Words of Praise
for Hanoch Teller Books
Give Peace a Stance
“Hanoch Teller instinctively follows the rules that guide great advocates: He captures the attention of his audience in order to persuade and gracefully drive a point home. Hanoch teaches profound lessons (as his Hebrew name signifies) while remaining a popular Teller of Torah Tales. His lasting lessons of yosher and derech eretz should influence the deeds of his readers and challenge their minds even while their emotions are stirred by his narratives.”
Nathan Lewin
Leading Constitutional Litigator
and Defender of Jewish Civil Rights
“Hanoch Teller has written another masterpiece, this time about the most vital of al subjects and the most cherished of all blessings: peace. This delightful volume will do more than just inspire and direct, it will transform.
Give Peace a Stance, like the other books by the King of the Storytellers, is subtle, yet powerful; tactful, yet compelling. In this era of multidimensional strife – familial, social, national and international – the message of this book is more relevant than ever.”
(Rabbi) Julius Berman, Honorary President,
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America;
Past Chairman, Conference of Presidents
of Major American Jewish Organizations
“I marvel at Hanoch Teller’s thoughtful mastery of subtlety and profundity of moral sensitivity as expressed in this panorama of human reality. This book’s elucidation of the concept of shalom (the ideal of Acharis Hayamim) is most impressive and fruitful.”
Rabbi Joseph D. Epstein
author of Sefer Mitzvos Hashalom
Sunset
“A great service has been done to the memory of Reb Nison Alpert זכרונו לברכה – and to all of us – by Hanoch Teller’s beautiful tribute. That rare blend of vast scholarship and true humility that Reb Nison was is an inspiration that should forever remain. It is our only true solace to know that such towering, yet unassuming Gedolei Torah emerged in the American yeshiva world.”
Rabbi Yaakov Perlow
The Novaminsker Rebbe
“There is much to learn from the Rebbe and from the Talmid – as well as from the interaction between the two. I am sure that thousands will be inspired by another masterpiece from the pen of Hanoch Teller.”
Rabbi Dovid Cohen
Beis Midrash Gvul Yaavetz
“Hanoch Teller has given the Jewish public a vivid and convincing perception of recent Gedolei Yisrael. In addition, his portrayal of Reb Nison Alpert zt”l – a disciple of Reb Moshe Feinstein, zt”l – is a glowing and classic tribute to a remarkable Torah personality.”
Rabbi Yehuda Parnes
Rosh Yeshiva, Lander College
A Matter of Principal
“To understand the emergence of a strong, vibrant, Torah community, one must recognize the components which made it possible. Rabbi Binyamin Steinberg, as head of the Bais Yaakov School for Girls in Baltimore, was a central figure in the development of Baltimore into such a community. No one is better equipped than Hanoch Teller to vividly describe Rabbi Steinberg’s mesirus nefesh, dedication and understanding of his students as individuals who would go on to create Torah families of which Baltimore is so proud. Rabbi Teller is to be commended for his work which will enable others to learn how a true mechanech works to help establish a true Torah community in an American city.”
Rabbi Naftoli Neuberger, President
Ner Israel Rabbinical College
“Written with the verve that characterizes all of Hanoch Teller’s books, this biography of a master mechanech can well serve as a manual for any Jew concerned with education. It elucidates warm concern with every student, helping to develop the Divinely given potential of every individual – these are the key prerequisites for successful chinuch which Rabbi Steinberg embodied to the highest degree, and which every educator and parent is well-advised to emulate.”
Rabbi Joseph Elias, Dean
Rika Breuer Teachers Seminary
Bridges of Steel, Ladders of Gold
“The king of storytellers has recorded a story vital for every Jew. Bridges of Steel, Ladders of Gold is not only the rags-to-riches saga of an immigrant turned millionaire, but the tale of how determination, hard work, trust in the Almighty and magnanimous philanthropy is the path to true riches. This is a book full of insight and replete with wisdom. Accolades to Hanoch Teller for providing yet another enlightening and entertaining glimpse of a remarkable Jewish hero!”
