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An inspiring how-to guide to help you understand and participate in a Jewish spiritual life.
Across the spectrum of Jewish observance, people are seeking ways to give higher meaning to their spiritual lives—but how do you know where to begin, and what should you do first?
This easy-to-use handbook explains the why, what and how of ten specific areas of Jewish ritual and practice. Each chapter provides you with guidance and background if you are just beginning to explore Jewish ritual and practice, and offers creative ways to deepen the meaning of Judaism in your daily life, even if you are experienced with ritual observance.
All of the chapters have personal stories of people who have taken on Jewish ritual, and will inspire you to consider how to infuse your life with the wisdom of Jewish tradition.
"Beautifully weaves together liberal Jewish perspectives on traditional practices. Jews who wish to deepen their practice will find both inspiration and instruction in this book."
—Rabbi Debra Orenstein, editor, Lifecycles, Vol. 2: Jewish Women on Biblical Themes in Contemporary Life
“A wonderful guide to beginning a personal Jewish ritual practice. It offers both the steps to do and insightful stories of those who have found meaning in them. A terrific handbook for personal observance ... highly recommended!”
—Dr. Ron Wolfson, author of The Art of Jewish Living series; cofounder, Synagogue 2/3000; vice president, University of Judaism
“Both resource and inspiration for ... daily Jewish ritual practice.... Excellent.”
—Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter
“Imbues ritual with spirit.... Weaves the personal, the spiritual, and the practical together in a lovely tapestry of meaning.”
—Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar, Great Lakes Regional Director, UAHC; author of Our Dance with God: Finding Prayer, Perspective and Meaning in the Stories of Our Lives
“The authors, the essays, and the wisdom found here are first-rate. They will help your soul to soar.”
—Rabbi Bradley Shavit Artson, dean and vice president, Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies
Foreword
Vanessa L. Ochs
Acknowledgments
Introduction
1. Tefillin
Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzsky
2. Tallit and Tallit Katan
Haviva Ner-David
3. The Broad Spectrum of Kashrut
Rabbi Mark Sameth
4. Entering Shabbat
Rabbis Daniel Judson and Kerry M. Olitzky
5. Daily Prayer
Dr. Mark Kligman
6. Torah Study
Rabbi Ruth M. Gais
7. Blessings throughout the Day
Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin
8. Covering the Head
Rabbi Daniel Judson
9. Upon Rising and Going to Bed: Traditional Morning and Evening Blessings
Rabbi Andrew Vogel
10. Mikvah
Debra Nussbaum Cohen
Notes
Glossary
Suggestions for Further Reading
About the Contributors