The Beauty of What Remains

How Our Greatest Fear Becomes Our Greatest Gift

By: Steve Leder

Narrated by: Steve Leder

Length: 6 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

A Los Angeles Times bestseller

From the author of the best-selling More Beautiful Than Before comes an inspiring book about loss based on his most popular sermon.

As the senior rabbi of one of the largest synagogues in the world, Steve Leder has learned over and over again the many ways death teaches us how to live and love more deeply by showing us not only what is gone but also the beauty of what remains.

This inspiring and comforting book takes us on a journey through the experience of loss that is fundamental to everyone. Yet even after having sat beside thousands of deathbeds, Steve Leder the rabbi was not fully prepared for the loss of his own father. It was only then that Steve Leder the son truly learned how loss makes life beautiful by giving it meaning and touching us with love that we had not felt before.

Enriched by Rabbi Leder's irreverence, vulnerability, and wicked sense of humor, this heartfelt narrative is filled with laughter and tears, the wisdom of millennia and modernity, and, most of all, an unfolding of the profound and simple truth that in loss we gain more than we ever imagined.

©2021 Steve Leder (P)2021 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"The wisdom Steve Leder shares in this moving book is an essential part of living a beautiful and meaningful life. Read it and feel inspired." (Maria Shriver)

"An insightful and intimate look at the end of life." (Kirkus)

“Steve Leder's words are a balm to the soul. The Beauty of What Remains encourages us to confront our feelings about death head-on, and reminds us not to fear the end of life on Earth, but to embrace what it can teach us while we're here. Steve's own stories and experiences are written in that exquisite way that makes it feel as if you're speaking to a good friend. This book is a must-read.” (Mallika Chopra, Author of Living with Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy)

Beautiful beyond my expectations

Listening to this book while driving through beautiful south eastern Utah including Monticello & Canyonlands caused me to reflect on this beautiful earth, relationships, and the life one wants to lead. While causing self reflection as well as remembering the good and bad of the life lead and the life to be lead i’m struck and determined to lead a better life.

Profound

One of the most thought provoking life changing inspiring shares I've ever enjoyed. Thank you.

what a beautiful book. Such a comfort!

This is one of the most perfect books I have ever read. A must have for your library. Highly recommend.

Please read/listen to this wonderful book

This book is beautiful. The narration is excellent. Highly recommend. Reminded me to focus on the present and appreciate loved ones

Required reading for all

I did not want this book to end. Truly. I have also never cried during a book so much in my life. It is devastating and beautiful at the same time.
There is SO very much to comment on as I was beyond moved the entire time, but I will simply say Thank You, Rabbi Leder. Thank you for sharing your personal experiences so eloquently and with so much warmth that I felt I was living it all with you- and in some ways I am, unfortunately. This book is cathartic is ways I cannot explain and truly hope others get to experience.

The Beauty of What remains

Steve, you are not only a Rabbi, you are a Master Author. This is one of the most profound & touching books I have read. Thank you. Marsha Brody, Weston, FL.

I wish I could give 5 stars

Rabbi Leder is a brilliant writer and I imagine a powerful force for love and good for his congregation. The book is both an explication of Judaism’s brilliant psychologically complete understanding of what the grief stricken need and a memoir of his relationship with his father. My only criticism is what becomes a labored recitation that relationship in the epilogue. I felt an impatience in the way hearing it already in many ways throughout the book. It was unnecessary and in some ways diluted its power. I still would recommend.

this spoke to me

my mother past away this year and this is what I needed to hear.

A pleasure for the soul

Steve Leder has written well the thoughts about dying and more importantly, living in the midst of death. Such a gift for my soul in preparation of even my own death.

Powerful

This book should is a life changing book. Regardless of the amount of time that has passed, if you have ever experienced grief this should be required reading.