Religious Life
On Sunday, Sept. 14, members of the Lake Norman community will gather for a discussion with Chasidic scholar Levi Y. Shmotkin on timeless Jewish wisdom for finding emotional wellbeing. Hosted by Chabad of Lake Norman, Shmotkin will discuss his new book,“ Letters for Life: Guidance for Emotional Wellness from the Lubavitcher Rebbe.” Drawing on four decades of letters and private counselling of the Rebbe Rabbi Menachem M. Schneerson, the newly released bestseller provides poignant insights, inspirational anecdotes, and practical tools for finding emotional equilibrium in an unbalanced world.
“ Never before has there been such awareness about emotional health. Yet never before have so many people reported feeling unhappy, anxious, or lonely.” said Rabbi Chaim Greenberg, director of Chabad of Lake Norman.“ We invited Rabbi Shmotkin to share this practical Jewish wisdom for finding the emotional wellbeing so many of us are searching for.”
While the Rebbe is most widely known for his leadership and global initiatives to rebuild Jewish life after the Holocaust,“ Letters for Life” highlights a
The Charlotte Jewish News- September 2025- Page 11
Chabad of Lake Norman—“ Letters for Life”
lesser-known area of his legacy— his extensive private counseling. Spurred by a personal quest, author Levi Y. Shmotkin spent 5 years studying the private counseling of America’ s most influential Jewish Sage.
After sifting through thousands of the Rebbe’ s letters and hundreds of interviews, Shmotkin felt that he had found what he was searching for. The counsel he had given to others helped Shmotkin achieve a sense of emotional health and balance, and he was moved to pay it forward by compiling this timeless wisdom into this new book.
“ People today are more open to confronting life’ s emotional challenges than in the past, and I hope the book can open the conversation to help people make real change.” said Shmotkin.“ With everything going on in the world, it’ s vital for each of us to cultivate emotional resilience so our communities can thrive.”
“ Letters for Life” is organized into two sections. The first, Essentials for a Healthy Life, focuses on preventative emotional care, exploring the mindsets and habits that build resilience and reduce suffering before it happens. The second, Overcoming Darkness, addresses how to handle difficult emotions such as anxiety, worry, sadness, selfdoubt, and low self-esteem.
The discussion costs $ 25 per person and copies of the book will be available for purchase. Please RSVP at www. chabadlakenorman. com / balance. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
About Letters for Life:“ Letters for Life,” written by Brooklyn-based Chasidic scholar Rabbi Levi Shmotkin, is changing how people around the globe are discussing mental health. Levi Shmotkin has developed numerous courses exploring the Rebbe’ s teachings that have been studied by tens of thousands worldwide. Since releasing“ Letters for Life” in July 2024, he has toured over 100 cities in five continents, sharing the Rebbe’ s wisdom on emotional wellness at synagogues, college campuses, and Jewish community centers.
About the Rebbe: The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, of righteous memory, is widely considered the most influential rabbi in modern history. The Rebbe’ s influence transcended sectarian or geographic borders, and many thousands of people from all walks of life sought from his wisdom, comfort, and counsel. The Rebbe advised many world leaders and influential figures such as Robert F. Kennedy, Yitzchak Rabin, Menachem Begin, and Benjamin Netanyahu. For more information on the life and teachings of the Rebbe, visit: www. TheRebbe. org.
About Chabad of Lake Norman: Since opening in 2018, Chabad of Lake Norman has served the Jewish communities of Huntersville, Cornelius, Davidson, Mooresville, Troutman, Statesville, and Denver. In Feb. of 2024, the Chabad moved into a multipurpose center which serves as its synagogue and community center, where they host programs such as Shabbat and holiday services, Hebrew School, summer camp for kids ages 4 to 12, Bar & Bat Mitzvah preparation, and adult educational classes. More info: www. chabadlakenorman. com
EVENT DETAILS: WHAT: A discussion on Jewish wisdom and tools for emotional wellness with“ Letters for Life” author Levi Shmotkin
WHEN: Sunday, Sept. 14, at 6:30 p. m.
WHERE: Chabad Lake Norman, 19701 Bethel Ch. Rd # 101, Cornelius, NC 28031
COST: $ 25 per person
To RSVP: www. chabadlakenorman. com / balance
CONTACT: info @ chabadlakenorman. com
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Annual Memorial Service
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2025, 10:30 AM
A COMMUNITY TRADITION FOR OVER 150 YEARS
Join us as we gather together with the Greater Charlotte area clergy for our historic Annual Memorial Service which will be held in-person at the Cemetery. This is an outdoor event, rain or shine.
www. hebrewcemetery. org • 1801 Statesville Ave, Charlotte, NC 28206