The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things [Paperback]

Steven Z. Leder (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

It is through the unremarkable events of daily life that we discover universal and wondrous spiritual truths. Finding meaning in the mundane is just a matter of knowing where to look, says Leder, a rabbi at Wilshire Boulevard Temple. The author notes that it's hard to find the sacred in the everyday when every day is a blur. Through vignettes both poignant and funny, Leder points out connections between our everyday experiences and the teachings of Judaism. Leder uses stories about an accident-prone pet frog, handing over pocket change to a homeless person, a weekend fishing trip and a roller-coaster ride to show how God can be found in the nooks and crannies of our familiar routines. Leder incorporates thousands of years of Jewish wisdom in his stories by weaving into them passages from the Torah, the Talmud and Midrash. His stories are an engaging way to explore Judaism's relevance to our lives, and his anecdotes show us that true holiness can be found in the humble corners of daily life.

Copyright 1999 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From the Back Cover

"Rabbi Leder is everything we search for in a modern wise man; learned, kind, funny, and non-judgmental. For those of us whose daily issues are those of family, love, and loss, he offers remarkably healing guidance. In this book, he finds the true fabric of our spiritual lives." -- Wendy Wasserstein, playwright.

"Steven Leder's polished gems of insight confirm the teaching that words issued from the heart have the power to enter our hearts." -- Harold Kushner, author, When Ban Things Happen to Good People

"Many Jews relate to God only on holidays and only in synagogue. Rabbi Leder makes us aware that true religiosity means finding God everywhere, everyday. An inspiring, profoundly religious book." -- Joseph Telushkin, author, Jewish Literacy

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Behrman House Publishing; 1st edition (January 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0874416477
• ISBN-13: 978-0874416473
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.3 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #421,098 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thought provoking, often funny look at life for all ages, November 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things (Paperback)

My 9 year old grandson raised with little Judaism, and 70 year old Orthodox brother enjoyed these stories, which they read together, in equal measure. It provided thought provoking insights into the extraordinary nature of everyday life in stories short enough for children raised on TV segments, and seniors with little time and patience for labored phliosophy.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Uplifting book for a Sunday afternoon, October 11, 1999

By 

Andrew Perry (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things (Paperback)

Rabbi Leder has written a wonderful book that reminds us all that there is beauty and greatness in the everydayness of life. It is an uplifting and insightfull read. This book shows the reader that there is more to life and it is right in front of you. I can't recommend this book highly enough.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Provocative and Nourishing, September 21, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things (Paperback)

This book is deceptively easy to consume. The chapters are relatively short, and dosed with just enough humor, perfect for reading in bed, no matter how tired you are -- or for reading aloud at the dinner table. However, there is more depth and complexity to Leder's writing than it may at first appear; I found myself thinking about and then re-reading many of the pieces. Among my favorites: his "Eleven Suggestions for Becoming A Mensch", and the calculations of how many diapers his mother changed and how many plates of food she served while raising him and his siblings (27,375 and 183,960). Rabbi Leder does not merely show us how extraordinary ordinary life is; he draws us a practical and inspiring map for our own journey.