The twenty-two contributing authors and artists identify themselves along the spectrum from "just Jewish" to "Hasidic" and represent a wide range of professions and ethnic backgrounds. In these accounts we meet, for example, Elizabeth, who overcame a disabling fear of people brought on by years of sexual abuse; Hadass G., who found drawing to be part of her healing process; Hillary, who, as a result of chronic stress-related illnesses, was forced to face her history of abuse; and Jerome, a survivor of maternal sexual abuse who struggles with issues of trust.
Certainly sexual abuse occurs within all religious and cultural groups, but Lev explains the particular difficulties for the Jewish community to acknowledge the problem, given its long history of victimization and its need for positive self-images. The author, however, reveals Judaism to be rich in resources for healing as she explores Jewish law, tradition, and rituals that include the thoughts of rabbis, lay leaders, and survivors. The book concludes with appendices of information for survivors seeking help and for family, friends, professionals, and religious communities who wish to reach out to them.
Taking an innovative and sensitive approach to what has long been an unspeakable ordeal to so many, Shine the Light builds a sense of community. It tells survivors that they are not alone and helps everyone from family to therapists to religious leaders in understanding their role in the healing process.
