Summer we often have more time to do some great reading- and we like to choose some lighter fare. Here are some of our favourite picks for Jewish summertime books:
Summer 2002 Picks
Six Jewish Spiritual Paths: A Rationalist Looks at Spirituality by Rifat Sonsino. This is a thoughtful reflection on the “buzzword” of the 21st century, and one that will get you thinking about your own spirituality.
The Jewish Lights Spirituality Handbook, edited by Stuart Matlins. An excellent anthology from over 50 spiritual leaders including Lawrence Kushner, David Hartman, Arthur Waskow and more on the pressing questions of leading a Jewish spiritual life.
Finding Joy by Dannel I. Schwartz. Through Kabbalah, a clear and creative approach to happiness.
The Year Mom Got Religion by Lee Meyerhoff Hendler. A wonderful first-persosn account of how Judaism can change your life and also your family! Hendler got involved in her Conservative synagogue and discovered she was branded a “fanatic” all over the place because she wanted to care about how Judaism fit into her liberal life-style.
Parenting as a Spiritual Journey by Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer. Read this and remember why you did it in the first place.
Criminal Kabbalah by Lawrence Raphael. Just for fun- Jewish mystery and dective fiction. Also Wandering Stars by Jack Dann on Jewish science fiction.
A Heart of Wisdom: Making the Jewish Journey from Midlife through the Elder Years edited by Susan Berrin. It will make your parents - or you, depending on your age- feel better about the path ahead.
Shared Dreams by Rabbi Mark Schneier. For history buffs, this is the untold story of the relationship between Martin Luther King Jr. and the Jewish communtiy.
Summer 2001 Picks
Fiction
The Schocken Book of Contemporary Jewish Fiction edited by Ted Solotaroff and Nessa Rapoport (Random House). Just fun to read all these different Jewish short stories. If you’re into murder mysteries, try Mystery Midrash: An Anthology of Jewish Mystery & Detective Fiction by Lawrence W. Raphael (Jewish Lights). If you’re into sci-fi, try Wandering Stars: An Anthology of Jewish Fantasy & Science Fiction, edited by
Jack Dann with an introduction by Isaac Asimov (Jewish Lights.)
Spirituality
Parenting as a Spiritual Journey by Rabbi Nancy Fuchs-Kreimer (Jewish Lights). A sensitive and delightful reminder that in between diapers and colic, there is beauty. A fabulous gift for new parents or grandparents, it is worth reading all on its own for those concerned with making their families a special place. If you have kids, it will remind you why you did it. If you have parents, you’ll find a new place of gentleness and compassion for what they went through to raise you!
Bible
Self, Struggle & Change: Family Conflict Stories in Genesis & Their Healing Insights for Our Lives by Norman J. Cohen (Jewish Lights.) Rabbi Cohen is a great teacher of midrash. In this book, he has an intriguing search for meaning in the Genesis stories with an eye toward extracting insight into contemporary family relationships.Since Genesis ends with the unification of all the tribes of Israel, Cohen shows how we will also be able to unify the conflicts within us and overcome our
differences with others with the Torah as a guide.
Gender Issues
Jewish Women, Jewish Men: The Legacy of Patriarchy in Jewish Life by Aviva Cantor (Harper Collins). Cantor is a great writer whose analysis of the beginnings of Jewish patriarchy are insightful and wise. She brings many new issues to light, and covers halachic, cultural, sociological, and modern Israeli gender tensions.
General
Who is a Jew? Conversations, Not Conclusions by Meryl Hyman (Jewish Lights). Sure to be controversial at times, this anthology will challenge your notions of denominationalism, and all the trials and tribulations over the thorny issue of what exactly makes one Jewish. Deep and disturbing at times, it is a great book and a must-read for thinking Jews.
Have a great summer!
If you read a great Jewish book this summer and want us to add it to our list or review it on our website, please let us know at technology@kolel.org.