Rabbi Pinchas Stolper
Executive Vice President
Union of Orthodox Jewish Congregations of America
“Not every story worth telling is privileged to have a talented ‘teller’ worthy of the story. Just such a felicitous shidduch has been achieved with Bridges of Steel, Ladders of Gold. Mazal Tov!”
Rabbi Nota Schiller
Rosh Yeshiva, Ohr Somayach
“The printed work rarely does an adequate job of describing the merits of an individual. This book, however, is not about an ordinary man.
Joe Tanenbaum, together with his wife, Faye, through their outstanding generosity have set a wonderful example for their family and friends.
This book provides a sampling of stories of a fascinating man who has enriched the lives of the Jewish community through his support of Jewish education worldwide.”
Albert Reichman
President of Olympia & York Developments Limited
Above the Bottom Line
“Once again the master story ‘Teller’ treats us to an engaging and compelling volume of inspiration.
Hanoch Teller’s Above the Bottom Line breathes fresh insights into an ancient Jewish precept. The true test of honesty is when it appears to be a ‘poor policy.’ Moreover, honesty is not a mere ‘policy’ but an over-riding ethical imperative; the sine qua non of a genuine Torah personality.”
Rabbi Moshe Chait, Rosh Hayeshiva,
Yisrael Meir Hacohen baal Chafetz Chaim zt”l, Jerusalem
“In this marvelous work, Hanoch Teller soars to new heights in his singular mastery of the art of storytelling. In his hands, two dozen stories, illustrating the ethical glory of Torah luminaries as well as the glistening moral triumphs of ordinary Jews, becomes not only a vehicle of powerful inspiration but also a an engaging challenge to meet head on the Torah’s demands in the sphere of business ethics.
The piskei halacha from Harav Hagaon Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach and the halachic foreword by Harav Hagaon Rabbi Avraham Pam deftly blend a practical component into Hanoch Teller’s sparkling world of literary creativity.”
Rabbi Aaron Levine
Rabbi, Young Israel of Avenue J
Chairman, Department of Economics, Yeshiva University
Author of Free Enterprise and Jewish Law and Economics and Jewish Law
“I was deeply impressed by your latest manuscript. I pray that your readers do not get the feeling that the standards set forth so beautifully in Above the Bottom Line are to be expected only of exceptional tzaddikim, when in fact they are the norm demanded of every believing Jew.”
Rabbi Yisrael Belsky
Rosh Yeshiva, Mesivta Torah Vodaas
Rabbinical Advisor, JEP
Halachic Consultant, Kashrus Div., Orthodox Union
The Best of StoryLines
“A new book by Rabbi Hanoch Teller is always worthy of a hearty Shehechiyanu but The Best of StoryLines deserves a welcome. There is a singular kind of timelessness to this beautiful work, which alternates stories of long ago with events as fresh as today’s sunrise. It is an impossible book. Impossible to put down, impossible to read without becoming a better person, impossible not to smile, impossible not to yearn for more. Utterly impossible.
As The Best of StoryLines transports us to different times and places, we slowly begin to get the message. It is not the When or Where which counts, but the What and How. What was done to improve someone else’s lot? How did one triumph over adversity and the powers of evil. These are questions of our lives and Rabbi Teller answers them – as always, with humor, with compassion and with the strongest of literary tools, with love.”
Rabbi Yaakov Feitman,
Young Israel of Beachwood, Ohio
“Rabbi Hanoch Teller manages to shine the bright light of Judaism and refract the glimmer of pure characteristics with all of his works. Each and every one of his books has reached every corner of the earth and has spread this light on those shrouded in darkness. His style is engaging, emanating from a warm heart that encourages his readers to be inspired and improve.
Rabbi Teller’s involvement in the teshuva process is beyond estimation, and I personally see the results that his books have upon their unquenchable audience. StoryLines will be one more powerful weapon in the arsenal of emboldening literature which Teller has graced to our people.”
Rabbi Aharon Chodosh
Mashgiach, Mir Yeshiva, Jerusalem
“In our day and age, when civilization progressively loses its ability to communicate, stories are one of the few remaining vehicles which we may utilize to reach those who are non-communicative and essentially unreachable.
