Reconnect with the ancient soul of Jewish spiritual life and practice.
“Jewish spirituality is organically linked to the natural rhythms of the universe. To a great extent, Jewish religious traditions serve to bring Jews into a sensitive relationship with the natural world. Many commandments and customs lead in this direction, drawing out the love and reverence that emerge from the contemplation of God’s creations.”
—from Chapter 1, “The Rhythms of Nature”
Judaism has provided the spiritual framework for millions of people for thousands of years. Yet its basic beliefs and observances often are disconnected from their original intent in our modern day.
With his engaging overview of the sacred times, places and ideas of Judaism, Rabbi Marc D. Angel gently reclaims the natural, balanced and insightful teachings of Sephardic Judaism that can and should imbue modern Jewish spirituality. He draws on many classic sources, illuminating the influence of the Golden Age of Spanish Jewry and the great mystics of sixteenth-century Safed on the Sephardic tradition. The result is an approach to Judaism that is deep, rich and diverse.
“Holds a wide-angle lens on Judaism, revealing a natural balance and integration of religion with the whole of life.”
—Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz, author, Increasing Wholeness: Jewish Wisdom & Guided Meditations to Strengthen & Calm Body, Heart, Mind & Spirit
“Immensely engaging.... Will deepen your understanding and appreciation for the Jewish religion in its most authentic form as a lifestyle in tune with the forces of nature and holiness.... Should be on the bedside table of every person curious about the meaning and practice of the Jewish religion.”
—Naomi Ragen, author, The Sisters Weiss, The Tenth Song and other best-selling novels
“A powerful and important read for all Jews: Sephardi and Ashkenazi, no matter how religious or observant you are.... A beautiful tapestry to guide you to be a better Jew and a better human being.”
—Rabbi Asher Lopatin, president, Yeshivat Chovevei Torah
“A noteworthy contribution to the contemporary popular exposition of Judaism.... Chock-full of new insights which make it worthwhile reading for initiates as well as newcomers to Judaism.”
—Dr. Norman Lamm, chancellor, Yeshiva University
“Rabbi Angel boldly introduces the non-Western worldview of Sephardic Jews.... His sense of place and time is restorative and calming. His clarity is a great pleasure; his writing about Judaism quietly surprises the reader with gems—insights on how Judaism gives life meaning and joy.”
—Jane Mushabac, professor, City University of New York; author, Mazal Bueno: A Portrait in Song of the Spanish Jews; coauthor, A Short and Remarkable History of New York City
“Profound and meaningful.... Spicing his volume with the wisdom and decisions of the great Sephardic sages, Rabbi Angel manages to bring them alive, effectively showing us that there is an altogether different type of traditional Judaism, which we know so little about but which we so desperately need. A must-read!”
—Rabbi Dr. Nathan Lopes Cardozo, dean, David Cardozo Academy, Jerusalem
