Water from the Well
Water from the Well
Reflections on Being a Jew at the End of History
By Rebbetzin Holly Pavlov
Why is life such a struggle? Are we struggling today more than ever before? Or do we just feel like our struggles are greater because we have lost a sense of why we are struggling? Why does Hashem send us tests?
In her book, Water from the Well: Reflections on Being a Jew at the End of History, Rebbetzin Holly Pavlov attempts, through classic text study, to answer questions Jews grapple with each day
The follow up to her first book, Mirrors of Lives: Reflections of Women in Tanach, Water from the Well reminds us that the Torah is our guide and our greatest resource in dealing with personal challenges. The book looks at periods in Tanach when our patriarchs and matriarchs were particularly challenged and depicts how they dealt in times of crisis. Giving specific examples, the book examines how each figure had something in common—a shared vision that their struggles were necessary in order to give birth to the Jewish people.
Water from the Well emphasizes that our forbearers were always looking beyond themselves and realized they were part of the bigger picture. Ironically a book about life struggles, starts with a chapter on laughter. Pavlov points out that throughout history, Jews have been known for their sense of humor and ability to laugh at themselves and the world around them. She examines the various meanings of the word through the story of the first Jewish child, Yitzchak.
Other topics addressed are: What was David HaMelech’s struggle? Why were Yosef’s brothers ashamed? Laughter, yearning in exile, faith in G-d, freedom of choice, and footsteps to Mashiach are just a few of the themes illuminated in this brilliantly crafted book on the Avos. In this book we learn that through the unique experiences, struggles, and triumphs of our Avos, we can gain inspiration and find practical guidelines for living our lives as Jews in today’s complex world.
This book is published by Targum Press and is available at your local Hebrew book store, from Targum Press, from Feldhiem Press or directly from She'arim.