Inner Peace: Achieving Self-Esteem Through Prayer

by Yisroel Roll
A review by Rabbi Berel Wein

"Inner Peace: Achieving Self-Esteem Through Prayer" is the title of an inspirational book by Rabbi Yisroel Roll. Rabbi Roll practiced law in Toronto for six years before leaving for a successful career in the rabbinate and Jewish outreach work in England. He brings to this book his life's experiences in various roles and human relationships. He also brings to this book his unique Torah perspective - a combination of spirituality and practicality, inspiration and down to earth good advice. And all of this wisdom and insight finds its expression in relation to the format and words of the Jewish prayer service.

Prayer is a difficult exercise for all of us. It is a daily task and is obligatory upon us no matter what our mood or circumstances might be that day. Because of this, prayer can easily slip into rote, habit and even unconscious behavior. This book attempts to save us from such a fate by pointing out that prayer is not only for God but for man as well. Prayer becomes a process of self-actualization, of self-esteem and a ladder to greater spirituality if properly understood and practiced. And this book can be an enormous aid to this process.

The structure of the book follows the order of the prayer services. The book is therefore not only inspirational and spiritual, it is vastly educational as well. It explains basic ideas and values in the realm of Jewish prayer. It not only inspires that one should want to pray, it guides the reader in the art of how to pray. Its use of illustrative anecdotes and psychological insights reinforces the strength of its Torah message. From the stories about the past great men of Israel to the anecdote of taking a haircut with Prince William of England, the moral point of the necessity and worthiness of meaningful prayer is clearly emphasized and illustrated.