Hanoch Teller, the master storyteller of Orthodox Judaism today, not only reaches the unreachable, but touches them profoundly. And for those of us who are thankfully in the fold, his stories leave us nothing less than transformed.”
Rabbi Ephriam Buchwald, Director,
National Jewish Outreach Program
It’s a Small Word After All
“I am overjoyed that you are publishing yet another one of your beloved and desirous works that are adored by the English-reading public. You have shed so much light on the hearts of the readers as each of your works are a treasure trove of fear of Heaven, love of the Almighty and His Torah, and the Jewish people. Each and every one directs the heart appropriately and with delicate skill, with language that is engaging and unforgettable.
How appropriate it is in our generation to publish a book which illustrates how much of life is dependant upon one’s speech, and how with just one word, one sentence, you can uplift the downtrodden or Heaven forefend, the opposite.”
Rabbi Moshe Wolfson
Mashgiach Torah Vodaath, New York
In an Unrelated Story
“In an Unrelated Story is a great read, and once begun, almost impossible to put down. I love stories and felt privileged to get to know the truly great people whom your deft pen brings to life.
I thought long and hard about what a book like this means to me and for me: I have read many wonderful things about many wonderful people – all without becoming in any way, wonderful. I have often become inspired, but, as far as I can remember, hardly enough to motivate action. And, I have learned from my Rabe’im, that inspirations left dangling may well be a liability in one’s Avodas HaShem.
I suspect that I may not be alone in this. So why do I wish to encourage you in every possible way to publish this book and continue in future volumes to enrich us with similar insights and ideals?
Because I think that even for those of us who fail to emulate the greatness expressed in these stories, they are still invaluable. It seems to me that they fill a function similar to that of the mitzvah: בצדק תשפט עמיתיך . I think that the Torah wishes us to be דן לכף זכות because living among good people will encourage us to be good. If nobody around me cuts the grade, why should I bother? If everybody is trying their best, I would also like to be part of it.
Knowing that there are people who can create such beauty out of their lives, encourages me to try and coax a little beauty out of my own. Meeting heroes makes heroism – even if it is only mini-heroism – an option. It enables us to warm ourselves a the fire of true goodness and feel Az ez is gut tzu zein a Yid. Those are big accomplishments.
R’ Hanoch, you are touching many, many lives! Keep up the good work. We are all indebted to you for showing us what can be done. If nothing else, you have made us dreamers – and dreams chazal (Berachos 57b) teach – have a smidgen of prophecy animating them.
My best wishes for your further Hatzlacha.”
Rabbi Moshe Eisemann
Mashgiach, Ner Israel Rabbinical College
In an Unrelated Story is unrelated to the writings of any other author. Hanoch Teller’s stories are unique; they are very well written, thoroughly enjoyable and entertaining, inspiring and thought-provoking. Some of these stories will make you laugh, others will make you cry. All of them will make you proud to be a Jew.”
Rabbi Shimon Finkelman
Noted author and Mechanach
A Midrash and a Maaseh
“This magnum opus of the master mechanech and premier storyteller is sure to inspire children and adults alike. Rabbi Hanoch Teller’s latest is a must for every Shabbos table!”
Rabbi Yisroel Reisman
Agudath Yisroel of Madison
“Rabbi Hanoch Teller’s books influence the lives of countless of our brethren to our Father in Heaven, but A Midrash and a Maaseh is bound to be his most influential. His impact upon so many is a daily testimonial to his work and a confirmation of the lavish endorsements he has richly earned from the rabbinic giants of this generation.”
Rabbi Mordechai Elon,
Rosh Yeshivah, Yeshivat HaKotel
Courtrooms of the Mind
“The very idea of writing a book of inspiring stories regarding judging favorably, taken from real-life situations, and written in Rabbi Teller’s inimitably engaging style is a cause for joy for every English reader. There is no question that this book will ignite passion on the subject and prevent dispute and contention among our People.
