The Library

A book in Hebrew called "The First Day of the Rest of My Life" has just come out in Israel. It was written by a frum Jew who suffered from a strong sexual addiction and who was able to break free with the help of the 12-Steps support groups. He wrote the book as a prevent...

In continuation of the story, Yerachmiel was caught having a sexual encounter with another boy and was called to the Rosh Yeshiva's office. As the Rosh Yeshiva waits for Yerachmiel to arrive, he reflects back to his own personal journey, remembering how he had been once s...

In continuation of the story from the previous e-mails, Yerachmiel was caught in Yeshiva having an illicit affair with a boy from a different Yeshiva, and was called to the Rosh Yeshiva's office for a talk. Instead of throwing him out - as the Mashgiach had wanted to do, ...

I was happy when the very next day after Mincha, Yerachmiel appeared in my office for a private talk. "I'm so happy you are here" I said to him. "Please tell me what's on your mind". "I have a serious issue and I don't know what to do with myself", Yerachmiel began - loo...

The Rosh Yeshiva continues the story... “This is not the Yerachmiel I know”, I thought to myself as I gave over the Shiur Klali in the Yeshiva hall. Yerachmiel, who usually doesn’t let any Svara pass him by - asking and joining in with his sharp mind, looked burnt out an...

In the next phase of the story, the Rosh Yeshiva gives over to Yerachmiel the job of being in charge of the Otzar ha'Seforim (the library of the Sefarim) for the coming year. This wise step achieves many important objectives in helping Yerachmiel break free of his addicti...

A big smile spread across Yerachmiel's face as he entered my office. It wasn't hard to notice the positive change in his mood over the last period of time. "I must say", I told him, "that since you took the job of the Otzar Ha'sefarim, there's almost no sefer that I look...

Almost a year into the Rosh Yeshiva's own recovery, he finds himself once again on the verge of a big fall. Lust has overtaken him suddenly, and he feels powerless against it. And just as he begins the process of falling to the depths once again, his cell phone rings... A...

In continuation of our story, Yerachmiel meets with the Rosh Yeshiva in his office that afternoon, to drink Lechayim and celebrate the victory they experienced that day over Lust.   The sense of victory and fulfillment were evident on Yerachmiel's face, but I noticed th...

A year goes by in our story... Late one night, the Rosh Yeshiva gets a phone call and receives great news. Yerachmiel is engaged to a special girl from a wonderful family! The Rosh Yeshiva continues telling the story... I hung up the phone. My heart rejoiced over the fant...

I didn't expect this question. It caught me completely off guard. How, Ribbono Shel Olam, can I try to convince my dear student Yerachmiel that this is possible, when I myself find it difficult? After all, I deal with this particular problem each day with my wife at home!...

I would like to review the lessons that we learned in the last two chapters of the book "The First Day of the Rest of My Life". The first chapter was called "The Daughter of the King" and the second chapter was called "Pizza with Toppings". Both of these chapters deal wit...

Personal Advice from the Author of the book "The First Day of the Rest of My Life"   In Conclusion; On a Personal Note... Let's say I finally found myself a quiet corner where I can be alone for a few magical hours and disconnect a little from my day to day troubles, to ...