"The Power of Kabbalah" by Yehuda Berg

 

Written by the son of kabbalists, this book does not disappoint.  It takes complex and esoteric concepts from Kabbalah and compresses them into bite-size tidbits of wisdom that even the most inexperienced layperson can understand.  Instead of distinct chapters that read like a novel, this book is full of short pages of light (pun intended).  The reader is given a little bit at a time to chew on and is in this way not overwhelmed.  I really liked how Berg talked about the history of Kabbalah and how famous scholars throughout time have used Kabbalah--from Plato to Newton!  Berg teaches that one must see every situation as an opportunity to fix oneself.   Additionally, the ability to resist temptation and avoid reactions is tantamount.  Only when one can control himself or herself can one control their reality.  Stop playing the victim and blaming others for what's happening in your life.  See the spiritual significance and begin your work of transformation!

"God Wears Lipstick" by Karen Berg

 Written by the co-founder of The Kabbalah Centers, this book does not disappoint.  Despite its catchy title, it is not a fictional account of G-d becoming woman and dressing up.  Rather, it is a simple and easy-to-understand guide of kabbalah for women.  As someone who has tried before to study kabbalah and ended up scratching my head, words can not express how much I am indebted to Mrs. Berg.  Her writing style is so clear and to the point.  Kabbalah concepts that would have taken me years to understand come across in a page or two.  She truly has a gift for making the intangible tangible.  The principles in this book remind me of the famous "The Secret" series that came out years ago.  Perhaps kabbalah is where others got their ideas from.  In this book, women will learn the spiritual significance of their gender, how karma works, how everything that happens can teach a lesson, how to suppress the ego, how to usher more light into the world, and so on.  Instead of dense sections, each chapter is only a few pages.  There is no "fluff" in this book.  Even though a chapter may only take 10 minutes, the ideas they hold will have readers thinking about them for hours.

"Class with Countess" by Countess LuAnn de Lesseps

 

This book is written by a star from The Real Housewives of New York City, who just so happens to be a countess.  She teaches readers how to be classy and elegant.  Topics range from beauty to style to manners to etiquette and more.  Not sure which fork is for which dish at a dinner party?  The countess has got you covered.  Not sure how to dress for a cocktail party?  The countess has got you covered.  Interspersed throughout the advice are stories from the author's own life that add a personal touch.  If class could be summed it, it would be as so.  Treat others with kindness and be happy.

"To Be A Jewish Woman" by Lisa Aiken

This is one of the only books I am aware of that goes into such detail on the topic of women in Judaism.  While it focuses primarily on Orthodox Judaism, the author is transparent about how she wasn't raised as an "expert" but rather learned more on her own as she grew up.  This, coupled with the simple prose that makes even the most perplexing topics understandable, makes for a pleasant experience where the reader can learn while not feeling embarrassed for their lack of knowledge.  No controversial topic is skipped over as the author explains mixed seating, modest dress codes, divorce, and even the prayer men say thanking G-d for "not making me a woman".  Aiken aims to educate readers on women's unique role in Judaism, which is not less-than or subservient to men.  While women have different roles than men, they are equal in the sense that they are beloved by G-d and have a purpose in life.  Of particular interest that I learned was why women are not obligated to go to synagogue (although they are most certainly encouraged to do so), how exclusivity only begins at marriage, and how women are not obligated to marry (as opposed to men).  This was a refreshing read that I highly recommend.  Whether you want to be an Orthodox Jew or your own brand of Modern Orthodox Jew, you will certainly learn a lot about women in Judaism.  Enjoy!

"Secrets About Life Every Woman Should Know" by Barbara DeAngelis, PhD

 While this book is marketed towards women, the information in it applies to all people.  The author goes over ten "secrets" about life that are truly life changing.  While by no means new, they encompass truths that we could all use some reminding of.  These include ideas such as: love is the answer, courage overcomes fear, every relationship is a mirror to yourself, you can't control exterior circumstances but you can control your internal emotions, and so on.  Full of inspirational quotes, poems, and personal stories, the lessons get thru to readers in a myriad of ways.  This book was serious at times but overall very inspirational.

