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AS: What did you set out to accomplish when you began writing your stories?

RYH: When my weekly column first started, I had three objectives: 1) Keep it positive. 2) Keep it short. 3) Provide a take-away message. I felt that we need more positive stories and lessons amidst the seemingly never-ending negative messages we are surrounded by. Furthermore, people don’t have much time or patience, so I felt that keeping it shorter rather than longer would draw people in. And finally, I felt it was important for people to walk away with an idea, an ideal or a lesson that could be pondered or shared.

AS: The stories are unusual, and they are also just plain fun to read, with – to use your food metaphor – heaping tablespoons of surprises, inspiration, and poignant events. How do you go about finding them?

RYH: By now, most of the stories are submitted by readers. The readers already know the “Food for Thought style.” It has to be a thought or anecdote that packs a punch, that leaves you moved or inspired, and that gets you thinking. The topic, length and plot are less important than whether the story’s message will stick in a person’s mind and move them. I also always have my antennae up for something worthy of writing. Often, incidents that could easily be missed catch my attention and morph into a story fit for print.

AS: Who would you say this book is geared for?

RYH: My goal was to make it shaveh lechal nefesh, meaning that it can be read by virtually anyone, of any age, from any background, because the messages of the stories are universal. One of the most meaningful compliments readers have given is that the book can be opened to almost any page and one can begin reading anywhere in their quest for inspiration. Obviously, the book is a great resource, as well, for speakers, rabbonim, rabbeim, teachers and anyone in need of an impactful story or thought to share with an audience.

AS: Do you have any personal favorites among the literally hundreds of stories in this book?

RYH: It’s hard to choose, but one of my favorites is Ah Mamme’s Emunah, which describes the unbelievable emunas chachamim of an outstanding woman and the Heavenly salvation she merited. Stories like that are unforgettable.

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