The Year Mom Got Religion: One Woman's Midlife Journey into Judaism [Hardcover]

Lee Meyerhoff Hendler (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1998

Light-hearted, humorous, and poignant, this spiritual autobiography tells the tale of one woman's awakening to religious understanding during middle age, and how her wish to make her faith an essential part of her life affected her, her family, and her lifestyle.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The title of this spiritual autobiography belies the seriousness and courage with which Hendler approaches her topic. Here we have an intelligent, open, and thoughtful narrative, describing a very personal topic: as a leader of the Jewish philanthropic community in Baltimore, Hendler found herself drawn in mid-life to the ethics and values offered by formal Jewish religious knowledge and understanding. She was raised in a liberal Jewish family that never denied that they were Jews but did not concern themselves with formal religious practice. Hendler slowly began to study the Hebrew language, the Talmud and Torah, and formal religious services, working to establish her own personal relationship with God. We follow her development over a four-year period, from timid beginner to confident participant in Jewish religious practice, making inroads toward establishing a Jewish home with her family, who have come to appreciate and participate in her quest. Recommended for public libraries.?Olga B. Wise, Tandem Computers Inc., Austin
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review

"A 'must read' for Baby Boomers, volunteers and professionals-or any person, looking for practical ways to become more spiritually grounded." -- Jewish News

"A 'page-turner' written with joy and humor, passion and honesty... must-reading for anyone exploring Judaism as an adult." -- Dr. Ron Wolfson, author of The Art of Jewish Living series; Vice President of the University of Judaism

"Intelligent, open, and thoughtful narrative....Recommended for public libraries." -- Library Journal

"Read this book! If you've been on a Jewish path of learning and living, you'll find a thoughtful companion. . . . If you're wondering how to find your Jewish path, you'll find a wonderfully honest guide to its heights, its depths, and the treasures you'll discover en route." -- Rabbi Rachel B. Cowan, Director, Jewish Life Program, Nathan Cummings Foundation

Product Details

• Hardcover: 208 pages
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing; 1st Qualit edition (October 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1580230008
• ISBN-13: 978-1580230001
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,837,487 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars How religion strengthened a person and a family., October 12, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Owings Mills, Maryland, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Year Mom Got Religion: One Woman's Midlife Journey into Judaism (Hardcover)

Some people preach religon, some avow it-very few ever live it. Lee Meyerhoff Hendler is one such person, and her story of being transformed from a twice a year Jew, with no knowledge of Hebrew, nor of the Bible, to a fully conversant, observant Jew is an inspiration to people of all religions. More importantly, as Lee Hendler acquired the insight into the meaning of the Torah,(the first five books of the Bible), the various nuances of interpretation, and the sense of justice and charity that comes from this understanding, her behavior towards her family became increasingly tolerant, and supportive, far less judgemental, and far more compassionate. The religous transformation produced a personality shift, that, as a psychiatrist, we would hope to achieve with all our patients but rarely do. Religon gave Lee the insight and strength to grow, and she did.

The book deals with the author's realization that charity, i.e. the act of giving money, was not "tzadukah," which literaly, and appropriately translated from Hebrew, means "justice." Since she was born into a very charitable family, that had given major gifts to Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum, in Washington, D.C., she was imbued with the sense of giving. However, she realized that she did not have the full understanding of the component of justice that was part of the charitable behavior. Why was it important to contribute to a community? What is the religious basis for these acts? These questions triggered her ever active mind to find solutions. How could she really give to religious organizations without fully understanding the need for them. Armed with this insight, she began a journey-often alone, and unsupported by her family, and certainly not by me, her husband. She first began to attend services on Saturday morning, alone, and with no knowledge of Hebrew, or even the ritual of the service. Slowly, painfully, she learned the service, then the meaning of the service, and then Hebrew. To teach one's self a new alphabet, and then learn a new language using this new alphabet is a daunting task. To understand it, as she does, is impressive. To apply the understanding, not only in religion, but in everyday life, is what this book describes.

For people and families lost in the world of divorce, limited communication, T.V. instead of conversation, materialism instead of values, and self indulgent behavior, instead of sharing, this book will serve as a beacon. When Lee Hendler speaks in various communities around the country, people hear her message, and months or years later, they tell her that her talk has changed their life-improved their marriage, and themselves, their relationship with their children, and with the community. If there are people out there who still cherish family and community, and country, but have loss their moral compass, this is a book to help you find the way, regardless of what religion you follow.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The path to spiritual growth is rocky, but very rewarding, December 27, 1999

By 

Victory Gold Levi (new york, ny USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Year Mom Got Religion: One Woman's Midlife Journey Into Judaism (Paperback)

This book is poignant, funny, and passionate. It is a must read, whether you are eager to reclaim your religious life, or just curious about those who choose this path. It is written with intelligence, insight and humor and will help you to understand that this personal journey, while richly rewarding, is not without some stumbling rocks on the path to spiritual growth. The author deeply feels her subject, and takes you along on her private pilgrimage as if you were a fly on the wall.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Year Mom Got Religion, December 7, 1999

By 

William S. Bernstein, Associate Executive Vic... (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Year Mom Got Religion: One Woman's Midlife Journey into Judaism (Hardcover)

Lee Hendler's book details a creative and challenging exploration of seeking spirituality and meaning in Jewish life. Lee provides you with the challenges, the set backs, and the rewards that come with her remarkable journey. Her book should serve as a guide for all of us in finding our own special place within Jewish life. This is a book that can and should be shared with teenagers as well as adults. It was truly wonderful reading.