Rabbi Sara Berman presents an insightful account of how her faith has helped her cope with depression in Ben’oni L’benyamin. This book is divided into three parts, the first discussing the Jewish holidays and how Rabbi Berman’s interpretation of the traditions surrounding these holy days helps her manage. The second part covers a number of parshiot from the Torah, with an emphasis on how Rabbi Berman incorporates the themes of these stories into her life in a way that deepens her understanding and management of depression. Part three features quotes from mental health patients on how family and friends can help during the worst periods of mental illness, as well as a selection of journal entries and a letter written by the author’s daughter.
Ben’oni L’benyamin is an insightful account of Rabbi Sara Berman’s struggle with depression. This novel is both highly readable and informative, which squashed any concerns I had that this novel would be unrelatable to a non-religious person like myself. To the contrary, I could empathise with many of the feelings Rabbi Berman discusses and found that the religious context provided an interesting philosophical frame of reference. Rabbi Berman’s straightforward interpretations of the significance behind the Jewish holidays as well as the deeper meanings in the parshiot are insightful. These also provide a helpful framework for anyone trying to understand what it’s like to live with depression and anxiety. Ben’oni L’benyamin takes great strides in fighting the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental illness through Rabbi Berman’s honest account of her personal battle.
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
Ben’oni L’benyamin is an insightful account of Rabbi Sara Berman’s struggle with depression. This novel is both highly readable and informative, which squashed any concerns I had that this novel would be unrelatable to a non-religious person like myself. To the contrary, I could empathise with many of the feelings Rabbi Berman discusses and found that the religious context provided an interesting philosophical frame of reference. Rabbi Berman’s straightforward interpretations of the significance behind the Jewish holidays as well as the deeper meanings in the parshiot are insightful. These also provide a helpful framework for anyone trying to understand what it’s like to live with depression and anxiety. Ben’oni L’benyamin takes great strides in fighting the stigma and misunderstanding surrounding mental illness through Rabbi Berman’s honest account of her personal battle.
Reviewed for Reader's Favorite
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