Every one of Rabbi Teller’s books benefits the masses and arouses the reader to have faith in the Almighty, improve his character and commit to better behavior. Therefore, I so warmly endorse Courtrooms of the Mind like all of his other masterful works.”
Rabbi Simcha Schustal
Rosh Yeshiva, Bais Binyomin, Stamford, CT
“An urgent need of our time is a library of wholesome reading in English. We must have books that uplift and teach Torah outlook for a generation which is exposed to so much reading. Hanoch Teller has made and continues to make significant contributions to meeting this need. No doubt this latest addition to his collection of inspiring works will help young and old to “realize” the meaning of dan l’kaf zechus (avoid being judgmental).”
Rabbi Yaakov Weinberg
Rosh Hayeshiva, Ner Israel Rabbinical College
“The King of the storytellers remains true to his name: a superb, sensitive teller of stories that teach (hanoch) important lessons. Hanoch Teller concentrates this time on an important ethical principle: “Judge each man in his merit.” In the process, he weaves rich strands of language and sentiment, as he recounts tales of yore and adds new exciting experiences. His vivid imagination and creative spirit abound as he keeps his reader in suspense and brings his story to its most inspiring and meaningful denouement.”
Dr. Joseph Kaminetsky
National Director Emeritus
Torah Umesorah
“The only way to fulfill our obligation to love our fellow man is by judging them favorably. The greater our awareness of the fact that the reality of a situation is often different from the way we originally perceived it, the easier it will be to find positive interpretations for events and situations we witness. Hanoch Teller’s absorbing and emotion-filled stories are precious eye-opening tools that will make a lasting impression, provide endless inspiration and instruction, and help us all to automatically judge others favorably.”
Rabbi Zelig Pliskin
Author of Guard Your Tongue,
Love Your Neighbor,
Gateway to Happiness and others
Souled!
“Your books provide an invaluable service enjoining the hearts of many of our brethren to their Father in Heaven. All of your works glorify the Torah, and this book is no exception.”
Rabbi Moshe Feinstein, zt”l
“In his spare time Hanoch Teller tells stories. He is doing for our generation something similar to what Rav Marcus Lehmann, of blessed memory, did for his one hundred years ago. All Hanoch Teller’s stories breathe the warm breath of ahavas Torah v’yir’as Shamayim. These stories are most fascinating, full of humor or full of sadness, or full of both. Like the words of the Maggidim of old, they combine Mussar and entertainment in one package. All of them are literary masterpieces with an inspiring message. May they penetrate the Jewish soul for which they were targeted.”
Rabbi Shimon Schwab
K’hal Adas Yeshurun, N.Y.
“King of Storytellers, Hanoch Teller delivers again in his new collection of stories, ‘SOULED!’ There’s a story for every reader, a chapter for every mood, a message for every situation. Readers will be gratified that Teller’s well of inspiration is still overflowing.”
Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, Editor
The Jewish Observer
“Adventure, fact, fantasy – all woven together by a superb storyteller, to stimulate the spirit and elevate aspiration to a life of spirituality and devotion to God and man.”
Dr. Abraham J. Twerski, Author,
Chassidic scholar
and renowned psychiatrist
“Hey, Taxi!”
“Hey Taxi!” assembles a collection of pious and inspiring stories which will be read as a source for religious and moral uplift and nostalgia. Some recount experiences of intense tragedy, other stories – told with equal charm – are more cheerful and replete with Torah learning, personal virtues and acts of loving kindness.
There is now happily a growing demand for books which while simple in style and message, exemplify Jewish virtues and character traits at their best. This volume is a welcome addition to literature of this genre and I am sure it will be read with pleasure and profit within the widening ranks of the Torah Community.”
Lord (Immanuel) Jakobovits
Chief Rabbi of the United Kingdom
and the Commonwealth
“The stories in “Hey, Taxi!” are warm, engaging and morally purposeful. Hanoch Teller’s ability to communicate deep truth and eternal values through everyday lives and events is an extraordinary talent. The many thousands who have benefited from his earlier words will now be joined by countless others who will find inspiration, guidance and the vibrancy of Torah thought in this new work.”
