Customer Reviews

From Central Park to Sinai: How I Found My Jewish Soul

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A Jewish friend of mine recommended this book to me. Although not Jewish myself, I had long wondered about the "hidden" (at least to me) lifestyle of observant Jews. I started out reading the book out of sheer curiosity, but soon I discovered that the writer had a very personal and uplifting story to tell. Anyone of any religion (or none at all) who is interested in modern spirituality and ways to attain it ought to enjoy and be inspired by this book.

Roy Neuberger takes us on a fantastic spiritual voyage. From the asssimilated and financially upperclass of the social elite of New York to his final destination of serene tranquility in the Jewish religion of his heritage. The heartwarming story makes us realize that with enough honest introspection, we can all make our lives more fulfilling and meaningful. The tale reaffirms the belief that no matter how estranged from Judaism one has strayed the path of return is always available and fulfilling.

The book is a must read for those of the Jewish faith as well as to those of any other faith.

To say that Roy Neuberger's book entitled "From Central Park to Sinai" was a real page turner, is a definite understatement. This most engrossing and captivating book details the story of a personal transformation of a man searching for spiritual meaning and purpose in his life. The grandson of a great rabbi and founder of the "Mussar" movement in Judaism, Rabbi Yisroel Salanter, Roy Neuberger's life couldn't be further apart from that of his grandfather. Educated in the traditions of ethical culturalism, Mr. Neuberger felt an ever present spiritual vacuum in his life and as such he embarked on a personal quest for truth, via the study of Catholicism, Protestantism and a whole host of other religions and value systems. He even wrote a book detailing why these other religions and their credos were superior to that of Judaism and why Judaism held no meaning.

Accompanying Mr. Neuberger on his trajectory towards spiritual fulfillment was that of his beloved wife, Linda, also a student of ethical culturalism. The fear and uncertainty that plagued Mr. Neuberger throughout his life could be simply termed as a man living through a perpetual anxiety attack with no relief in sight.

It would seem that G-d heard the inner cry and pain of Mr. Neuberger, and as destiny would have it, he was guided in the direction of Rebbetzen Esther Jungreis. That night in Neuburgh, NY changed the course of an entire generation of Neubergers. Mr. Neuberger was deeply impressed with Rebbetzen Jungreis' Torah message and he began to attend her classes on a weekly basis, despite the hardship of traveling such a long distance during a fuel crisis. Rebbetzen Jungreis served as a conduit to bring the message of G-d's love and compassion to a man who hungered and thirsted for spiritual guidance and meaning. In essence, Mr. Neuberger began to fall in love with G-d, embracing His Torah and commandments.

Since that time, Mr. Neuberger and his wife have raised a beautiful family steeped in Torah values and has spread his joy and understanding of spiritual truth with hundreds of people who he has invited to his home to enjoy the uplifting experience of Shabbos.

Mr. Neuberger's story will not only inspire, but will captivate the heart and soul of the reader. It is a must read for anyone searching for guidance and truth and even for those who are not searching for anything in particular. It is a welcome addition to any library and will remain within the recesses of the soul for posterity.

Roy Neuberger's journey to find himself is extremely inspiring. It goes to show you that a man can have all the money in the world,but without a some spiritual guidance, what is he really living for? In some ways his wealthy background was a great hinderance to him. His parents did not give Roy all the proper attention and guidance as the Ethical Cultural Schools merely confused his thinking.

Finally after 31 years, a colleague woke him up to the fact that he is a Jew whether he realizes it or not. Mr. Neuberger finally realized that he was not giving his own heritage a chance. Finally he asked to visit a synagogue with a friend and it so happened the Rebbetzin Jungeris was speaking there that night. At that point a chain reaction fo events triggered in Mr. Neuberger's brain that this was answer he was looking for.

The rest of the book consists of many powerful miracles based on prayer and faith in G_d. Although many of the stories are repeated from Esther Jungeris' The Committed Life, it is still a pleasure read about people turning their lives around by believing the Power of the Jewish Religion. Judaism encourages its followers to be strong and persist towards acheiving happiness and overcoming obstacles.

This book will make you believe in miracles even if you are not Jewish. An inspiration to us all.

A warm personal account of the author's search for answers to the most basic questions. Born into a convention and comfortable life, Roy Neuberger discovered that everything was not enough. His strong academic background and inquisitive mind led him through a series of "-ism"s until he returned to that of his forefathers. The reader is drawn into his search. The open, direct, and almost intimate style of the book makes the reader feel more like a participant than an observer. A reader will recognize his own frustrations, and finally share in the author's satisfaction and joy. From Central Park to Sinai is informative, educational and enriching. A great deal of wisdom is included in this small volume. The brief interval required of the reader is richly rewarded.

In very warm and personal terms, the author explores the most basic of issues. Born into an extremely convential and sheltered exisitance, he found that everyting was not enough. The reader is inextricably drawn into his quest for direction, meaning and truth. His education and curiosity led him through a series of "-ism"s until he returned the that of his forefathers. The breadth of search and the sincerity of his effort make the book as informative and enlightening as it is touching and involving. Reading it was both delightful and rewarding.

Roy Neuberger tells a great story about his search for meaning in his life. It is very inspiring to those still searching as well as to those who've been there their whole lives. It makes you appreciate the little signs G-d sends us that we are sometimes too busy to notice. Roy's personality comes through and makes this a very enjoyable read.

Mr. Neuberger is a very enthusiastic and sincere man of faith, and these qualities shine through in his book.

This book has the power of spiritual elevation reinforced by a sense of personal discovery.

I would highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in religion, who can appreciate religion as an experience where personal growth and community involvement are not contradictory; but, parallel and mutually reinforcing.

Roy Neuberger's personal story has a strong message even for non-Jews and for people who are not religious. His personal search for God is very moving and is written in a charming, conversational style. I was especially taken with his numerous stories about he and his wife, Leah, helping so many people from various walks of life. There are important messages in this book that will help all of us to live better and more enriching lives.

Wow! This book is a literary piece of art, once started it could not be put down. I could never finish books but I read this one from beginning to end and intend to read it again. And again... Page after page the author touches you as you sail into his deepest emotions and thoughts while he and his family seek a better life. Well educated, and the son of a successful wall street entrepreneur the author could easily have lived a life of what would be called a tremendous success, by western values. After soul searching everywhere else the author and his family finally find what they were always looking for, in their own backyard. The author and his family go on to build an amazing life full of happiness, joy and meaning. If Amazon would let you put more then five stars for books like this, this book would get ten. Truly the best book that I have ever read. After reading this book I came out invigorated and with renewed energy to accept life's many challenges.