“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
“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
Resilience is a practical guide for navigating life’s uncertainties and challenges. This expanded second edition (originally published by Mosaica Press) offers fresh insights, real-life stories, and hands-on examples, updated for 2025. With its new paperback format, it is designed to feel more like a workbook—something to carry, mark up, and return to whenever needed.
Based on psychological science, Resilience offers evidence-based tools and guided exercises to help readers bounce forward—not back—tapping into the inner strengths that foster growth through adversity and change.
More than a self-help book, Resilience draws deeply from Jewish wisdom and spirituality. It offers timeless insights from Torah scholars alongside stories of real-life courage and grit. Each section weaves together practices for reflection and growth—including circles of resilience, personal and family strengths, social connection, and post-traumatic growth.
This book is for anyone seeking to reaffirm their purpose, rediscover inner strength, and remember—especially in moments of struggle and doubt—that their soul is pure and their life profoundly meaningful.
More praise for Resilience
“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
“Everyone will experience hardship and challenges in their lives, whether it’s interpersonal, financial, communal, health, or something else. And yet so many of us feel at a loss on how to cope with the challenge in the moment, and, more importantly, how to move through these challenges and emerge not only intact, but stronger. Professor Gutman has combined both clinical research and the ancient wisdom of Jewish tradition in an accessible and applicable way to help everyone access the crucial tools necessary for living the most fulfilled and connected life. With practical examples and a wealth of exercises to take the knowledge and actively apply it to our lives, this book is a gift to the world. You should absolutely buy it for yourself and all your loved ones.”
Rivki Silver, writer at Family First magazine, podcast co-host of Deep Meaningful Conversations
“Dr. Gutman’s book is a lifesaver. For anyone who is looking for a better quality of life, I highly recommend Resilience.”
Elise Brodersen, podcast host, Jewish Inspiration at Your Fingertips
“I love this book, very eye-opening. I highly recommend this for anyone who wants to learn how to deal with life’s many challenges.”
Miriam Zeitlin, author of Finding Forever: From First Date to Soulmate
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Dr. Leslie M. Gutman 