Rabbi Berel Wein
Noted historian, lecturer, and author
“I am overjoyed that you have written yet another book of true-life stories that arouse people to have faith in the Almighty and improve their character. Rabbi Yerucham Levovitz zt”l said that there is no more effective way to instill trust in the Almighty than stories of individuals that demonstrate simple faith. All of your books are replete with this concept as well as character improvement and moral sensitivity. I therefore, can not encourage you enough in the holy work that you do, be it in books, lectures or other forms of media.”
Rabbi Rephael Shmuelevetz
Rosh Yeshiva, Mir Yeshiva
Jerusalem
“There is simply no way to estimate the benefit and moral-purposefulness of your books and how they impact on individuals all over the world. Every time I hear of a new book that you are publishing, I treat it as a holiday, and only wish that you will publish even more beneficial material that will enlighten, embolden, and inspire our brethren.”
Rabbi Avigdor Nebenzahl
Rabbi, Old City of Jerusalem
The Mini A Midrash and A Maaseh
“One of our greatest storytellers, Reb Nachman of Breslov, once said: “Throughout the world stories are told in order to put children to sleep. Our stories must be told so that the children remain awake.” Particularly in a generation whose imagination has been so stimulated by the provocative shallowness of modern literature, art and entertainment, it is essential that we find an exciting way of conveying the breathtaking beauty of Torah and Mitzvos to our children.
Over the years, Rabbi Hanoch Teller has perfected a remarkable new Torah language. His tales, so enjoyable and yet so meaningful, have a unique ability to engage the hearts and minds of a people struggling to remain awake. The great Rosh Yeshiva, Rav Yitzchok Hutner once expressed his concern that children may be intimidated by constantly hearing stories of brilliant and saintly people. It is necessary for them to learn from the lives of simple ‘ordinary’ Jews that each and every one of us has the capacity for greatness. Rabbi Teller’s books allay the Rosh Yeshiva’s fear.
Rabbi Teller has a refreshing way of using a story to demonstrate the relevance and urgency of the Torah’s lessons. When reading these stories each child can hope, one day, to be that simple Jew, who rises to greatness, to become the kind of “super-hero” Hashem intended him (her) to be.”
Rabbi Moshe Weinberger
Congregation Aish Kodesh,
Woodmere, NY
“Each of the beautiful stories in Rabbi Hanoch Teller’s latest series, The mini A Midrash and a Maaseh is a shingle in the protective shield that we as parents toil endlessly to construct for our children. The stories and the powerful messages that they transmit provide a critical moral compass for children growing up in a turbulent world.
If a picture is worth a thousand words, the stories in the meaningful book paint an entire photo album of our precious mesorah (heritage), and assist parents in transmitting our beautiful Torah values to yet another generation of children. Rabbi Teller continues to provide a great service to Jewish families around the world by providing them with excellent reading material.
Rabbi Yaakov Horowitz
Founding director Project Y.E.S.
Principal, Yeshiva Darchei Noam, Monsey
Pichifkes
“In Pichifkes, Hanoch Teller reaches new heights in the art of storytelling. He has an uncanny way of building up the climax of the story which grips your heart and etches its message on your mind. His stories are not only true, but truth – the truth that men and women, living by and guided by Torah, can be partners with God in the miracles of this world.
In contrast to the sordid dimension of human existence which we get from the news media, Teller’s stories reaffirm that ‘Light is sown for the righteous and for the upright of heart, gladness.’”
Rabbi Joseph Grunblatt
Queens Jewish Center, Forest Hills, N.Y.
Professor of Jewish Studies, Touro College
Author of Exile and Redemption
“Once again, Hanoch Teller has treated us to an insightful look at our heritage. Pichifkes is a wonderful collection of short stories which introduces us to real people and real situations.
In some stories we discover characters with strong faith, and in others our curiosity impels us to turn each page to uncover the mysteries behind a very enduring belief.
Hanoch Teller has collected stories which provide inspiration. If you have ever questioned your faith, Pichifkes will bring you to understand the privilege it is to have it.”
