Teshuvah: A Guide for the Newly Observant Jew

by Adin Even-Israel Steinsaltz

The concept of teshuvah (return) occupies a central place in Judaism. More than a shift to a life of greater religious observance, teshuvah is a spiritual re-awakening, a desire to strengthen the connection between oneself and God; it is a life-long process. Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz's Teshuvah is intended to guide the ba'alei teshuvah in dealing with the difficulties likely to be encountered along the difficult path of return. What is Jewish religious practice all about? How can people who embark on journeys of teshuvah embrace their new identities while accepting their former selves? How can they continue to relate to their families and communities? With characteristic wisdom, patience and sensitivity, Rabbi Steinsaltz offers a practical guide for the newly observant Jew.

Genres: Judaism

247 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 22, 2014

About the author

Rabbi Adin Steinsaltz (Hebrew: עדין שטיינזלץ) or Adin Even Yisrael (Hebrew: עדין אבן ישראל) is internationally regarded as one of the leading rabbis of this century. The author of many books, he is best known for his monumental translation of and commentary on the Talmud. Rabbi Steinsaltz founded the Israel Institute for Talmudic Publications. Under its aegis, he has published to date 58 books on the Talmud, Jewish mysticism, religious thought, sociology, historical biography, and philosophy. He teaches at Mayanot in Jerusalem. In 1988, he was awarded the Israel Prize, Israel's highest honor. He has received honorary Ph.D. degrees from Yeshiva University, Bar Ilan University, and Ben Gurion University.

Reviews

[Milly Cohen · Rating 4 out of 5]

está super padre

[John · Rating 3 out of 5]

While I don't fit the category of the title, I thought I'd dip.into this, which can be read in a sitting. As Adin Steinsaltz was one of the greatest contemporary scholars of Torah-true observance, his wise perspective on the pitfalls and difficulties facing one turning towards--the root of the Hebrew term--traditional practice of halakah, ritual, kashrut, morality, et al. show his orientation about living a more faithful Orthodox version of Jewish life. I didn't find his tone condescending, and he takes pains to warn the newly committed neophyte not to.go overboard in his or her zeal, which leads to burnout.

In fact, the rabbi is careful to chide the one caught up in a wish for repentance and return to the ways presumably of his or her ancestors not to expect too much at once, not to idealize the past, romanticize those who've grown up within an Orthodox culture, or to alienate those who may be far less than willing to indulge what they may see as just another phase in the new recruit's tour of duty.

Wisely, Steinsaltz pithily surveys first the psychological and spiritual tensions which likely impel the one resolved to change course to do so in often dramatic ways, and.sometimes self-righteous or not appropriate manner. The dangers of hypocrisy on his or her part, the difficulty of transitioning into a group whose lifelong or at least long-time practitioners may look askance at newbies with all their predictable enthusiasm and prolonged mistakes, and the necessity to ease in all bear useful reminder.