Book I Summary and Analysis

Gluckel introduces "Memoirs" in 1690 to her children "upon the death of your good father." She writes to distract her soul from burdens and bitterness. She does not intend to write a moralistic book since there are many of them already. The Torah provides all we need to find and learn the journey through this world to the next. The core of Torah is to "Love thy neighbor as thyself." Gluckel recommends her children serve God from their heart, set aside time to study Torah, and be honest with both Jews and Gentiles in money and goods. They are to remember three magic herbs of trust in God, hope, and patience among others. Gluckel does not write to preach but confesses to be a sinner asking God for repentance. She tells about a bird that carries her third fledgling to...