Reader Notes
This book is recommended reading for anyone, regardless of whether they have experienced a loss or are grieving.
Recommended Audience
This book is recommended for young adults and adults and could also be read to young children and discussed.
Review
When Linda Cohen’s father died in 2006, she knew she wanted to do something to honor his life and the relationship she had with him. It came to her quickly, in the middle of the night; at that moment, she knew exactly what she needed to do.
Inspired by her Jewish faith, Cohen set out to complete 1,000 random acts of kindness – in the Jewish faith known as mitzvahs. Over the next 2 ½ years, her journey would take her to classrooms and grocery stores, animal shelters, and even the local dump, practicing random acts of kindness that, while generally small, had an impact on the lives of others – and often had a ripple effect. She began documenting her mitzvahs on a blog, which provided the content for 1,000 Mitzvahs: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Heal, Inspire, and Change Your Life, a book that has inspired thousands of people to follow Cohen’s lead by making their corners of the world a little kinder.
At a time when a random act of kindess can go viral on social media for being rare and unique, author Cohen invites us to consider how we can make small acts of kindness part of our daily routine. Something as simple as offering to share an umbrella with a stranger or picking up a bit of litter while out on a walk can not only brighten someone’s else’s day but also help to build a sense of community – and kindness.
Organized into easy-to-read vignettes, 1,000 Mitzvahs: How Small Acts of Kindness Can Heal, Inspire, and Change Your Life is inspiration for anyone who wants to make a difference in the lives of others.
What act of kindness will you demonstrate today?
Linda Cohen was a guest on the Remembering A Life Podcast - Listen to her interview!
Discussion Prompts
- Which mitzvahs in the book did you feel were most impactful? Which ones might you want to implement yourself?
- Have you been the receipient of a random act of kindness? How did it make you feel?
- Is it easier for you to be kind to others? Or to be the recipient of kindness?
- How might you honor the life of a loved one with acts of kindness?
- What acts of kindness would be most meaningful to your loved one?
- How might those acts of kindness help you on your grief journey?
- What act of kindness might you be able to do today?
About the Reviewer
This book was read and is recommended by the Remembering A Life team.