Jewish With Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice

by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi, Joel Segel

The founder and leader of the Jewish Renewal movement offers teachings and stories from many traditions to enrich one's spiritual experience in everyday practices. Reprint.

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Religion, Judaica, Nonfiction, Spirituality, Theology

288 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Skylar · Rating 2 out of 5]

My biggest "beef" with the book is that it's not what I thought it was. It describes itself as "a guide to meaningful Jewish practice," but it's really an Introduction to Judaism book. It's not a tool for people already Jewishly-committed to deepen their practice. I was let down, but the first couple of chapters were somewhat helpful. The later chapters...not so much.

My primary annoyance with the book is that there is never a current description of the author and his perspective on Judaism. There is no "about the author," nor does he ever come out and say he's part of the renewal movement. He goes into great depth about his history in the orthodox movement, but totally leaves out when or why he left orthodoxy to start/create/lead the renewal movement. (I never got around to Googling his role in the movement.) His biography just seems to end when he's sent out by the Lubavitch rebbe to do kiruv work.

I don't care which movement he's in or where he works, I just want to know this information in order to more fully understand the likely "context" of the book. For instance, when he began making suggestions for the reader to do prohibited activities on Shabbat if those activities were "Shabbat-like" for them, I wasn't sure whether it was...
A) An "ease into Shabbat observance" kiruv technique or
B) Saying that you can fully observe Shabbat without following the laws of Shabbat.

I went through the book thinking it was A, but at the end of the book, when he finally spoke about the renewal movement (still in a roundabout way), I realized he meant B. That's a big difference to a reader who finds that distinction important. If he doesn't think that distinction is important, then he should make himself clear.

His failure to address his background more thoroughly seems deliberate to me, and I don't like what that suggests. It seems like a purposeful manipulation of the readers' respect for his interpretation of Judaism. He should believe that his interpretation of Judaism is correct, whether or not he affiliates orthodox, and he shouldn't take advantage of the neophyte's stereotypical awe of orthodoxy as the end-all-be-all of Jewish knowledge. That smacks of either an inferiority complex vis a vis orthodoxy or a purposeful misleading of the reader. I don't like either scenario.

[Ayo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great reading. Dynamic information. Author very comfortable and of heritage as displayed in the format.

[KimBoo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Disclaimer: I am not Jewish. I respect and admire Judaism, though, and if I could just bring myself not to be such an atheist, I would certainly convert to Judaism. This book will obviously speak mostly to Jews, but even a goyim can get something out it. Rebbe Schachter has a bright and enlightened view of worship that some have written off as "new-agey", but that is a mistake on their part. This is a solid Talmudic scholar trained in the Old World ways of yeshiva and hasidim and his background is unimpeachable. He brings his knowledge and experiences to a new way of viewing liturgy, ritual, and laws that is refreshing. I came away from the book with a profound new respect for such things as the Sabbath -- his teachings are so universal, even an atheist like me can learn something new. The joy he finds in his love and worship of the Divine is inspiring. The book is written in a simple style that is enjoyable and plesant -- it covers some heavy topics, but is an easy read.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful, peaceful book! I relished this reflection on what it means for Rab Zalman to be Jewish, how he thinks of Judaism's place in the world - the challenges and gifts of his tradition - and his encompassing affection for everyone who is searching for a life of the spirit. While some of the book is directed toward those who are Jewish and looking for a rejuvenated understanding / expression of their faith and tradition, the book is also a doorway to communication between different faith groups. I found much here to strengthen my own spiritual life, and gained a greater understanding of how Jewish Renewal functions / expresses ideas about life, love, spirit, community, and environment. Definitely a book I need to buy for myself so that I can return to it at other times. Marvelous!

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing. I loved how accessible it was to everyone. As someone with a minimal Jewish upbringing, I didn't feel excluded from its message or wisdom. It is practical, honest, and inspiring.

I was first introduced to this author as one of the members of a group that travels to Dharamsala, India to talk to the Dalai Lama about Judaism in The Jew In the Lotus, which I recommend for those interested in the crossover between Judaism and Buddhism.

[Sherry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting book. I read through it, skipping over chunks. I started reading this looking for a way to connect with hashem. The first part of the book, that focused on that aspect kind of eluded me. However, the second part of the book was amazing. I loved reading about how he prayed with people of different religions. I love the environmentalist aspects as well. Glad I read it.

[DW Rowlands · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is hard to know what to say about this book. Maybe, as a gentile, I shouldn't be reviewing it at all. But I thought that a lot of the author's approach to spirituality was interesting, and certainly not what I'd expect from someone who started out as a Hasidic Rabbi. Some of it even struck me as useful for my own idolatrous practices. That said, I found it painful and difficult to deal with the fact that, even as he was willing to modify many other traditions and commandments, the author repeatedly emphasized the essential value of infant genital mutilation. As someone who is still severely mentally broken by having had their genitals mutilated as a baby, this isn't something I can really deal with that well.

