Customer Reviews

A Book of Life: Embracing Judaism as a Spiritual Practice

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(3)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is, quite simply, a wonderful, wonderful book. You might think that a book subtitled "Judaism as a Spiritual Practice" might focus dogmatically on the narrow realm of "how can everything be relevant for me", but the author--steeped in knowledge of traditional sources and practices AND himself a spiritual seeker and teacher--has produced a book which is eminently readable, is full of both information and inspiration, and successfully weaves together ancient and contemporary insights. His gentle teaching approach is very accessible and "real".

Whether you are long-time committed Jew who is looking for "something more"--a way of finding more meaning in the Jewish life you are living--or someone who is looking for a way into a deeper Jewish life that is both authentic and personal, this book is for you. (It is also a great book for people simply looking to learn about the wide range of Jewish practice--throughout the day, the year, and the lifetime--including both traditional and contemporary perspectives.) I know of no other book quite like it. I am so glad I bought it!

I am awed by the depth of this book.This is a book for the serious seeker.It presents the traditional thinking from the Torah, Midrashim and Talmud,but it has the added spiritual dimension which has become so important in our contemporary Jewish life.
The author takes us through the day from dawn to dusk,through the three paths of Judaism,Torah study,prayer and the path of loving kindness.giving us the traditional laws and customs for each of these and also the method by which to enhance these practices.He does the same for the holidays and also the Jewish life cycle.
Just as Strassfeld's editorship of the Jewish Catalogues,met the needs of the Jewish people of the seventiles."A Book of Life

Though "A Book of Life" promises a new approach to invest the spiritual into routine Judaism, it ends up being just another "Intro to Judaism" book. The opening chapters on daily prayer routines are good, but later chapters on life cycles and holidays have been done better by others (including Strassfeld himself in an earlier book on the holidays).

Rabbi Michael Strassfeld, of the Jewish catalog fame, provides an encyclopedic look at Jewish practice and thought from nearly every angle in this work. Perhaps the best feature of this book is Strassfeld's look at the human life cycle through the lens of the books of the Torah. Judaism is supposed to be all-embracing for those who take her on, and Strassfeld provides a humble and practical way to do that, all within the tradition of Jewish renewal and liberal thought.

This is the best book I have read on basis of Judaism without negativity or judgment. It is very easy to ready and a great intro book for people who wish to learn about basics or as a refresher. Pair it with the Telushkin "Jewish Literacy" to get more details.

This book was very helpful in preparing me for the life cycle events in the jewish faith. I am a conversion student and needed a book that could assist me in the overview and depth of understanding of the high holy days, etc.

This shipment came in on time and in good condition. But it wasn't the extended illustrated edition with the extra pages as described on the Amazon website. One would think that since the link is made directly from the description, that the supplier would be issuing it exactly as described. However, I am happy to have any copy of this title that I could get. It isn't readily available.

I have to admit I haven't read the book yet. I know it got a RAVE starred review in Publisher's Weekly, so I ordered it right away as I am interested in this topic.
I just got it, turned to the index to look up something and
AUGH!!! there is NO INDEX.
What is wrong with the editors at Schocken that they wouldn't put an index in this book? It's crazy.
I still look forward to reading the book, but it would be so much more useful with an index.
I don't blame the author, but the editor really should know better.