I don't believe I've ever been as moved by a book as I have by Holy Woman. The compassion ~ the chesed ~ that Chaya Sarah Kramer and her husband Rabbi Yaakov Moshe Kramer showed to every person they met is almost beyond description. Yet Sara Yoheved Rigler does a wonderful job of sharing their story ~ their strength, their struggles, their complete selflessness. There's not one negative thing I could think of to say about this book. I have read it three times, as well as bought copies for several... more info
Sustainers of the world:
A friend of mine who teaches Jewish studies, knowing my interest in hasidic spirituality, recommended Sara Rigler's Holy Woman to me. It's a fascinating portrait not only of the tzaddikah to whom the title refers, Chaya Sara Kramer, but also of her husband, Yaakov Moshe Kramer, whom many believe to have been one of the lamed-vav tzaddikim, one of the 36 undivulged holy men whose merit sustains the world. Chaya Sara, born in Carpathia, survived Auschwitz (alone of her family) and migrated to Israel in... more info
This Book Blew Me Away:
I'm not finished with it yet but I'm enjoying this book thoroughly. I feel like I'm learning a lot through the good deeds of this amazing woman. I often wonder at her outlook on life and how she decided on it. Especially after everything she lived through (i.e. Holocaust and watching her sister's murder at a death camp, among so many other things). The reason is that she gives Hakadosh Baruch Hu complete and total credit for everything. Sarah Rigler is an amazing writer and I'm already looking forward to... more info
Lovely book:
Ms. Rigler has produced a lovely first published work. Her style is very personal and warm, with her own thoughts at certain points in italic font. Portraits of two wonderful human beings striving to be the best individuals they can be. Something for all of us to take heart in and look at our own lives for reflection.
