Resilience

We are taught that our struggles make us stronger; they help to shape us into who we are meant to be. Yet, how can we ensure that our challenges uplift us rather than bring us down? Based on resilience research, positive psychology, and behavioral science, this book is written as a manual for building resilience. It is intended to offer a better understanding of how to confront life’s setbacks, limiting the possible negative impact of adversity as well as fostering the strengths that exist within all of us — so we can handle the inevitable problems and pitfalls that come our way. Alongside scientific research, Resilience contains illuminating insights from the Torah and its scholars, as well as Jewish spirituality, thought, and history. It also includes personal stories of resilience from different individuals, and practical, evidence-based exercises teaching resilience-building strategies. “Few things are as necessary for a well-adjusted life as resilience; of all the qualities of character worth developing, this one should probably come first. Readers who internalize the message of this book will certainly be better people — and much more able to live successfully no matter what challenges life presents them.” Rabbi Dr. Akiva Tatz, author of Living Inspired and Jewish Teenager’s Guide to Life “No one is immune to life’s challenges and hardships. Resilience is an incredible handbook, helping a person to withstand these experiences and becoming emotionally stronger as a result. The book is a wonderful synthesis of Torah-based insights, extensive psychological research, and practical exercises. The reader will come out enriched, and their lives will be tremendously enhanced.” Rebbetzin Shira Smiles, author of the Torah Tapestries series “I highly recommend this inspiring book. While we usually have little control over whether or not we face hardships and challenges, we have much control over how we respond to them. Resilience provides us with sound tools — from modern research and ancient wisdom — that can help us deal with and grow from setbacks.” Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, author of Happier and Being Happy Dr. Leslie Morrison Gutman is an associate professor in Clinical, Health, and Educational Psychology and the program director of the MSc Behavior Change at University College London. She is also an associate editor of the Journal of Adolescence and associate at the Early Intervention Foundation. She received her PhD in Education and Psychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. Leslie has authored over sixty-five academic publications, including peer-reviewed scientific journal articles, chapters in textbooks, and policy reports for government. She also writes articles for Aish.com. Her research focuses on developmental trajectories in childhood and adolescence, health and well-being, risk and resilience, and aspirations and attainment, as well as the development, implementation, and evaluation of interventions for children, adolescents, and families. She lives in London with her husband and children.