The 4 Books I’m Reading For The High Holidays

The High Holidays are here and I have to be honest – they’re some of my favorite holidays in the Jewish calendar. And while sitting in services and hearing sermons are a staple of my High Holidays experience (and they will be again this year in Philly and DC), I love all of the time to reflect and think about the big questions in my life and the world. This year, I’m reading 4 books over the course of ten days (don’t worry, they’re pretty short) to make these special days even sweeter and more meaningful.

P.S. Let me know if you want to borrow one of them and/or comment below with what you’re reading to make this year during the High Holidays!

The Alchemist – Paulo Coehlo
This is truly an all-time classic adventure book with a truly personal touch. I feel like many of us are constantly searching – for community, for love, for belonging – and this book will push you to keep on searching for those things, but with some important reminders for the journey. I’ve been trying to make sure I seek out more meaningful and exciting experiences in my life, and this book is just what I need to make that happen.

The Last Lecture – Dr. Randy Pausch
If you haven’t read this book, you may at least know the story. Dr. Randy Pausch was a professor at Carnegie Mellon when he was diagnosed with terminal cancer. In the few months he had left to live, he gave a “last lecture” to his students – except the lecture was all about living. Through these short yet powerful chapters, I’m excited to be reminded about the important things in life.

The President’s Devotional – Joshua Dubois
While President Obama was in office, Joshua Dubois served as the White House Director of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. Over the years, Dubois would send Obama a daily email with a piece of Scripture to meditate on and help him guide his work. Obama has said this practice “meant the world” to him, and I can’t wait to flip through these quotes to gain my own little piece of balance and inspiration.

Together Is Better – Simon Sinek
You may know Simon Sinek for his world famous TED Talk, “How great leaders inspire action”, in which he presents his “Start With Why” theory. Well, after writing a couple of fascinating books for leaders, he also wrote a short picture book all about the power of teamwork and how working together makes the experience that much sweeter. I’m hoping to bring more community and partnership into this new year and here’s a terrific reminder of that!