Taking Judaism Personally : Creating a Meaningful Spiritual Life

by Judy Petsonk

Taking Judaism Personally is an intimate look not only at the inner meaning of being Jewish, but also at the way Americans construct a faith out of the spiritual chaos of contemporary society. Judy Petsonk, a writer and teacher in the vanguard of the Jewish renewal movement, shows how she and many others have rediscovered comfort, joy, and wonder in Judaism. They are the creators of the Havurah circles of close friends who study, pray, and celebrate important events together. They are Jewish feminists struggling to redefine their role within traditional Judaism. They are young families looking for new approaches to religious education and childrearing. Searching their souls and the traditional sources, they have achieved a meaningful and satisfying form of spirituality.
Rich with stories (including the author's) of twenty years of Jewish renewal, Taking Judaism Personally provides examples and inspiration for Jews seeking to create their own connection to Jewish tradition and community.

Genres: Judaism, Judaica, Jewish

338 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1996

About the author

The hardest job I ever had (other than raising my own children) was teaching (junior high, high school, junior college -- and preschool!) My own children have grown into admirable adults, and I like to imagine that the same is true of the children I taught.
I spent untold late nights as a newspaper reporter: Dayton, OH; Cherry Hill, NJ; Vancouver, WA.
I have traveled in South America, Israel,Scandinavia, Japan, Spain, Croatia, and various obscure towns in the USA.
I grew up in Altoona, PA.
I have seen the top of Alaska's Mount Denali just as the clouds lifted, and kayaked past a calving glacier.

Reviews

[Katie M. · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eh. A few interesting kernels, but too much feelgood new-agery for my sensibilities.