BOOK CORNER

I thought I would review one of the Books given to me for Christmas for February. A wonderful down-to-earth book, 'Celebrating Life, Finding Happiness in Unexpected Places' by Dr. Jonathan Sacks. Dr Jonathan Sacks has been Chief Rabbi of Britain and the Commonwealth since 1991. This book has its origins in the 'Credo' column that the author writes for The Times.

Dr Sacks: "I've tried to say what happiness is, how we make it, how we lose it, and how we sometimes walk past it without recognising it. Happiness isn't somewhere else, it's where we are. It isn't something we don't yet have, we do. It isn't fantasy, it's really experienced in a certain way. Happiness is a close relative of faith." I felt warmed by the author's recollection of his time in hospital. An elderly acquaintance greeted him positively with, "How wonderful to have you here, Rabbi Sacks. Now we can study together!" Two people who were unwell took time out to become lost in their debate thus joining the ancient rabbis in ongoing conversation with God.

I also enjoyed the chapter that tells of a letter written to the Lubavitcher Rebbe, one of the great religious leaders of the Twentieth Century, asking for help. The letter was on the lines of "I can't concentrate. I find no spiritual satisfaction. I..." The reply was to cross the first word in each sentence out - the 'I'. That was the problem. "Happiness lives in the realm of Not I". It reminded me of the Cross - often referred to as 'I' crossed out.

It was following the painful loss of his father that the Chief Rabbi starts to learn how to celebrate life in a new way. He also renews his relationship with God who speaks to our deepest needs.

'Celebrating Life. Finding Happiness in Unexpected Places' by D Jonathan Sacks. (Fount) ISBN 0-00-628172-9. £8.99

Lynn Winter