Coping with Adversity: Judaism's Response to Illness and Other Life Struggles

by Gordon Fuller, Joel A. Roffman, Gordon A. Fuller

Combining the medical experience of a cardiologist with the Judaic knowledge of a rabbi, Coping with Adversity draws on the practical wisdom of ancient Jewish teachings and scripture to help people of... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1934812226
• ISBN13: 9781934812228
• Release Date: September 2008
• Publisher: Brown Books
• Length: 183 Pages
• Weight: 0.50 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 5.0" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

An inspiring book for dealing with difficult situations

When I learned Dr. Joel Roffman had written a book recently I was thrilled, knowing it would contain many words of wisdom. I just completed the second study of the text and found this reading to be even more inspiring than my first. Dr. Roffman became my cardiologist over fifteen years ago. In addition, my husband Owen was served by Dr. Roffman for almost as long. I feel Owen's life with congestive heart failure was extended many years thanks to the loving advice and skilled care he received from our medical professional. Dr. Roffman truly lives what he advises, something I have witnessed many times. Although I am a Christian, the lessons taught in his book can apply to anyone, no matter what faith. And it can be a helpful guide to non-believers as well. Each chapter shares a different medical profile and then provides a solid way of coping with the accompanying adversity--hence, the title of the book. The book concludes with "Ten Commandments for Coping with Adversity." These commandments, based on Biblical teachings can help all of us find answers to ways of dealing with the stresses that accompany every day living. Thank you Dr. Roffman and Rabbi Fuller for your inspiring contribution to our sometimes troubled lives. Margaret Olson

A novel approach to presenting very ancient wisdom

I saw this book in the Judaica section of my local bookstore and picked it up. It's an easy read, and a fast read because it keeps you engaged from the beginning to the end. This isn't your normal philosophical or theological tome. This book is about real people, with real adversities, like what we all face in our lives. It covers everything from Al, who is diagnosed with cancer, to Pat, who has a strained relationship with a coworker. It presents these people with their stories, and then gives insight into what Judaism has to offer about their individual situations. Each chapter ends with a brief summary of "Applying Jewish Teaching", that shows us how we might carry these insights into our own lives when we inevitably face adversity. The last chapter is saved for "The 10 Commandments of Coping with Adversity", which nicely summarizes what has been presented throughout the book. I would recommend this book to anyone who would be interested in seeing what Judaism has to say about adversity and how best to move through it. This book would be useful to someone facing a life-threatening illness, or a chronic illness, or someone facing a strained relationship or a sense of a loss of meaning in their lives, or any other type of difficult situation. We all face adversity at one point or another in our lives, and this book does a wonderful job of capturing a wide spectrum of adversity, in very real terms, and showing us how Judaism offers us hope and meaning during troubled times.

A moving and very helpful self-help manual

Adversity exists everywhere in life, dealing with it is what matters. "Coping with Adversity: Judaism Response to Illness and Other Life Struggles" is a combination of both secular and Judaic wisdom in coping with the inescapable adversity that everyone faces in every avenue of life. The combination brings a two pronged approach to dealing with the challenges of life, and if one can't help someone, the other will. "Coping with Adversity" is a moving and very helpful self-help manual.

Inspiring read

As a professional counselor I highly recommend Coping with Adversity. It is a meaningful and inspiring book filled with ancient wisdom and practical advice. Beautifully written, its stories and scenarios will remain with you long after the book is read.

Excellent advice for people dealing with loss and illlness

I just finished this book. The co-author is my dad's cardiologist. He is a very capable and skilled doctor, but more importantly a very caring person. I saw the book in his waiting room and was intrigued. It is a useful book in a number of different ways. First, it introduces some general concepts and terminology from Judaism in a very informative and readable fashion, which I enjoyed. He uses stories from the Tanach (what we Christians refer to as the Old Testament) to illustrate principles that are quite useful. Second, the advice itself is very practical for people making health care decisions or being a caretaker for others. I highly recommend this book