Description
At first, it was the title of this book, and the long line at one of the Border’s bookstores that attracted me to this book.
And I am happy that I came back, a week later, because I knew that Steve Silbiger wrote something that would benefit me.
Many years ago, I had chosen to read what I called, “The Jewish Books.” These included books by Leon Uris, Chaim Potok, Herman Wouk, and many others.
Back then, I was searching for what my cultural and family upbringing did not encourage in me, skills that I knew are taught in the Jewish life.
The “Jewish books”, and the desires that I had, over the years, to become my best self, led me to not only become a strong journalist, but also someone who teaches speaking up and critical thinking skills, in my seminars.
In my upbringing, and in my culture, which is African-American, I had been taught to cut off my thoughts and feelings, in the face of authority figures. But a little voice inside of me, from as young as 5 years old said that I will not limit my true self.
I had decided that I could be Black, proud, and an expert on speaking through my own voice. And this certainly has paid off for me.
Having just read, “The Jewish Phenomenon,” I am further along on my path. As a business owner who dares to be unique, I must push the envelop for the power that Jews see in being money conscious.
I am impressed with this book on many levels:
1. Steve Silbiger uses humor and concrete ideas to reinforce
his ideas
2. He points out the down side, as well, about the Jewish self-
esteem
3. He opened my eyes to the fact that Jews are labeled as being
of an ethnic group – I truly hadn’t thought of them as such
4. In just under 200 pages there is so much that anyone could
gleem from, to find answers to questions that they have only
began to explore.
What I still have trouble with, having read this book is Steve Siulbiger’s stance of ethnic jokes; yet, everyone one of the Jewish jokes in each of the chapters made me laugh, deeply.
This book is written for anyone who desires to endlessly grow, and to learn from people who have mastered skills in networking, beating the odds, and living within your mission.
