DECEMBER 29 • 2022 | 29

faces&places

T

he Shul’s Women’s Circle enjoyed a wonderful eve-
ning of camaraderie with food and inspiration. The 
highlight was a unique presentation by Rabbi Mendel 
Kalmenson about his book Positivity Bias. 
Following the presentation was a Q&A portion that was 
animated and insightful. The event was followed by five 
weeks of continued discussion amongst friends sharing 
insight and inspiration. 
Rabbi Kalmenson is the rabbi of Beit Baruch and executive 
director of Chabad of Belgravia, London, where he lives 
with his wife, Chana, and children. He was also the editor 
at Chabad.org and the author of the popular books Seeds of 
Wisdom, A Time to Heal and Positivity Bias. His latest book 
is titled People of the Word: 50 words that shaped Jewish 
thinking. 
Rabbi Kalmenson’s book Positivity Bias displays a mix of 
nature, nurture, social conditioning and free will. We each 
possess a personalized lens that frames, forms, clouds and 
distorts the way we see ourselves and the world around us. 
In order to live in the most meaningful and effective way 
possible, each of us needs to continually assess and adjust the 
default frames we have developed. 
In Positivity Bias, we learn that life is essentially good; that 
positive perception is applicable and accessible to all; that it 
derives from objective, rational insight, not subjective, wish-
ful imagination; and that positive living is a matter of choice, 
not circumstance. 
An inspiring and life-enriching tapestry woven from hun-
dreds of stories, letter, anecdotes and vignettes, Positivity Bias 
highlights how the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem 
M. Schneerson of righteous memory, considered among the 
most influential rabbis in modern history, taught us to see 
ourselves, others and the world around us. 

Itty Shemtov is education director at The Shul in West Bloomfield. To learn 

more about the Shul’s Women’s Circle Book Club head to www.theshul.net.

ITTY SHEMTOV SPECIAL TO THE JEWISH NEWS

The Shul’s Women’s 
Circle Book Club

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE SHUL

PHOTOS ABOVE: These participants are ready to head home with 
renewed commitment to positive living.

Smiles and 
camaraderie 
frame an 
evening of 
inspiration.