The Heart of Loneliness: How Jewish Wisdom Can Help You Cope and Find Comfort

by Marc Katz

Using the wisdom of the Jewish tradition to better understand and deal with the pain of loneliness in our lives and in the lives of those we love. Long description: Loneliness is pervasive in our society but is rarely addressed. It comes in many forms, from the loneliness of loss to that of sickness; from single life to marriage to divorce. In fact, even the most successful among us are not immune. Even achievement can be an avenue to loneliness. Through sensitivity, compassion and insight, this book provides the stories and tools we need to begin addressing loneliness in our lives and the lives of those we love. With masterful storytelling, Rabbi Marc Katz uses the pains of our ancestors to show us the unique ways loneliness appears in our lives. Drawing on the stories of Isaac and Rachel, King Uzziah and Tamar, Jeremiah and Honi, Hagar and Aaron, Rabbi Katz helps readers understand the nuances of loneliness in their own lives. He helps them understand that although their pain may feel like an island, others have walked there before them. Thoughtful insights on loneliness also help family and friends have a better sense of how and why their friends, children, parents and co-workers suffer. Then, using the tools of the Jewish tradition, Rabbi Katz looks at concrete ways as individuals and as community members we may help those who are lonely in our midst. This book is for anyone who is or has suffered from the pain of loneliness as well as those loved ones who stand on the sideline feeling ill equipped to address the alienation they see.

Genres: Religion

ebook

Published September 1, 2016

About the author

Rabbi Marc Katz is the Rabbi at Temple Ner Tamid in Bloomfield NJ. He is the author of The Heart of Loneliness: How Jewish Wisdom Can Help You Cope and Find Comfort (Turner), which was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. His latest book is Yochanan's Gamble: Judaism's Pragmatic Approach to Life (JPS).

Rabbi Katz was ordained at Hebrew Union College - Jewish Institute of Religion. Rabbi Katz has written for numerous publications including the New York Times, Tablet Magazine, the CCAR Journal, and is a contributing writer for The Sacred Encounter: Jewish Perspectives on Sexuality.

Reviews

[Abby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rabbi Katz's deep familiarity with biblical and other religious sources allows him to bring forth many stories or parables that guide us in our understanding of loneliness. This short book offers valuable insight into our own experiences with loneliness and wise advice for supporting others who may be going through hard times.

[alyssa]

Forgettable by which I mean I already forgot I read this sometime this year.

[Jo Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

H really used some fabulous quotes from Torah and elsewhere.