“Climbing Jacob's Ladder contains a plethora of practices for those on a
spiritual path: meditations to develop concentration and a clear mind, reciting
holy phrases, examining the choices we make, practicing right speech, and
removing the obstacles that obstruct the flow of love.”—Spirituality &
Practice
“Climbing Jacob's Ladderis
a compelling portrait of the relationship between a student and a teacher, and
Morinis's journey—as an assimilated Jew entering the Orthodox world of
yeshiva—raises important questions about the meaning of Judaism and the search
for spirituality in this world.”—The Los
Angeles Times
“Clearly written and thought
provoking, this book is both an engaging memoir and an introduction to the
little-known heritage of Mussar, which teaches that by changing one's self, one
can change the world.”—The Canadian Jewish News
“A moving account. . . . The
achievement of personal growth through spirituality is richly demonstrated by
this touching account of the author's journey to Judaism.”—Publishers Weekly
“Alan Morinis, in his spiritual journey, has struck a rich vein of Judaism.
This offering feels like a heart-gift to us.”—Ram Dass, author of Still Here
“Offers insightful treats for anyone who follows a spiritual path.”—Daniel Goleman, author of Emotional Intelligence
“Alan Morinis has provided us with a fascinating, deeply personal account of
his journey back to Jewish spirituality through an encounter with the
little-known heritage of Mussar, the Jewish discipline of self-perfection. This
is a beautifully written and engaging book, a timely reminder that by changing
ourselves we can begin to change the world.”—Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Sacks, Chief
Rabbi of Britain
and the Commonwealth
“This
book is essential for every thinking person. Like Jethro of the Bible,
Alan Morinis found the secret of dignified human life in the teachings
of Mussar after all other searches were fruitless.We owe him a debt of
gratitude for introducing some light in one of the darkest moments in
mankind’s history.”—Rabbi Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, MD, author of Angels Don’t Leave Footprints
“Morinis’s
shimmering portrait of one of the masters of Mussar is religious
portraiture rarely paralleled. A delight for novice and expert
alike.”—Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, author of The Fire Within: The Living Heritage of the Mussar Movement
“Climbing Jacob’s Ladder
is a gutsy, glowing account of one man’s encounter with a potent
spiritual practice and how it transformed his life.This is a precious
book—that rare combination of solid wisdom and good literature.”—Larry
Dossey, MD, author of Healing Beyond the Body
“A
compelling story of spiritual discovery and initiation. This tale of
personal liberation focuses on no-nonsense lessons in rising out of
meaninglessness and spiritual fog.”—Thomas Moore, author of Care of Soul
