In Speech and in Silence: The Jewish Quest for God [Paperback]

David J. Wolpe (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: November 1993

In a series of moving meditations, the author of The Jewish Spectator probes the spiritual uses of prayer and looks at a subject as ancient as the tradition that embraces it and as modern as the universal need to connect. "Eloquent and impassioned."--Harold S. Kushner.

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Jewish tradition, God created the world with words. In this luminous, often lyrical meditation, of value to Jews and Christians alike, Wolpe ( The Healer of Shattered Hearts ), a rabbi in Los Angeles, explores language as a double-edged sword. Words, he reminds us, have the power to mislead or conceal but also to unlock the spirit, to bring us closer to other humans and to God. With examples ranging from the Tower of Babel to Edvard Munch's famous painting The Scream , Wolpe seeks to redirect the often aimless monologues inside our heads toward more authentic speech. In one chapter he explains how his mother's stroke, which left her barely able to speak or write at age 53, launched his personal inquiry; in others he explores prayer, song and tears as valid forms of communication. Words, he contends, ultimately lead to silence--a stillness by which we let God in, and our ultimate destination.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

Propelled by family tragedy to confront the meaning of the loss of the ability to speak, Wolpe became acutely aware of the intensity of the human need to communicate. Speech is the primary means of communication, and in this passionate, eloquent exposition, Wolpe explores the power of language in terms of self-identity, human relationships, and relationships with God. In Judaism, words, per se, have a significant role. Wolpe masterfully explains this concept. Gracefully interweaving quotations from the Bible, Talmud, Midrah, and other traditional sources, he demonstrates how the spoken word (or its absence) affects the course of human conduct and emotions and serves as a link between humans and God. He also brings poignant sources that illustrate that when speech is lacking, tears or even silence can sometimes serve as a vehicle for communication. Highly recommended for religion and psychology collections.
- Carol R. Glatt, VA Medical Ctr. Lib., Philadelphia
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 223 pages
• Publisher: Owlet (November 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0805028161
• ISBN-13: 978-0805028164
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,063,481 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Can You Hear Me Now?, August 23, 2009

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Nancy C. Stone "Gracie's Ghost" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: In Speech and in Silence: The Jewish Quest for God (Paperback)

IN SPEECH AND IN SILENCE, THE JEWISH QUEST FOR GOD is a gift to spiritual seekers of any faith with an inquiring mind and open heart. This work is best read as a meditation, a little bit at a time with room in between for its lessons to germinate. Employing legend, biography, tragedy and his own sometimes heart wrenching experiences, Rabbi Wolpe informs his writing with Biblical stories, most often colorfully amplified with additions from the Midrash. These teachings are not only thought provoking but touch the heart in a way that keeps the reader invested, anxious and eager to learn more. The purpose of this book is to bring to the reader and awareness of the types of prayer and their purposes and effects. There could be no better instructor in matters relating to prayer than Rabbi Wolpe. His own words best describe this book: "wisdom is the ability to frame understanding in words." I might add that all of Rabbi Wolpe's other writings are presented in such a way as to make the lessons originating thousands of years ago accessible and applicable to the individuals life today. An eminently readable book to be kept close at hand. It will call to you!