"Reading this book was like going on a long retreat with the author. The candidness and intimacy with which she meets you, page after page, peeled off layers allowing the words to reach in and massage my soul." - Dan Vilenchik Ph.D., Ben-Gurion University, Israel    

"I am really loving this book. It is something to cherish. Much of the poetry is masterful, so honest, simple and clear. Paulette’s voice and her love of life and God shine through on every page. Paulette does not turn away from failures and disappointments but holds them in loving mercy." - Marvin Treiger, Ph.D., MFT, Buddhist Teacher, Psychotherapist 

"Paulette Rochelle-Levy's body-based sensual relationship with the Divine is contagious. Words matter. Thank you for the spirit embodied in language and for reawakening within me a deep interest in knowing God. " - Fred Sugerman, Medicine Dance 

"Paulette reveals that there is always, always a powerful redeeming energy, rooted in faith, that connects us to a Light Source. I was moved by the lyrical and hopeful expressions of going through pain, aloneness, and longing." - Yuval Ron, Composer, Musician

"I found myself walking with Paulette through her experiences as if they were my own. The poetry is a legacy of her life with many lessons from which each of us can relate and gain knowledge through the beauty of this memoir." - Reverend Gabbai Shayna Lester, Spiritual Director, Psychotherapist      

"Paulette’s poetry is an amazing collection of her heartfelt partnership with God. She has successfully expressed her immense life wisdom through gazing into the other’s eyes and listening not only with her ears, but also with her heart. Her poetry is soul yearning to be seen and heard through her creative life force. I have used Paulette’s divine poetry as a Kavannah, introduction to prayers at Shabbat services. I highly recommend this uplifting poetry book to everyone." - Rabbi Miriam E. Hamrell, Ahavat Torah 

“Amid these tumultuous times, Paulette Rochelle-Levy has an important message to share in her book, Longing & Be-Longing: Poems, Prayers & Reflections. As a holistic psychotherapist, she understands the value of nourishing the mind, body, and soul. The book, a combination of different genres, include elements of poetry, social commentary, memoir-style discussions, and suggested techniques for healing from emotional pain. The author uses meditation and prayer to calm oneself and connect with God. Many of her reflections focus on the effects of the pandemic. I appreciated how the author described her passion for dance and her rediscovery of her Jewish faith. As such, many Hebrew phrases appeared in the text, and I learned more about Jewish traditions. This publication is best suited for people who yearn for a spiritual connection with the world. Dancers will delight in the vivid descriptions of the human body in motion. Animal lovers can also relate to the content because the author mentions her faithful pets several times. Even though there are numerous religious references, non-religious people can also enjoy the writing.” - https://onlinebookclub.org

"Loved it! The work is a poetic memoir that seduces the hurt, lost and lonely to follow her footsteps until they find themselves on the path.

"This work of ten years and nine months is my Godwrestling, a challenging and joyous struggle through the solitude of the pandemic... This is written so that you may gain strength and wisdom for your own journey. There are so many places where we meet, even when we think we are lost and lonely.”

With that, the self-described dancer, Jewish Spiritual Leader, and wholistic psychotherapist, walks readers through heartbreak, loss, cancer, love, loneliness, rejection, and disappointments toward belonging. Rochelle-Levy weaves a poetic memoir that seduces the hurt, lost and lonely to follow her footsteps, until they find themselves on the path. The author offers many lessons: “There is wisdom in insecurity, for real security does not really exist,” she declares, then urges readers to embrace mortality. “There are many kinds of death, in addition to the big Death,” she writes. The key to belonging, she concludes is “to learn to belong to myself, to hear the voice of my own soul, my Higher Self, who has called me over and over to listen, to really listen to the voice of inner direction.” - Vincent G., Reedsy.com

Touching 5-Star review, abundant with authentic insight!

“Exploring themes of loss, joy, and hope, this book is a collection of poems that invite the reader to nourish their soul with positive, thoughtful reflection. Each chapter starts with a thought-provoking quote and moves on to offer poetic lines that are filled with wisdom from the author's life; they capture the seasons of the poet’s soul while offering insights for readers to unfold by. Drawing from her personal experiences, the author teaches the value of building a connection with God and healing through the power of dance.

Paulette Rochelle-Levy has lived a full life, by learning to be thankful for every opportunity and blessing that was given to her. With her Jewish beliefs and background as a psychotherapist, she brilliantly translates the essence of spiritual healing and meditation in her poetry, unveiling dimensions that are ever-present in our humanity yet subtly hidden. The author also presents practical advice for dealing with emotional pain. Paulette urges positivity through practice, embodying love, kindness, and gratefulness, and letting go of the heaviness that weighs on the human spirit through meditation.  Enlightening poetry is written with fluidity and ease to match, Longing & Be-Longing: Poems, Prayers & Reflections is perfect for all adult readers looking for easy and inspirational words that bring solace in difficult times. This book keeps the reader intrigued and nurtures comforting warmth in their heart. The collection is an amalgamation of various genres, including social commentaries, personal thoughts, and free-flowing utterances. There is a fascinating meld of different worlds in this collection and the poems are masterful in how they navigate themes of faith, self-love, healing, and liberation. The book succeeds in putting together a strong recognition of our flawed nature and the call to healing in a way that is deeply revealing and moving.” - REVIEWED BY FRANKLIN BAUER The Book Commentary