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An Orthodox rabbi and his dying Christian mother discuss ultimate faith.
This is a personal, interfaith journey through all 150 Psalms, framed by an Orthodox rabbi’s conversations with his Christian mother as they study scripture together during her final illness. It is a warm book about the love between mother and son as well as conversations between two historically competing faiths. Rabbi Shumly blends textual commentary with memoir, grief, healing, and the shared spiritual language that brought him closer to his mother as she approached the end of her life. The book weaves traditional Jewish exegesis with a deep respect for Christian theology, offering interfaith reflections rooted in lived experience rather than academic comparison. Each psalm becomes a portal into moments from her illness, insights about love and loss, and the grounding power of ancient poetry in modern grief. It is a work for Jews, Christians, interfaith families, clergy, chaplains, caregivers, and seekers looking for honest spiritual grounding.
“Rav Shmuly leaves no stone unturned halachically, socially, politically, and religiously.” —Mayim Bialik, PhD, Emmy-nominated actress
“I deeply appreciate the Rabbi’s deep faith journey with his beloved mother.” —Pete Buttigieg
“A remarkable story about faith, love, and kindness.” —U.S. Senator Cory Booker
Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz is the president and dean of Valley Beit Midrash, founder and CEO of Shamayim: Jewish Animal Advocacy, and president of YATOM: The Jewish Foster and Adoption Network. Rabbi Yanklowitz’s writings have appeared in outlets as diverse as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, and The Atlantic among many other secular and religious publications. He is a sought-after educator, social justice activist, and motivational speaker as well as the author of thirty books on Jewish spirituality, social justice, and ethics.
He earned a Masters degree from Harvard University in Leadership and Psychology, another Masters from Yeshiva University in Jewish Philosophy, and a doctorate from Columbia University in Moral Development and Epistemology. He obtained rabbinical ordination from the Yeshivat Chovevei Torah Rabbinical School and two additional, private ordinations in Israel. He has twice been named one of “America’s Top Rabbis” by Newsweek.
He lives in Scottsdale, AZ.