The Bridge to Forgiveness, by Karyn D. Kedar is a lovely book, filled with inspirational prose and poetry.
Rabbi Kedar has filled the pages with beautiful stories, illuminating prose and poetry, and words that will bring the reader spiritual comfort. Her thoughts on forgiveness take on new meaning, as she instructs the reader to forgive themselves before they can begin to forgive others. She infuses the book with the idea that one must learn to accept and/or acknowledge what has occurred, which is not to mean they have to like it, or even agree in any manner. Acknowledgment is emotionally powerful, and therefore mentally and physically powerful. Once they pass through that phase, then they can forgive. Once they forgive, they can move forward, and begin anew.
This is not to say that the event or incident is forgotten, or wiped out of one’s mind. Of course it isn’t, it is part of a person’s history. But, forgiving can let an individual move towards a new phase in their lives, and it can set them free from the burden/s they have carried with them.
The Bridge to Forgiveness is not an extremely intense book on the subject, like some books are. There are no harsh or sharp words, and there is no bitterness or coldness. Yet, the gentle and soulful prose speaks to the heart of the reader, filling them with healing thoughts to empower them. Rabbi Kedar’s way of thinking, her stories, prayers, poems and suggestions are filled with strength, within her gentle and graceful way of relating the steps and the road to take in order to forgive another .
I recommend The Bridge to Forgiveness, by Karyn D. Kedar for the healing and sensitive approach it brings to the area of forgiveness.
Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur are fast approaching us. Forgiveness is a dominant theme during this month of Elul, and throughout the High Holy Days. Let each of us try to forgive, so we can journey forward, crossing the bridge a little freer in our souls.
The photo above was taken by me.
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© Copyright 2007 – All Rights Reserved – No permission is given or allowed to reuse my photography, book reviews, writings, or my poetry in any form/format without my express written consent/permission.
Thursday September 10, 2009 – 21st of Elul, 5769
What a wonderful heartfelt book review, thanks Jewwishes.
By the way, that garden picture is awesome!
By: James on September 10, 2009
at 4:19 pm
Thank you, James! Be well.
By: jewwishes on September 10, 2009
at 5:34 pm
Where do you get your pictures Lori. They are just beautiful. Were you a photographer at one time or just took up the hobby.
The high holiday season is coming upon us in a few days. Shilichot on Saturday night. I would like to wish you and your family for a happy, healthy, Joyfull New Year.
La Shana Tova Tikvatenu.
Susan
By: Susan on September 10, 2009
at 8:55 pm
Susan: I dabble in photography. Thank you for your kind words.
L’Shanah Tovah to you and your family.
By: jewwishes on September 11, 2009
at 8:25 am
This post is a mitzvah!
Aloha
By: cloudia on September 10, 2009
at 9:17 pm
Thanks for visiting, Cloudia.
By: jewwishes on September 11, 2009
at 8:26 am
This reminds me of the passage I read in ‘Preparing Your Heart for the High Holy Days’ – how you can change the past through changing your attitude to what has taken place. This then changes your present life. The only thing you can’t change is the future. Which of course, is not how we usually look at things!
Shabbat Shalom to you.
By: rachel on September 11, 2009
at 4:35 am
Rachel: I have the same book you speak of, and remember remember that passage.
Shabbat Shalom.
By: jewwishes on September 11, 2009
at 8:27 am
[...] The Bridge to Forgiveness, by Karyn D. Kedar [...]
By: Jew Wishes On: High Holy Days « Jew Wishes on September 15, 2009
at 11:38 am