A personal guide to the life-giving
treasures of the Jewish spiritual tradition.
The classic born-again experience is a
sudden, discontinuous event. For a person growing with God in
daily practice, there is likely to be less drama. The
experience will be more gentle, natural, and easier on your
immediate family…. If you stay with this work, you have
every reason to trust the adage, “When the pupil is
ready, the teacher appears.”
—from First
Steps to a New Jewish Spirit
This extraordinary spiritual handbook is a
compassionate call to reconnect with your spiritual roots and
nourish your relationship with God. Breaking free from ways of
Jewish worship that no longer inspire, Rabbi Zalman
Schachter-Shalomi—one of the most important Jewish
spiritual teachers since Abraham Joshua Heschel—guides
you through practical exercises for enriching the most
important aspects of everyday life—physical health, work,
marriage, family, prayer—and empowers you with
contemporary ways to satisfy your modern spiritual hunger.
Whether refreshing your soul with a midday
mini-Sabbath or improving your relationships by refining your
awareness, Reb Zalman will introduce you to new models of
practicing Judaism. In doing so, he will challenge you to
embrace your faith as both spiritually and emotionally
enriching, and will awaken you to innovative, inspiring ways
for leading a meaningful Jewish life.
“This is a book of courage. Zalman
understands the heart of his reader.”
—Rabbi
Harold M. Schulweis Valley Beth
Shalom, Encino, California
“What he has to say about work,
marriage, divorce, the pace of life in our modern world, and
how to cope with a myriad of problems we human beings face
addresses all of humankind.”
—Joshu
Sasaki Roshi
“Full of wisdom and insight A
classic by a courageous, beloved rebbe who speaks to mind and
heart. Reb Zalman brings the fruits of his expansive spirit and
seeking soul to the adventure of Jewish renewal. Here is a
lovingly guided tour of Jewish life and practice that shines
with wisdom, wit, and deep relevance for all of us who yearn
for lives flowing with passion and purpose.”
—Rabbi
Marcia Prager, author, The Path of Blessing:
Experiencing the Energy and Abundance of the Divine
Experiencing the Energy and Abundance of the Divine
Rabbi Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi, the inspiration of the Jewish Renewal movement,
is widely recognized as one of the most important Jewish
spiritual teachers of our time. Professor emeritus at Temple
University, Reb Zalman is also on the faculty of religious
studies at Naropa University, and is the author of From Age-ing to Sage-ing and Wrapped in Holy
Flame.
Donald Gropman
has published several books and numerous articles and short
stories.
