I have wanted to write a book for as long as I can remember. But when I imagined doing so, the idea felt completely out of reach. Where would I begin? When would I find the time? How would I come up with hundreds of pages of material?
I fondly recall sitting in classes in Israel listening to my incredible teachers, Rabbi Lawrence Keleman, Rebbetzin Tziporah Heller, and Rabbi Hanoch Teller. I was enthralled by their greatness and the privilege I had learning from them each day. To share this merit, I knew that deep down I must write a book!
But I quickly gave up on that dream.
My desire to write sprouted again when I found myself on various Torah websites searching not only for anecdotes and teaching materials for my classes, but also to help with my own various struggles that I was going through at the time. Websites such as Aish.com, The Jewish Press and Chabad.org had a wealth of information and chizuk that I used both professionally and personally. The articles had done so much for me on a personal level that I felt I wanted to pay it forward. Maybe someone out there could be helped from my own written words. This thought inspired me to sit down and write my first article for a Jewish publication.
I write this to let you know that though I had always dreamed of writing a book, I did not believe that it would actually happen. Public speaking had been my passion and forte for thirteen years. But when we speak, with simply a slight inflection and pause, we can convey our message and see how our listeners respond. I had no idea how to translate that passion into writing. At the time it seemed impossible for me to do. My journey into the world of putting my pen to paper was difficult, yet Hashem gave me unwavering determination.
Even after my first submission was rejected and I was devastated, loyal friends advised me to use the rejection to fuel my determination. I began with a small goal: to write just one article on a topic dear to me that I believed was relevant to others.
After it was (finally!) published, I knew it was possible for that to happen again. So I continued writing with the goal to teach in this special way and publish a second article. Word by word, page by page, one article at a time, I slowly continued… until I was asked to write columns! And then another and then another… until, finally, a book, Small Choices, Big Changes was created!
I learned that this is the journey of life. It is too hard to accomplish all that we want in one fell swoop. But if we make small choices and take small steps, we create small changes within ourselves. Before we realize it, we have reached our goal.
My hope is that everyone who reads this book can gain lessons that you can apply to your own life. That you are able to glean applicable insights that help you to grow in small ways, leading you to access your inner potential, leading each of us to reach our best selves.
The content of this book have been categorized into the following topics:
- Happiness
- Success and Confidence
- Relationships
- Parenting
- Elevating the Every Day
- Let’s Get Personal
My desire is to instill in everyone that if you have a goal, you can achieve it. One small choice at a time.
Below are a few articles of mine which are excerpts from the book.
Click here to download an excerpt from the book in word format
Sarah Pachter is a dynamic, motivational speaker who has lectured throughout the US and Israel, currently residing in Los Angeles with her husband and children. For the past thirteen years, Sarah has passionately taught women of all ages and levels of Jewish observance, drawing in large crowds with her innovative and personal touch. In addition to lecturing for many organizations, schools, and synagogues, she is a kallah teacher, dating coach, and mentor. Sarah runs growth groups in private homes and meets with individuals for one-on-one private sessions. Sarah has been featured on the radio, is a regular columnist, and a freelance writer for the Jewish Press, Aish.com and the Jewish Home as well as many other publications. She has authored Small Choices, Big Changes published by Targum Press.
To book Sarah Pachter for your next event or for a speaking engagement please email sarahpachterspeaks@gmail.com or visit sarahpachterspeaks.com.
