The Healer of Shattered Hearts: A Jewish View of God

by David J. Wolpe

Looks at the ancient traditions of the Bible, the Talmud, and the Midrash, showing how God can still speak to modern life

Genres: Judaism, Jewish, Religion

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 1990

Reviews

[Glenn Harden · Rating 5 out of 5]

A beautiful, moving, and profound book. I am a Christian but found this meditation to be immensely valuable for my own faith, and an important reminder of how indebted Christianity is to Rabbinic Judaism.

[Suzyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't happen to be either Jewish or looking for a more personal God, so I'm right there a long way from this book's audience, but I still found a lot I agreed with and a lot to think about here. In a sense what he's going for: pulling the idea of a personal God back into Judaism, is pretty huge and I can't say that I'm 100 percent convinced personally, but Wolpe covers an admirable amount of ground for such a short book.

There were lots of things I value, and I can't say that I 100 percent understood everything, so probably there's more here for the reader more educated than I am about Judaism. Chapter 5, "Normal Mysticism", was particularly valuable in reconciling the theoretical faith that dominates much of the book with the fact that the reader presumably must be in the world. Admittedly, Tillich, Spinoza and countless others have taken up this topic, but Wolpe brings a refreshing clarity to his discussion.

A reader who has been to divinity school won't find much here that's new, but this is great for the layperson.

[Amelia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a person who is uncomfortable with the idea of God, I was unsure what to expect here or how much it would offer me. However, I really liked this exploration of Jewish theism, much more than I thought I would. I'm not sure it convinced me of anything- nor do I think it tried to- but it did offer a lot that helped me understand and clarify why I return to Jewish rituals centered around "God" and what that difficult concept provides (however we think or feel about it) even in a modern era. I feel much more grounded in my personal use of God as a metaphor after reading this book, and while I don't think that's the ultimate point of the book, I don't think it goes against the book either. My thinking was definitely enriched. I'd recommend this to those who are curious about God in Judaism.

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

The title alone is worth the book--a marvellous corrective for people who mistakenly believe that the God of the Jews is abstract, theoretical, cold. Here is the steadfast lover of our souls made accessible to all who read this book. I heartily heartily recommend this book!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with solid insight that leaves you with much to ponder. Regardless of your faith this book will help give you an understanding of G-d. One take away that stood out is that love does not die with hate, love dies with indifference. Hate does disfigure love, but indifference obliterates it. A definite book worth reading.

[(Lau)(ren) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars

[Albie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Healer of Shattered Hearts: A Jewish View of God by David J. Wolpe (1991)