Review: "It's Never Too Little, It's Never Too Late, It's Never Enough."

"You better knock my socks off." Thus said my 9th grade English teacher at the start of every class in the hopes that we would be on better behavior. If I had to use a phrase to describe the impact that, "It's Never Too Little, It's Never Too Late, It's Never Enough" is capable of I would have to borrow her phrase and say "it knocks your socks off." Anyone who is familiar with Rabbi Yissocher Frand's previous works, whether his essays or his Divrei Torah, knows that his eloquent style and poignant sense of humor have the power to both inspire and make you smile. This book is no exception.

"It's Never Too Little etc." is a breath of fresh air, an enlightening perspective of Torah amidst the turbulent world around us. Day after day we are subject to voices of foolishness, misguided priorities and false promises. One of Rabbi Frand's essays takes on the so called Shidduch crisis, a crisis that is largely of our own making through improper goals and requirements from young boys and girls. Another essay talks about interpersonal relationships and how we are to understand the seemingly impossible task of truly loving another person as we love ourselves. A third essay discusses the financial meltdown and how important it is for us to reevaluate our priorities. Do we earn money as a means to an end, or is the money the end itself? We are shown through real examples of the gadlus and chesronos of our broad communities what our mistakes are, how great our potential really is, and how simple introspection is something we could all make use of.

Here is a little vort from " It's Never Too Little, It's Never Too Late, It's Never Enough" to give you some inspiration as we go into the Aseres Yemei Teshuva.

Have you ever noticed that all of the berachos in Shemoneh Esrei end by defining Hashem as One Who can provide the specific form of salvation that we seek: He is the Chonein Hada'as- the Gracious Giver of knowledge; the Rofeh Cholei Amo Yisrael- the Healer of the sick of His nation, Israel; Bonei Yerushalayim- the Builder of Jerusalem. Only one beracha stands out. We ask Hashem, "Hashiveinu Avinu l'Sorasecha- Bring us back, our Father, to your Torah, and bring us near, our King, to your service, and influence us to return in perfect repentance before You. Blessed are You, Hashem, Who desires repentance."

Why is this beracha different from all the rest?

The answer is simple. Hashem can do everything for you. He can give you knowledge, He can heal you, He can build Jerusalem- all without your input. But He cannot do teshuvah for you.

There is one thing He does do, however. He profoundly desires your teshuvah, and eagerly awaits the day when we will choose to return to Him. (p.137)

Rabbi Frand's latest book is a gem and I encourage others to take a look at it. Even as an avid reader there are few books that are just too much to take a break from and put down. This was one of them and I enjoyed every minute of reading. It is very hard to give this book a good read and not come away wanting to strive for improvement and to grow closer to Hashem. If you are looking for a book to help you start the New Year off on the right foot look no farther and go read "It's Never Too Little, It's Never Too Late, It's Never Enough."

K'siva V'Chasimah Tovah!