Spiritual Vagabondry: and the Making of a Rabbi

by Jeremy Gordon

For ten years, from one of the most prestigious pulpits in British Jewry, Rabbi Jeremy Gordon has been in search of the possibilities of living a religious life in an increasingly irreligious society. In this absorbing and honest book he writes on topics as varied as Israel, love & quantum physics and reflects on his own journey as a spiritual leader and father. It will challenge, move and inspire. Spiritual Vagabondry contains a selection of articles, lectures, sermons and other works drawn from ten years in the congregational rabbinate, grouped around a number of fields; Israel, Love, History, Science, Theology and Jewish Law. It also contains reflections on Rabbi Gordon’s career, being a parent and a chapter on the founding Rabbi of the Synagogue he now serves, New London Synagogue – a community created out of the greatest controversy in Anglo-Jewish history – the Jacobs Affair.

246 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2015

Reviews

[Ike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbi Gordon's work speaks as clearly and as movingly as it does when he gives dvar Torah on shabbes. Every topic he makes incredibly accessible and deeply engaging, and even on the rare occasions where our views don't quite align his commentary is provided in such a way that allows me to fully understand where he's coming from and appreciate his viewpoint nonetheless. I think I must have driven my study partner absolutely mad with all the quotes I've been sending her that resonated with me but it has encouraged her to pick up a copy herself - so must have been doing something right! A fantastic book, so glad I picked it up. Shkoyach, Rabbi Gordon! Thank you for gifting us with your work.

[Ari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every once in a while a book or a person comes along and you feel like you're suddenly heard, represented, no longer alone. This book was that for me. I found myself in places wanting to run around pointing to passages and yelling 'THIS!!' to anyone who would listen (thankfully, FB is a good forum for that in modern times and not the actual marketplace). R. Gordon touches on a number of relevant topics through this set of sermons and articles, both theologically and anecdotally, halachically and scientifically. My favorite part was, ok, all of it. But having to pick a specific part that touched me the most, heart-wise? The sermon titled 'We'll Take a Broken Leg'. The part that excited me the most intellectually? The responsa dealing with Cohanim and Converts.

Thank you, R. Gordon, in the event that you read random reviews and happen to see this. Through this work, you represent me, and likely countless others like me. Through my sharing of certain passages with friends, it is also evident that you are speaking theological truth for many, both cross denominationally and cross-religiously.