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The Year Mom Got Religion: One Woman's Midlife Journey Into Judaism

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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.

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.

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.

This book is an intriguing glimpse into the exhilirating, yet difficult journey of the author to lead a more Jewishly-informed life. Ms. Hendler describes her journey in a beautifully written style, with a no-holds-barred view of both the joy and difficulties in such a journey. The joy and meaning derived from her newfound literacy are beautiful to read. The personal difficulties faced in her newfound commitment to following more Jewish halakah are often disturbing. An example is her description of the time her family takes her to a crab house for Mother's Day, shortly after she has announced that she will keep kosher from now on. I highly recommend this well-told personal account and look foward to where Ms. Hendler next directs her literary talents.

I've read a lot of memoirs on Jewish identity recently, and this is one of the best.

If you have woken up in the middle of your life and started reconnecting to your neshama and jewish roots, or if you are even thinking of it, this book is an absolute must. Lee writes a powerful and moving memoir that conveys the excitement, joy, and struggle of the journey. If you haven't started down the path, she might invite you to begin, and if you are in the middle of it, you will certainly feel like you have found a soulmate who understands the intensity of the experience. What I appreciated the most about Lee's book is one of her central messages: spritual growth that is authentic takes time. She will help you find the patience that you must summon to dedicate yourself to the path for a significant time, rather than looking for "microwave spirituality." If I was to counsel someone who is on a spiritual journey, I would consider this book required reading.

Despite a breezy title, this is a serious book about a young woman's search for God and the meaning of her religion. What makes this story so interesting is not just the victories and stumbling blocks along the way and the reactions of her family but the character of the author that emerges from its pages.

Lee Hendler's personal saga provides wonderful resonance to Heschel's God in Search of Man - compelling evidence of the modern treasure of the Jewish way.

The Year Mom Got Religion is a unique, entertaining and informative record of an individual life being transformed by Jewish learning. *If you are contemplating beginning a program of Jewish learning as an adult, you will enter the process with your eyes and heart open. *If you are immersed in the process, you will smile and be assured as you share Lee's challenges and triumphs. *If you are a teacher or organizer providing an educational opportunity to Jewish adults as I am through the Florence Melton Adult Mini-School, you will gain knowledge and insights that will likely change the way you teach and the way you organize and shape learning experiences. Lee Hendler's writing reminded me why I love to do what I do.

the title does not do justice to the depth and intelligence of this book. one of the best on the subject of Jewish identity in America -- and how to develop one -- that I have read.