Biblical Beauty: Ancient Secrets and Modern Solutions Paperback by Rachelle Weisberger {Review & Giveaway}

ISBN 13: 9780983558514

About the book: Biblical Beauty looks at what makes us beautiful in a new light--by integrating biblical, historical and cultural perspectives on female beauty with a modern sensibility, supplemented with practical advice and user-friendly tips.

You'll find fresh insights on skin care, sun care, makeup, hair care, healthy aging, motherhood and feminine leadership.

Rachelle Weisberger unmasks the timeless beauty that is not limited to physical features or chronological age. Rather, as you will discover, it is multifaceted and all-encompassing. Biblical beauty resonates throughout the entire body and radiates physical, emotional and spiritual well-being.

This informative and entertaining book also presents the women of the Hebrew Bible: Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel, Leah, Miriam, Rahab, Deborah, Bathsheba and Esther as well as Judith of the Apocrypha. Their stories serve as springboards to introduce timely topics and to explore the underlying relationship between their physical attributes and hidden inner qualities, interwoven with their spirituality.

By combining ancient secrets with modern solutions, Biblical Beauty, will guide you toward empowerment, renewal and a daily celebration of beauty in your own life.

"Chat" with the author: 

1. What prompted you as a cosmetologist to pursue writing this book referencing the Bible as a source of beautification secrets?
As a cosmetologist working in the beauty industry for more than two decades, I listened to the nagging fears and self-doubts women expressed about their looks. These days, women are often driven to extreme measures to keep their skin smooth and their bodies taut. I felt it was time to filter out the cultural noise--from beauty magazines, celebrity endorsements, and Internet sites--that can make us feel inferior and very old. My purpose in writing BIBLICAL BEAUTY was to present an alternative to our modern-day obsession that focuses solely on physical perfection and youthfulness.

I was searching for a way to present a more holistic model--one that would reflect not only our physical side, but the unique connection between the mind, body, and spirit. To my great surprise, my first inspirational role model in the Bible became apparent one Sabbath morning in synagogue when I read in Genesis 23:1, "And Sarah lived 127 years." Her life and longevity intrigued me. There had to be so much more to learn about her as a woman. I couldn't help wondering, How did she do it? What did she eat? Drink? How did she keep physically fit? Along the way I discovered other remarkable biblical women who were renowned for their alluring looks. But, in fact, their attractiveness also came from a source within that was rooted in a purposeful life.

2. How did you go about researching and writing Biblical Beauty?

BIBLICAL BEAUTY explores its subject from a biblical, historical, and cultural perspective. I spent years researching the beauty practices and lifestyles of the ancient civilizations including Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Fertile Crescent. I consulted biblical scholars, commentaries, and legends for a deeper look into the personalities of biblical women. Their lives serve as springboards to timely topics including skin care, sun care, makeup hair care, fragrance, healthy aging motherhood, and leadership. Reading the Scriptures and historical texts, and viewing ancient artifacts, provided the proof that women in ancient times placed great importance on their physical appearance. And although female beauty was acknowledged and praised in the Bible, it was always evaluated in the context of behavior and piety. 

3. How can the tips and topics in Biblical Beauty really and truly relate to women of today?

Remarkably, the natural beauty solutions employed thousands of years ago were forerunners of the techniques and treatments that are still popular today. More than a practical manual of self-beautification, BIBLICAL BEAUTY also explores the inner qualities of several of these women through their compelling life stories. As role models, they become an inspiring compass to create a meaningful and satisfying life. These women are proof that beauty is a reflection of our innermost qualities and the gift of a healthy way of life. They showed that nutritious diet, daily physical activity, loving relationships, meaningful lives, and a connection with the Divine can be seamlessly blended to nourish the body and soul. Whether a women has spent her life managing home and children or working at the highest rungs of a corporation or perhaps doing both at the same time, studies emerge everyday providing evidence that these practices are all key to a long life. And it is never too late to incorporate them. 

My thoughts:  My grandmother spoke often of "pretty is as pretty does" and "She is pretty from the inside out" both of which are referring to having an inner beauty. Rachelle Weisberger quickly recognizes that beauty comes from within - a healthy body and spirit.

I am fully aware that Ms. Weisberger is Jewish and the book draws from Old Testament Bible as well as other historical Jewish writings. I am a Christian and long years of attending church and Sunday school have lent itself to familiarity with various strong women of the Bible. Rachel Weisberger brings these women to life for us and also makes us aware of their beauty.

Each chapter examines a woman from the Old Testament of the Bible - Bathsheba, Deborah, Rahab, Judith (from another ancient writing), Esther, Rebecca, and Sarah. After looking at these honored women and their own beauty and lives, our author presents an area of modern solutions to making oneself beautiful:  Makeup, Hair Care, Fragrance, Jewelry (outward adornment), and Healthy Aging. In the second section of the book, the author examines the inner woman and inner beauty and how these are defined in motherhood and being a feminine leader.

She writes with an easy flowing style that is organized and pleasant to follow. This is not a lengthy book but it is one that would be well-placed on the home or library book shelf. I found this a wonderful book. Rachelle is an extensively experienced and talented woman in her chosen fields.

GIVEAWAY: The author, Rachelle Weisberger, is graciously providing one of Chat With Vera's readers an opportunity to have their very own copy of Biblical Beauty. Begins December 31 & ENDS January 21. Open to USA addresses only.
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You can read a bit on the Amazon page - click here

DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the author in exchange for this review. Opinions expressed are solely my own. I received no compensation for this review.