By 5TJT Staff
I spent Shabbat reading Rabbi David Cohen’s latest book, “Together Again,” and I’m happy to report it truly transformed my Shabbat.
In his book, Rabbi Cohen takes a look at recent events, especially COVID, and asks his readers to re-examine some of the most important parts of their lives. He begins with the relationships we have with the people who are most important to us. Rabbi Cohen challenges the reader to rethink how they interact with spouses, children, parents, teachers, rabbis, and neighbors.
Using inspirational and thought-provoking personal stories, the author suggests more meaningful ways to deal with people. He begs us not to allow the tragedy of COVID’s loneliness to be wasted and to use the opportunity to see what is around us—the meaningful people who enhance our lives.
I personally found this book especially meaningful because many of the people Rabbi Cohen writes about are from my hometown community of Fair Lawn. My rabbis, Rav Sinai Adler and Rabbi Benjamin Yudin, and others I miss greatly such as Josh Bender, David Stern, Boruch Galbut, and Rabbi Cohen’s parents all make appearances. Even if you don’t know anyone talked about in this book, you’ll find the stories uplifting.
This book is perfect for people who are trying to look back at the past few years of COVID and find meaning, inspiration, or a message. I imagine that in the coming years many books will be written on finding meaning during COVID. “Together Again” should be included among the best.
