Perspective

Gluckel writes the "Memoirs" in 1690 to her children "upon the death of your good father" because she wants to distract her soul from the burdens and bitterness of losing him. Despite the moralistic perspective of her life this autobiographical book is not intended to be a moralistic work because she is not trained to make it so. Gluckel is the parent of twelve children with her husband Chayim. She brings up eight as a widow after his death. Gluckel takes over his business affairs and develops a successful global business in the seventeenth century.

Gluckel makes recommendations to her children to serve God from your heart, set aside time to study Torah, and be honest with both Jews and Gentiles in money and goods. She suggests three "magic herbs" for them to remember including trust in God, hope, and patience. Gluckel does not preach but confesses to be...