The Hon. Joseph I. Leiberman
U.S Senator, Connecticut
Once Upon a Soul
“Rabbi Teller’s stories of Torah leaders and loving one’s fellow Jew strengthen faith and enhance mitzva observance. I bless with my thorough endorsement everything Rabbi Teller writes. He is accurate, pleasantly-worded, and provides an invaluable service to our People.”
Rabbi Shlomo Zalman Auerbach
“Hanoch Teller’s undoubted talent for narrative and his profound background in Jewish studies are evident in these stories which span continents and millennia. They range from the Seleucid Empire to the forests where the Baal Shem Tov walked with God and from Kennedy airport to the picture postcard village of Mathausen. Saintly shnorrers, the King of Gerar and a bejeweled he-ass rub shoulders in this fascinating – and highly instructive – collection.”
Alex Berlyne, Literary Editor
The Jerusalem Post
“Despite the spiritual and physical decimation of the Jewish people in our tragic recent past, there are once again young talmidei chachamim who teach and write Torah at the highest levels. Their job is to teach the simple and the learned how to read Hashem’s ‘handwriting’ in the events of Jewish history.
But only those whose total dedication to both the ‘Torah of the yeshiva’ and the ‘Torah of the lives of Gedolei Yisrael’ is a harmonious unity, can recount the powers of the soul authentically.
Hanoch Teller is one of the few who possess both that essential qualification in rich measure as well as a rare felicity and grace of expression. Thousands have found inspiration and fascination in his published work to date. It is the hope of many that the present volume will kindle aspiration towards all that is holy to our people, amongst those who dwell on its contents.”
Rabbi Nachman Bulman
Mashgiach, Ohr Somayach
“Hanoch Teller is an outstanding representative of the yeshiva world who is at the same time sensitive to the universal human concerns of learning and angst, faith and conviction. His stories express the deepest truths of the human soul, and make us proud to be Jews created in the Divine Image. In a generation of skepticism and despair, Once Upon a Soul is a beacon of light and a fortress of courage.”
Rabbi Shlomo Riskin
Dean, Ohr Torah Institutions, Chief Rabbi Efrat
“A veritable celebration of Jewish survival, Teller’s Once Upon a Soul documents the indominitability of the Jewish spirit. No wonder the Jew did not succumb to 1900 years of wandering! These stories warm the heart and instruct the soul…A fascinating kaleidoscope of inspiration, a book you’ll enjoy reading and take pride in sharing with others. Ideal reading for every Jewish home.”
Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, Editor
The Jewish Observer
Soul Survivors
“No one tells a story like Teller, still the champion of spinners of tales! The variety of stories, the cast of characters that people them, the exotic settings they inhabit are tied by a common thread: inspiration.”
Rabbi Nisson Wolpin, Editor
The Jewish Observer
“Chassidim have always appreciated the power of story-telling – it’s ability to impress and absorb. If a picture is worth a thousand words, a Chassidic story is worth a thousand pictures. However, one must possess that special ability that Hanoch Teller has.
Soul Survivors is a powerful lesson of ethics that both old and young will love to learn and review. It is no easy task to deal with abstract ethical concepts and to present them in a tantalizing, convincing format without a trace of moralizing. Hanoch Teller has overcome the difficult task of retelling true stories with a flair, without compromising their authenticity.
To read Soul Survivors is to be transported to other parts of the world, to other times – or to encounter the unexpected in your own backyard and then to leave far richer for the experience: higher in insights into human nature, richer in understanding Jewish values, richer for having explored the upper reaches of human attainment.
It is my hope that this book will help to kindle aspirations to that which is holy to our people, in those who crave inspiration.”
Rabbi Levi I. Horowitz
The Bostoner Rebbe
And From Jerusalem HIS Word
“And From Jerusalem His Word is one of those rare books that truly matter. Read it, and it will affect you, it will change you, you might well be different because of it. And if enough people read it, it can affect and change very much for the better the whole Jewish world.”
Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, renowned lecturer
and author of the widely acclaimed, A Code of Jewish Ethics,
Words that Hurt, Words that Heal, and Jewish Literacy,
the most widely selling book on Judaism of the past two decades.
