JEWISH WITH FEELING: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice

Whether by birth, by marriage or by choice, whether practicing or not, virtually anyone remotely affiliated with Judaism should read this book. Schachter-Shalomi, a founder and leader of the Jewish Renewal movement, offers a Judaism with a keen sense of the present infused with the sacredness of the past, yet written with a hopeful eye toward the future. Sharing his own struggles with faith, Schachter-Shalomi reminds readers that not only is it okay to question God, as Jews it's expected. More than a book, his dialogue takes on the tone of a late Shabbos afternoon in his study. His combination of rich, illustrative Hasidic tales interspersed with probing questions for today and creative suggestions for bringing Judaism into the world reach out to Jews of all ages and virtually all denominations. He addresses prayer, reminding readers that the act of praying is not about the words but about the feeling, and that they should pray from the heart, not by rote. He celebrates diversity, within and among religions, eschewing triumphalism. Most importantly, he offers a path for return to the oneness God intended when he created human beings—oneness with ourselves, the world, each other and ultimately with God. (Mar. 3)