As an eminent Torah scholar and revered tzaddik, Rabbi Segal was sought out everywhere for his counsel, blessings and prayers. His warmth, concern and genuine love for every Jew imbued his petitioners with a feeling that mere words cannot convey. He was a primary force in the worldwide awakening toward study of the Chofetz Chaim’s classic code on the laws of lashon hara (forbidden speech).

It is against this backdrop that Rabbi Segal’s shmuessen (ethical discourses) have had so great an impact. His words are down-to-earth, powerful and uplifting; they inspire the reader toward spiritual striving, and make him confident that he can succeed. Rabbi Segal’s discourses convey a sense of who he was – a spiritual giant who keenly understood human nature, and who utilized his vast Torah knowledge to help others develop their strengths and overcome their weaknesses.

The first volume of Inspiration and Insight, discourses on the weekly parashah, was published in 1990 to popular acclaim. This long-awaited second volume, translated and arranged by Rabbi Shimon Finkelman, further preserves the memory and teachings of this great Torah personality, who passed away suddenly on 22 Shevat, 5753/1993. The book contains discourses on the yomim tovim, teshuvah, general ethical themes, and moving eulogies of recent Torah luminaries. In total, it is a priceless word portrait of the ethical world of the Jew.