmanson came for me as a critical reminder of the role we play in the framing of reality and our own circumstances. He weaved together the teachings of Rabbi Schneerson with neuroscience and colorful anecdotes, delivered with an infectious smile, encouraging us to go about our lives, the news, the state of things with a bias towards positivity. We have a choice, and he made a very compelling case to choose positivity over negativity — for our health, for our relationships, and for our communities and society at large. I think of Jewish teachings as critical and rational — I was delighted to find a more joyful and spiritual footing. My husband and I arrived tense and stressed and left smiling and uplifted. We hope to carry that through beyond that night into our general outlook.”
A third shared: “I enjoyed it very much! I’ve been saying Modeh Ani l’fanecha every morning since (never did that before)!”
All in all, it was a wonderful beginning to what promises to be a source of continued inspiration for the burgeoning Tribeca and Soho Jewish community.
For more information about “On Purpose”, and to purchase the book, visit Chabad.org/OnPurpose
