Book Description
Torah. Language. Math. Science. What is missing in our children’s formal education?
Most children need to be taught the “talent” of happiness. It doesn’t happen automatically — and it is the central key that enables them to lead successful, productive, and meaningful lives.
Beth Perkel synthesizes deep Torah concepts, the most up-to-date psychological methods, scientific studies and research and weaves them into a practical, personalized system for us and our children. Light at the Beginning of the Tunnel teaches parents how to empower children with micro-habits and mindsets that will wire them with lifelong skills to improve their attitudes, reactions, and interactions throughout life. With many profound exercises, teachings, and tips that are applicable to adults as well, this book offers the power to illuminate all stages of the journey through the tunnel of life.
About The Author
Known for her bright smile and ever-present laugh, Beth Perkel is a noticeably happy person. She is also a professional writer, mediator, and teacher, and was a shul rebbetzin for almost a decade. She was first published in national and international magazines by age seventeen, won her first writing award at age eighteen, and had her writing included in a New York Times bestselling book by age nineteen. Perkel’s education in and passion for psychology began during her years at the University of Pennsylvania, where she graduated Phi Beta Kappa and conducted funded national and international psychology research. Since then, she has written in-depth articles, stories, and first-person essays for a dozen online and print publications. Her work has been featured in Newsweek Magazine, Chicago Tribune, Mishpacha Magazine, Family First, Aish.com, Times of Israel, The Jewish Press, and in many books. Perkel also loves giving shiurim, cooking Moroccan food, and winning snowball fights. She lives in Chicago with her husband and children.
Praise
“Beth Perkel has written a book that is both practical and thought-provoking. She masterfully blends Torah ideas and modern scholarship. Light at the Beginning of the Tunnel is invaluable in its ability to strike a balance between comprehensiveness and depth. It clearly explains countless positive psychology concepts, integrating easy-to-use applications for teaching children the foundations of enduring happiness. This is a highly recommended, meaningful, and valuable read for everybody who is looking for a parenting book that is both wise and practical.” – David Pelcovitz, Ph.D. Straus Chair in Psychology and Education, Yeshiva University.
“Beth Perkel’s book is a powerhouse of knowledge, tools, and insights, equipping parents with skills they need to help their children learn to take care of their well-being as they navigate a complicated modern world. Perkel’s blend of positive psychology and Jewish tradition offer a unique synergy, making this a “must-have” resource for all parents.”-Nataly Kogan, Author of Happier Now and creator of The Happier Method™
“Rebbetzin Perkel is doing an important service in helping people understand themselves and those around them.” – Dr. Miriam Adahan, bestselling author and psychologist
Batya –
LOVED this book. It taught me so much. Made me laugh, made me cry, was so down to earth and helpful and exactly what I needed right now in my parenting!
Hally Goldstein –
A well written, thoughtful book! A must read for all parents! So many great ideas and well researched. I’m sure I’ll read this book again and again!
Ilana –
This book is beautifully written. It is an easy read, insightful and entertaining while at the same time giving the reader tools, tips, and a clear path with an organized plan to attain the goal of enjoying sometimes difficult process of child rearing. Be prepared to just keep reading, it’s hard to put this book down!!!
Adina Mayer –
This is truly a book that I will keep front and center on my bookshelf to read over and over again. Beth weaves psychology and ancient Torah wisdom together so beautiful adding simple and practical measures to everyday life. I love that each chapter begins with a lifestyle quote and a Judaic quote to bring inspiration before I even dive in. The book contains profound concepts presented so effortlessly that it is a genuine pleasure to read. I took notes while I read and did the exercises she suggested. Only after a week of reading it, I already see the positive impact it’s making in my parenting journey. I will treasure this book as a guide look forward to continuing the beneficial homework at the end of the book.
Suzie –
I felt totally drawn to buy this book after I heard so many people rave about how great it was!….and amazingly, after such high praise, it didn’t disappoint. I can honestly say, this book is a treasure trove of practical, implementable information – a great resource for anyone who wants to build up their family’s adaptiveness and adjustment. It’s really not just about happiness, I found it more about living a well-balanced life with giving your children a strong “readiness backbone” for life and whatever it might throw and them- the author is really into emotional agility and building skills with your kids and I really related to that much more than a “happy clappy” book. I also loved that the book is based on psychological studies that are often referenced which makes it feel very substantial and not at all fluff. In case its helpful to anyone to get more details, the book is organized according to 4 major sections: The first section focuses on defining terms that are often thrown around but usually not defined like “happiness” and “Growth”, and I really appreciated the exercises about helping me understand my children better individually. The second discusses so many different tools to “wire” into our families like grit, mindset, perspective, the power of habits, reducing complaining, identifying strengths, teaching our children to “ask” better. I loved the chapters on setting up your home environment for happiness! The next section deals with building your own skills for happiness using appropriate self-care, building a community of positive bonds around you, parents as team players, detoxing from technology, etc. and the last section is about ‘forming your tool kit” which was really unique and I found invaluable. Do yourself a favor and spend the few bucks to buy this book 🙂
Daniella –
I’m so happy I came across this book! I found it both uplifting and empowering. Loved that there are exercises to get to the root of understanding your children individually on a deeper level, both in terms of their general personalities and what drives their decisions. I also appreciated that the book is steeped in scientific research and practical examples from the author’s own journey as both a mother and a searcher for well-adjusted footing in her own life (the book approaches happiness as a whole family endeavor, with sections and tools for parents as well). After navigating the pandemic with children this is just the read I needed for my family.
Andrea –
This book is a great read with practical applications at the end of each chapter that anyone can do at home.
Bella –
LOVED IT