The Bostoner
“Rabbi Teller uses his famous way with words to introduce the reader to one of the greatest rabbinical figures of our era. A classic not to be missed!”
Rabbi Dr. Dovid Gottlieb
Former Professor of Philosophy, Johns Hopkins University
Senior Faculty member at Ohr Somayach, Jerusalem
Welcome to the Real World
“In this simple, heartfelt story, a young girl longs to join the ‘real’ world. She finds it, but it’s not quite what she expected. Like all of Hanoch Teller’s books, you keep on turning the pages until you reach the end, only to find yourself with something serious to think about.”
Yaffa Ganz,
Award winning author of books for children
Builders
“Already established as a master biographer of Gedolei Yisroel and chronicler of life-lessons, every one of Rabbi Teller’s wonderful books is a prime lesson regarding emunah and bitachon and is essential for readers young and old.
Writing a book about the fundamental pillars of these past generations, Rabbi Aharon Kotler and the Ponevizher Rov, along with the founder of women’s education, Sarah Schenirer, is a key service for the contemporary reader.
All of his sources are authentic and the stories genuine.”
Rabbi Eli Ber Wachtfogel
Rosh Yeshiva, South Fallsberg
“Everyone knows that Sarah Schenirer, Rav Aharon Kotler, and the Ponevezher Rav were three of the greatest builders of Torah in the 20th Century. But how many really know the extent of their achievement or how they did it? Any one who wants to know the answer to that question should consult Rabbi Hanoch Teller’s Builders.
Rabbi Jonathan Rosenblum
Author of Reb Yaakov, They Called Him Mike,
Rav Dessler, Reb Shraga Feivel, and Lieutenant Birnbaum
“Hanoch Teller is best known for his action-packed stories, but I have always believed his greatest talent is in bringing the memory and the lessons of the gedolim to life. I still draw inspiration from his work on Rav Shlomo Zalman Aurbach From Jerusalem His Word.
In Builders Rabbi Teller takes three of the most well known personalities of the last generation and shows how their lives and struggles have built the world we live in - and gives us the inspiration to continue building the on the foundation they gave us.
Builders is a must read for people who care about the Jewish world of today.”
Rabbi Dovid Orlofsky
Maggid shiur, Ohr Somayach, international lecturer
“All of Rabbi Teller’s words are expressed with such deep understanding, in such a lucid style, that it warms the heart and titillates the intelligence. Like all of his other books, this is a masterpiece of kavod shamayim and daily instruction.”
Rabbi Berel Povarski
Rosh Yeshiva, Ponevezh
בצדק תשפט
התורה מחייבת אותנו לדון כל אדם לכף זכות. מימוש מצוה זו – הינו חיוני לקיומה של חברה מתוקנת, וחיים מאושרים. מצוה זו דורשת מאתנו מידה מרובה של ריסון המחשבה, שכנוע עצמי, כוח רצון ונכונות להתבונן במציאות מכיוונים חדשים ולחשוף את המסתורין העומד מאחורי התנהגותו של הזולת והמניעים שגרמו לה.
בדרך כלל אנחנו נוהגים לשפוט בני אדם על פי אירועים בודדים, חד-פעמיים, כאשר התמונה השלימה נעלמת מעינינו. מצב זה של ראייה חלקית מונע מאתנו שיפוט בהיר ונכון, ועקב כך עלול להיגרם עוול מר ומיותר.
דוקא כשהכל נראה חד משמעי, ברור ומחוור לחלוטין, מחדש לנו הסופר הרב חנוך טלר שהכל בלתי צפוי, ומה שנראה כמובן מאליו, איננו כך. הסיפורים המובאים בספר זה, שכולם אמיתיים, מעוררים בקורא תערובת רגשות של שחוק ודמע, ופורטים על מיתרי הלב. בד בבד עם תענוג הקריאה, הם מפתחים בלב הקורא רגישות והבנה איך לדון את כל האדם לכף זכות ומשנים את האופן בו יבחן את מעשי הזולת. גם במקרים בהם נראה, שהאדם הנשפט בחדרי ליבנו אשם ללא צל של ספק בעשיית מעשה שלא יעשה, מצליח הסופר להפוך את היוצרות ולאפשר לנו להיווכח במגבלות השיפוט האנושי, ולהבין שאכן, האדם יראה לעיניים וה' יראה ללבב. הסיפורים ממחישים לנו שביכולתינו להתעלות בבואני לשפוט את הזולת, להשאיר מאחור את הכעס, להבין את מעשי הזולת וללמד עליו זכות.