"Passion" by Barbara DeAngelis, PhD

This book is a guidebook for men and women to find their passion in life.  From friendship to career, many people are finding themselves unfulfilled.  Far too many people go thru life with no meaning.  They have superficial friendships and dread going to work.  The author focuses on how to discover one's passion in life and how to go after it.  According to the author, passion makes life worth living.  Without passion, we miss out on the best of life.  This book is very inspirational and a rather short read.

"How Did I Get Here?" by Barbara DeAngelis

 Full of thought-provoking stories and little tidbits of wisdom, this book is a must have for anyone who feels stuck in life.  DeAngelis explains how life will throw us all curveballs.  She discusses how failures and setbacks need to be viewed--as opportunities to make changes in life and go after better outcomes.  No one has a trouble-free life, and getting depressed does nothing for one's future successes.  The author encourages readers to see every closed door as an opportunity to knock on a new door.  Various quotes and poems are sprinkled throughout the book for emotional inspiration.

"Are You the One for Me?" by Barbara DeAngelis, PhD

 

This is one of the most in-depth and thorough relationship books I have ever read.  Written by a PhD, it goes into the psychology of why relationships work or don't work.  This isn't a fun beach gossip read or some celebrity's advice on dating.  Rather, this book delves deep into why people choose partners and what they need to really focus on.  DeAngelis differentiates between lust and love.  She also talks extensively about compatibility and friendship.  The book is full of various case studies in love--both from those who have mastered it and those who are struggling.  Topics such as age difference, cultural difference, religious difference, addictions, responsibility, and more are covered as DeAngelis encourages readers to focus on what really matters.  While chemistry is essential, it can not carry a relationship thru the test of time alone.  It needs to be coupled with true compatibility, a shared vision, and mutual commitment.

"Real Moments" by Barbara DeAngelis, PhD

 

This book is all about slowing down and experiencing life.  The author talks about true joy and how happiness must be found within--not without.  Accomplishing goals and accumulating wealth are great.  However, those can not be the source of true happiness because they can go away.  People can get laid off, lose their finances, get divorced, lose a spouse, and so on.  To be truly happy, one must experience more of what the author calls "real moments".  These are moments in time when people understand their love, worth, and purpose.  It can be found by paying attention to a partner, putting the electronics away, taking a walk, learning from strangers, and so much more.  A real moment is an epiphany when a life lesson is learned and true gratitude emerges.  The trouble is people are often so hurried and rushed that they do not stop and feel their feelings of living in the moment. 

"Super Attractor" by Gabrielle Bernstein

As someone who is fascinated by the topic of manifesting, I was very excited to read this book.  Having got it from the library, I had to wait a few weeks until it was my turn since several other people were in line ahead of me.  Once I finally got the book, I was a little disappointed.  This isn't because the advice in the book was bad.  While not everything I agreed with (consulting the dead, angels, and other "spirit guides"), I try to keep an open mind and try to learn something from others.  There were several good points about being grateful, staying positive, shifting one's thoughts from negative to positive, having faith, and so on.  My biggest qualm was that the book felt like an author was trying to meet a word count.  I learned very little from all the paragraphs beyond what I could have learned from the heading titles in each chapter.

 

"The Audacity to be Queen" by Gina DeVee

 

Written by a motivational speaker / life coach, this book is all about female empowerment.  DeVee encourages women to be all that they can be.  Like other self-help books aimed at women, topics include such things as: stop apologizing, live your truth, connect to spirituality, go after your dreams, marry a king, and so on.  There is also a large chunk of the book devoted to finances and manifesting one's business and financial goals.  As fun of a book as this was, this is where I think it went a little off the rails.  Speaking of her coaching dream, DeVee explains how she developed her career and manifested her riches.  While someone who gets gigs / clients in the thousands of dollars price range can easily understand this, those with more standard jobs can not.  Not everyone is cut out for coaching and not everyone wants that job.  For some people, their dream is to be a teacher, nurse, or author.  Very few professions outside of sales and pure entrepreneurship allow people to independently accumulate masses of wealth in short periods of time.  For an engineer like myself, I have no desire to start my own company--aerospace, coaching, or otherwise.  I enjoy my work and am simply doing my best work.  It will take years to climb my corporate ladder, and I'm okay with that.  Not every corporate job is dreary or miserable and needs an escape.

