Eyes Remade for Wonder: A Lawrence Kushner Reader

by Lawrence Kushner

A treasury of insight from one of the most creative spiritual thinkers in America.
Whether you are new to Kushner or a devoted fan, this is the place to begin. At once deeply human and profoundly spiritual, Lawrence Kushner's books are a treat for the soul. For nourishment and inspiration― Eyes Remade for Wonder opens wide the gates of Jewish mysticism and spirituality, helping us peel back the layers of meaning that animate our lives. Few writers are more closely identified with the boom of spirituality in America in the past twenty-five years than Lawrence Kushner. With his first book―the now-classic introduction to Jewish mysticism, The Book of Letters ―Kushner established himself as one of the most creative religious thinkers in America. He is now read worldwide by people searching to understand the connection between the sacred and the ordinary. With an inspiring Introduction by Thomas Moore, author of the best-selling books Care of the Soul and The Soul of Sex, Eyes Remade for Wonder offers something unique to both the spiritual seeker and the committed person of faith, and is a collection to be treasured and shared.

Genres: Jewish, Judaism, Religion, Judaica, Spirituality, Nonfiction, Philosophy

240 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 1998

Reviews

[Aeromama · Rating 2 out of 5]

Entertaining: 5/10
Transformational: 4/10

There were a few wonderful gems of storytelling and analogies and fun thoughts on the Hebrew alphabet hidden in this book. But Kushner gets way too New-Agey for me. Beyond "Mystic," in my estimation. Maybe I should have picked a different work, as I've been enjoying more works by Rabbis. But in this book, Kushner openly denies the Messiah. Boo. As a resultz I skimmed the last chapter because I struggled to even enjoy the writing, which got a little old by the end. It made me sad! There were some very rich half truths there. 😥

[Shiloh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very insightful and definitely gave me ideas for how to think about my relationship with G-d, as well as how we all connect to each other and something much bigger. This book speaks a lot about the idea of “Oneness” and kabbalist interpretations of the Torah that are both humbling and inspiring. The only things I didn’t agree with were in the last third of the book, when the author talked about the messiah in a way that seemed very Christian and counterintuitive to the previous chapters.

[Caitlin McGrory · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love many of his books, but this is especially sweet.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love his books.
He reuses stories from other books but that helps reinforce them

[Michael Johnston · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find all of Kushner's work to be beautiful and eloquent. This collection of previous writings highlights many themes, but underlying all is the author's belief in the beauty and wonder of life and the potential for humanity (both individually and collectively) to find meaning and purpose through religion.

Kushner's worldview comes through a Jewish lens, but his eloquent explanation (for example) of why religion and science do not need to be contradictory is a powerful motif for any religious tradition.

As always with Kushner, you complete the book feeling more optimistic about both yourself and about society as a whole. In a world where the news seems only to be bad, we need more thoughtful writers like this.

[John Hawkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Makes me want to be Jewish in my next life. I first checked this book out of the library. On the steps I began to read and then I felt Presence. Not A presence. but Presence. Lawrence Kushner brings insights to the stories in the Jewish Bible. The idea that Moses had to look at the burning bush for a long time to realize it was not being consumed. It was at that time God spoke to Moses. This reminded me of Dharana (concentration) in Yoga a focus that has to be accomplished before one falls into meditation. Great, easy to read stories.

[Cole McGee · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kushner's book really did exactly what the title says. It helped me pay closer attention to smaller things. I am of the Christian faith, and it is so refreshing to hear the Jewish roots of that faith.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a HUGE fan of Rabbi Lawrence Kushner. His approach to humanity's search for encounter with the Divine reaches across faiths, transcends any creed, to be a truth for anyone.

[Steve Gambino]

A beautiful read.

[Victoria Weinstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a gem. I've given it to many people with a Theistic spirituality who don't know where to start reading outside of Christian material.

[HobbesR]

This book is actually a compilation of his other books so it doesn't have the same flow and it is missing a lot of context.
I don't recommend reading this, unless you want something standalone that is a little disheveled.