בצדק תשפט שהינו רב-מכר בגירסתו האנגלית, יסייע בידי הקורא להמנע ממצבים לא נעימים, ויכוחים, מריבות, חילוקי דעות, בעיות בחיי הנשואין, מריבות בין שכנים, משברי אימון ואובדן שמחת חיים.
כמו ביצירותיו הקודמות, משכיל המחבר הידוע, הרב חנוך טלר, גם בספרו החדש לשפוך אור בהיר ממבט בלתי צפוי על החיים בעזרת עינו הרגישה, לבו החם, וכשרון קולמוסו ולחשוף את כוחות הנפש העצומים הטמונים באדם.
ועמך כולם...
תמונות מחיי יום-יום אנשים מן השורה, בהם שזורים מעשים נשגבים של גילוי אמונה צרופה ומסירות נפש עילאית. מעשים אלו נוסכים רוממות – רוח בחיי החולין, והופכים אותם לחיי קדושה והתעלות בעבודת הבורא.
בסיפורים מודגשים ביתר-עוז שבילי המוסר והמידות, בדרך העולה בית ה'. הספר מעורר בקורא הזדהות ושאיפה להנהגות כעין אלו המסופרות בו.
חיבור זה מצרף לעשרות הספרים מפרי עטו של המחבר הידוע, ר' חנוך טלר, המשכיל לראות ביענו הרגישה ובלבו החם את כוחות הנפש העצומים הגלומים באדם.
סיפוריו המרתקים של ר' חנוך טלר כתובים במיומנות ובשפה עשירה. "הם שובי לב ומעוררים את הקורא למחשבה. בכישרון קולמוסו ובכנות אמיתית משרטט לנו המחבר את יפי נפשם וגדולתם של גדולי האומה מחד, ושל עמך-אנשים פשוטים וטהורים מאידך. דרך סיפוריו המרתקים הוא מושך את לבנו לשאוף להתקרב למעלתם. יופי ועוצמה חוברים יחדיו בספריו של חנוך טלר."
The Righteous Live On (audio)
The sages have taught that the righteous, even after they have passed away, live on. Their teachings, influence and pious example never cease with their demise, for their inspiring accomplishments have set a dynamic into motion that never ends.
In this exciting audio series Rabbi Hanoch Teller explores the life and the times, the challenges and the achievements of individuals who had such a powerful impact upon their generation that their stories are fundamental knowledge for every Torah-conscientious Jew. With a wealth of erudition, history, humor and pathos; the master-storyteller tells these critical tales as no one else can. The lectures of this series are required listening for adults and youth, from the staunchly observant to those with nominal knowledge and religious commitment.
Each talk comprises an hour of inspiring enrichment and enjoyment. These masterpieces of oration will be listened to again and again and be cherished for a lifetime.
Comprehending the Incomprehensible
“These lectures are masterpieces of lucidity, scholarship, and historical comprehension that only one with a sensitive and emotion-filled heart could convey. I would recommend this series to anyone – Jewish or Gentile, young or old, intelligent or unschooled. There is no more concise education I am aware of regarding the Holocaust.”
Dr. Gideon Greif
Chief Editor, Yad Vashem,
The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority, Jerusalem
Érase Una Vez
“Érase una Vez, un libro para todas las edades, historias verdaderas para todos los gustos, mensajes inspiradores, risas y lágrimas que nos demuestran que la mano de D-ós siempre está presente ayudando a sus hijos... como lo ha hecho a través de generaciones enteras. Una lectura todo yehudí debe conocer para comprender la verdadera escencia de su judaísmo, y mucho más.”
