Mat-Su Jewish Center hosting event at the Wasilla Public Library

The Mat-Su Jewish Center is hosting "Finding Emotional Balance in an Unbalanced World", a lecture and discussion hosted by author Rabbi Levi Shmotkin on his recent book, "Letters of Life" at the Wasilla Public Library on May 6 at 5 p.m.

This free event includes a dinner and is open to all ages. A separate event for young children, sponsored by Thrive Mat-Su, will include a ventriloquism show, face painting and balloon art. The library opens at 5 p.m. and the main program begins at 5:30 p.m.

The Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, is known as one of the most revered and influential Jewish leaders in recent times. For many years, the Rebbe received letters from thousands of people all over the world asking for assistance and guidance to navigate the problems they faced in their lives.

“Many of the people that came were people dealing with all the different problems people have,” Rabbi Mendy Greenberg from the Mat-Su Jewish Center said. “And people found in the Rebbe a listening ear, but also someone with an unbelievable reservoir of ideas and solutions, rooted in ancient wisdom of the Torah, of thousands of years of Jewish wisdom, of biblical wisdom. But yet was able to bring it down to such a practical and applicable way to the here and now.”

In his new book, Rabbi Shmotkin references many of these letters as he uses the Rebbe’s teachings and advice to address contemporary problems many people in today’s world still face.

“The author is going to try to dig into the wellsprings of the thousands and thousands of letters of the Rebbe’s wisdom, bringing up the ancient, old teachings and applying it to today, to our time, to modern times, of how we can navigate and get through life’s challenges, emotional challenges of life,” Rabbi Greenberg said.

During a day and age when people have the ability to be more connected than ever, many remain disconnected and experience feelings of loneliness, anxiety and stress. This book attempts to address those feelings and inspire readers and attendees with ways they can enhance their lives for the future.

“We have never been more connected, yet at the same time so many of us, especially the younger people, are complaining of feeling lonely and separated and feeling alone in the world,” Rabbi Greenberg said.

Organizations that have partnered with this event include the Mat-Su Jewish Center Chabad, the Mat-Su Health Foundation, Thrive Mat-Su, MY House, REACH 907, Friends of Wasilla Public Library, Children’s Place, Make A Scene Media and the People’s Paper.

This event is meant to be uplifting, inspiring and interactive with an opportunity to ask questions and correspond with the author Rabbi Shmotkin. The event is being held in conjunction with Education and Sharing Day, which was celebrated on April 9, the birthday of the Rebbe.

“I highly advise and encourage everyone to join this very special event,” Rabbi Greenberg said. “I think no one will regret coming.”