"The Feminine Revolution" by Amy Stanton and Catherine Connors

 

This is a fascinating little book all about femininity.  There are ~20 chapters, each covering an aspect of the feminine.  With stories, quotes, history, and more, each aspect of femininity is described and encouraged.  Women are encouraged to both be bossy and supportive.  They are encouraged to both be mysterious and charming.  They are encouraged to be both composed and emotional.  More than anything, women are encouraged to be themselves without apology.  There is nothing wrong with being female.  Many feminine traits that are associated with weakness actually have their own strengths.  And that's okay.  While the book is overall very inspiring, there are a few areas to warn the reader about.  A few times the book gets political and endorses Hillary Clinton.  There are also a few swear words in various quotes.  Beyond that, the book was very nice to read.

"A Woman's Influence" by Sheri Gaskins and Tony A Gaskins Jr

Written by relationship coach Mr. Gaskins and his wife, this book is all about relationships.  While the title speaks of a woman's influence, this book isn't a step-by-step guide for showing women how to influence men.  Rather, it is a compilation of advice from the Gaskins family.  Readers are told the games men play, the games women play, what really matters when it comes to love, and how to carry oneself.  While there's no need to rush into marriage, people also need to know when to put their foot down and leave when necessary.  If a man has friends, that's one thing.  If a man is sleeping around, that's another thing.  The same goes for women.  Someone with high self worth trusts themself enough to know that true love exists.  It is not helping anyone to stay in a toxic relationship with someone that sees no future with them.  While it's definitely easier said than done, men and women need to truly learn how to love themselves before diving into any relationship.  Additionally, people need to find someone they love mentally before becoming obsessed with physical love.  Lust fades but true love lasts a lifetime.

Technical Events

Technical Presentation: Falling from 10,000 ft

https://alumni.rpi.edu/s/1225/alumni/index.aspx?sid=1225&gid=1&pgid=8627&crid=0&calpgid=61&calcid=9622

https://engage.aiaa.org/HigherLogic/System/DownloadDocumentFile.ashx?DocumentFileKey=90f0d382-03af-b44d-d2ff-02fe8f093161&forceDialog=0

http://pnwaiaa.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/2018-TS-Program-Final.pdf

RPI Alumni Event: Future of Flight Tour

https://alumni.rpi.edu/s/1225/alumni/index.aspx?pgid=7251&gid=1&cid=9622

ASME Event: The Go Fly Prize

https://www.evensi.us/ww-asme-event-fly-prize-updates-april-9th-razzis-pizzeria-upstairs-banquet-room/299158392

"Confidence - Finding It and Living It" by Barbara De Angelis PhD

This small hardcover book is a little boost of just what every reader needs. Tiny enough to fit inside a purse of workout bag, this book uses concise language to convey the truths of confidence we all must hear. The author explains what confidence is, going into multiple types of confidence. There is the confidence that one can do a task, the confidence that one can navigate personal relationships, and the confidence that one has purpose on this planet. While all three are important, the author emphasizes that the highest form of confidence is that which is not conditional. In other words, if you place your confidence in being a good lawyer, spouse, etc, when you get laid off or heaven-forbid divorced, your confidence shatters. However, when you have the true confidence that you can conquer any trial and that the Universe is working good things out for you, then you have truly mastered confidence.

"Seven Blessings" by Ruchama King

This is a fascinating fiction book about matchmaking and shidduchim. The story centers in Israel, where several young adults in their 30s are looking for their "match". Readers follow the characters thru their daily lives. Questions of faith arise as each character must come to terms with what G-d is, who G-d is, if they even have a soulmate, and so on. There is the shame and embarrassment of being single in a sea of married folks. There are the questions of "why aren't you married yet?" as others in the story are married--some even with kids--at far younger ages. Not every character in the book is single. There are a few characters who have been married for years but who are desperately unhappy. This book really makes people think about love, marriage, and what the two really are about. There is an artist who is single because no woman is good enough for him. There is a day laborer who is single because women are taken aback by his medical seizures. There is a therapist who is single because she avoids any emotional attachment. There is a Torah scholar who is single because she can't find any time to date in between her religious studies. Not every character ends up marrying in the book, and I don't want to spoil the ending by saying what happens to whom. However, I will say that this is a thought-provoking book that will really make one think about how one ends up or does not end up married.