[Reb · Rating 3 out of 5]

very energizing and exciting stuff. more of an apologia than i need at this point--seems pitched to a less-engaged audience. but ZSS has amazing insights and metaphors for what spiritual practice is/can be, and really charming suggestions for meaningful practice. he embodies this beautiful marriage of old-world Yiddish culture and ultra-progressive philosophy. this is sort of "intro to Reb Zalman" so it's probably better to read more advanced stuff, but truly this is a sweet and insightful argument for Jewish--not just 'modern'--spirituality.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is, hands down, the most inspiring book I have ever read about Jewish practice. The author's enthusiasm and acceptance of all levels of Jewish practice is infectious, and he very gently lays out ideas and opinions without pressure or "shoulds". Rabbi Zalman is so positive about other faiths as well, and I love how he stresses that all humans should learn from each other. Definitely my kind of Judaism!

[Matt West · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite books on spirituality. Written by a Reconstructionist rabbi, this book shows how people of all faiths can come together in worship without sacrificing their individual beliefs. A terrific read for anyone who is looking for a "how to" on spirituality.

[Sarah V · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not Jewish but I've studied the religion extensively. Perhaps it's because I'm a liberal outsider, but I loved this book. Its insight into spiritual practice was easy to understand and even implement in my own life.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Expected a little more new material and fire from Reb Zalman, though of course plenty of pearls in here. Ok, but don't run out and grab it if you already are familiar with his work. Start with something else by him.

[mel · Rating 4 out of 5]

very powerful book and has guided me back to the practice of my faith in my everyday life.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this updating of Judaism. I know that I will come back to it again and again, to bring new spirit to my observance. And that I will share insights with friends, both Jewish and not Jewish.

[Melanie Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love Zalman. Thanks, bro, for getting this for me...for x-mas.

[Susannah Skyer Gupta · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am finding this at once so accessible and so feeply meaningful. Reb Zalman -- wow.

[Ellyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

So glad to have been in a Jewish Journey group to discuss this book with others.

[Jan]

need to put on hold

[alyssa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this and the environmentalism component was something that really grabbed me.

[Julia Shumway · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really beautiful book of modern applications for Jewish ideals.

[Ezri K · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good book that I would recommend for any who are looking to to find or reconnect with their belief/faith. Not just those of Jewish practice. Though it is clear that it is written with a Jewish audience in mind there is a lot of information and guidance that a non-Jew can get from it and understand. The book is also written with the perspective that the reader may not understand/know all that is talked about in the practices. Making a great book for even newly converts or those who are interested in Judaism.

[Chava · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was interested in this book, but I didn't know if I would like it. I met the author many years ago, and his ideas were even more radical at the time. He founded the Jewish Renewal Movement, which sounds like something that's pretty good, but veers far from traditional Judaism.

For the most part, I really liked the ideas and the way they were presented. I like the respect the author showed for other religions and traditions, and he explained things with examples and stories that really resonated about making Jewish practice meaningful and embracing Judaism.

[Josh Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! The best book on Judaism I've ever read. This book is helping me revitalize my Jewish practice.

I saw Reb Zalman in a youtube recording lament that the name of the book was chosen by the publishers and in retrospect it's a bad name. He should have called it, "Why be Jewish?" or something to that affect. I agree with him. I held off on reading the book for a while cause the name was so uninspiring, but the content was amazing.

[Molly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended reading for every Jew, especially if you grew up with the “israel and the holocaust” model of jewish education that is wildly spiritually unsatisfying and does such a disservice to our people’s spiritual selves! Rav Zalman z”l provides the torah we really need.

[Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much wisdom. Drawing from his deep Hasidic roots while embracing pluralism, Reb Zalman offers a wonderfully non-judgmental and accessible guide to Jewish spirituality. I felt sparks surging through me at many points. This book is alive with spiritual possibility and welcoming encouragement.

[Elizabeth Zima · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific book of renewal from a sage

I am a chaplain from a Buddhist tradition. I found this book enlightening and it brought me closer to my Jewish patients.

[Melissa Yael Winston · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unique perspectives on a number of topics. I especially liked the chapter on turning Shabbat into a celebration of all the senses, even if the celebratory methods may violate the letter of the law.

[Jo Carol · Rating 2 out of 5]

I didn't think the book lived up to it's title. Although there were certainly parts that were very heartfelt. Overall I expected much more, especially because this was recommended to me by a rabbi.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading a page or two at a time, and read it leisurely over the course of a year. Very inspiring and affirming, and a reminder of how I want to strive to express my Judaism.

[Ben Ringel · Rating 4 out of 5]

A teeny bit preachy and covered stuff I wasn’t all the way into but it was nice and interesting