We all need a spiritual lift from time to time. ‘Mazel Tov!' is a short, punchy pocket book to help you put challenges into perspective and celebrate life and achievements instead. This compilation offers famous Jewish proverbs and sayings (some of which are also printed in the original Hebrew), and quotations from famous and influential Jews living and dead. That makes ‘Mazel Tov!' an ideal gift for a Jewish friend or ally, especially when times are tough and small acts of kindness goes a long way.
It is impactful to see “In case no one told you today, you're incredible”, against a golden Star of David and the original Hebrew. Hearing it translated for the purposes of this review, with an accompanying explanation, helped me to appreciate the Jewish culture even more.
‘Mazel Tov!' is a timely reminder of just how much Jews, who make up such a small proportion of the human population, contribute to every area of human endeavour. There are sayings from George Gershwin, Irving Berlin and Stephen Sondheim, representing the best of music and musical theatre, singer-songwriters Paul Simon, Barbra Streisand and Bob Dylan. You'll find Paula Abdul and Pink from the world of popular music, and Itzhak Perlman, the classical violinist. There are actors too, like theatrical legend Sarah Bernhardt, ‘Star Trek's Leonard Nimoy and ‘Friends' star Lisa Kudrow. From the glamorous world of Hollywood you'll find quotations from legends like Goldie Hawn and Paul Newman as well as leading director Steven Spielberg.
Writers like Tom Stoppard, Isaac Asimov and Fran Lebowitz have their words of wisdom in these pages. There are quotes from entertainers such as Sammy Davis Jr and British stars Des O'Connor and Matt Lucas, insights from scientists like Carl Sagan, psychoanalyst Anna Freud and psychologist Daniel Kahneman. ‘Spider-Man' creator Stan Lee has a page. There are comedians like Larry David. For those who prefer more serious insights into the human condition, religious leaders are well represented. You'll find Rabbi Nachman of Breslov and the late, great Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks, whose calm and measured voice is so sorely missed in today's inflammatory times, as well as quotations form the Talmud. Political leaders such as David Ben-Gurion, Israel's first Prime Minister, and Golda Meir, one of his successors, are included. There are representations by Jews who have often been critical of Israel, such as Miriam Margolyes.
Throughout these pages, you'll find wisdom about accepting and embracing the life you have, for all its challenges, frailties and opportunities. This short, light, hardback pocketbook is durable and easy to carry around for ready access. Dip into it whenever you have a spare few minutes. ‘Mazel Tov!' is a well-produced, attractive book with purple and orange print. ‘Mazel Tov!' provides a welcome insight into Jewish intellect, humour, resilience and ethics across human history. For non-Jewish readers, it’s a chance to learn how Jewish perspectives and experiences have influenced global culture. Enjoy it as a celebration of Jewish thought, or gift it for the same reason.
Publisher: Summersdale Publication date: 9th October 2025 Buy ‘Mazel Tov!'