"Isaiah's Legacy" by Mesu Andrews

 

Part of the "Prophets and Kings" series, this book primarily follows the life of King Manasseh and his wife Shulle.  Manasseh is the son of King Hezekiah.  King Hezekiah was married to Queen Hephzivah.  Queen Hephzivah was Isaiah's adopted daughter.  If I'm going to be honest, I much preferred the prequel of "Isaiah's Daughter" to this next book "Isaiah's Legacy".  While there is the redemption at the very end for wicked King Manasseh, much of the 300+ pages are devoted to folly and sin.  Tricked at a young age, Shulle goes from a devout Jew to a pagan priestess.  Her sexuality is twisted and manipulated by others who wish to use her to control the king.  Shulle falls in love with King Manasseh but bears the sadness of his many wives--a common pagan custom.  Drama ensues when the king begins to sacrifice his own children in an attempt to "appease the gods".  Throughout the course of the book and the characters' lives, the misguided eventually come back to the one true God.  This book is very emotional and difficult to read.  Its saving grace is that it will hopefully remind readers that if someoene as wicked as Manasseh can be redeemed...so can they.

"Circle of Stones" by Judith Duerk

This book is a fascinating deep dive into the pool of femininity.  It builds on the "circle of stones" concept whereby women of ancient times would gather--typically once a month but sometimes more frequently--to share emotions, feelings, struggles, friendship, and so on.  The book has an interesting flow with a combination of poems, questions, and short stories.  It speaks greatly of the archetypal feminine that was adored years ago but which was recently been denigrated, suppressed, and overshadowed by the masculine.  While I don't agree with everything in the book--particularly ancient pagan practices, priestess rituals, etc--there are several parts of the book that I agree with.  I agree women need to slow down and sometimes just "be" without the hurrying demands of society.  I agree that it's okay for women to be sad, using their pain and fears as catalysts for transformative change.  Most important of all, I agree that women need other women to grow.

"The Wounded Woman: Healing the Father-Daughter Relationship" by Linda Schierse Leonard

Written by a philosopher, this book is full of insightful ideas that are very deep.  It is all about the wounds that women carry both from society and family.  Drawing on psychology, Leonard talks about how a poor or nonexistent relationship with one's father can wreak all sorts of emotional and psychological havoc in life.  There are many stories from ancient Greece, fairy tales, and so on that illustrate these challenges going back hundreds--and sometimes thousands--of years.  The author also references dreams, going into depth explaining their meaning.  Several case study clients are described as the author details their trauma, the result, their healing, and so on.  This book certainly has given me a lot to think about.  Several archetypes are detailed in the book, and readers will likely find parts of their life / personality in one if not more of said archetypes.  Some ladies are stuck in the little girl phase of wanting to please others and be rid of responsibilities.  Other ladies are stuck in the Amazon phase of doing everything themselves and emasculating men.  I could go on and on about this book.  It is very well written and dives deep into the emotional divide of masculine and feminine.  As a last note to readers, know that you can change and that what happened to you as a child was not your fault.  You can't change the past, but you can change the future starting now.

"Manifest Your Desires" by Esther and Jerry Hicks

Designed to be a year-long experience, this book has 365 motivational phrases.  They all focus on the "teachings of Abraham" that the authors are famous for.  The main intent is to guide readers towards better feeling thoughts so that they manifest their desires.  The "law of attraction" posits that whatever one thinks about is what will manifest in one's life experience.  Even if someone says they do not want something, they are still vibrating that something, which causes it to manifest.  So, instead of dwelling on what one doesn't want, one must dwell on what one does want.   It is not good enough to merely desire something.  One must truly believe that the desire is not only possible but that it is also on its way to them.  Anything less is just wishful thinking.  While some would call this sort of thinking that of a charlatan or delusional person, I do think there is some substance to it.  Firstly, there is self-sabotage whereby someone doesn't try an endeavor or start a goal because they simply do not believe it is possible (e.g.- the woman who doesn't go on a diet because she feels it is "impossible" to lose weight).  Then, there is the act of propelling oneself in the direction of one's desires because they keep thinking about what they believe is coming to them (e.g.- the man who believes he will be a lawyer goes on to study law and apply to law school).  Overall, this book is very positive and motivational.  I'm going to give it a shot and start seeing how I can manifest my desires.