If your marriage must come to an end, do it
the right way—
with wisdom, practicality, and
understanding.
What does Judaism tell you about divorce?
What guidance, strength, and insight can Judaism provide?
In this first-of-its-kind handbook, Perry
Netter—divorcé, father, congregational rabbi, and
pastoral counselor—shows how wholeness can be found in
the midst of separation and divorce. With a title drawn from
the words of the eleventh-century biblical commentator known as
Rashi, Divorce Is a Mitzvah provides practical wisdom, information,
and strength from a Jewish perspective for those experiencing
the challenging life-transition of divorce.
Drawing on wisdom from centuries of
biblical and rabbinic teachings, as well as modern
psychological research, Netter offers suggestions for
transitioning through the stages of separation and building a
new life.
This indispensable guide for people in
crisis—and the family members, friends, and counselors
who interact with them—shows us how to transform a
traumatic time of life into one of growth, right behavior, and
greater spiritual understanding.
“A rich resource for Jews seeking
wisdom as they face divorce. Skillfully draws upon Jewish
tradition to point the way to a path of holiness and hope
amidst divorce’s painful terrain of sadness, anger, and
confusion.”
—Rabbi
Dayle A. Friedman, editor, Jewish Pastoral Care:
A Practical Handbook
from Traditional and Contemporary Sources;
director, Geriatric Chaplaincy Program,
Reconstructionist Rabbinical College
“A highly readable explanation
of the cycle of love, marriage, and divorce, drawing on Judaic
sources, psychology, true stories, and personal experience.
Reveals great truths and can enhance a stable marriage, help a
marriage in crisis, and facilitate divorce if
needed.”
—Rabbi
Levi Meier, PhD, chaplain,
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center; clinical psychologist; author, Ancient Secrets: Using the Stories of the Bible
to Improve Our Everyday Lives
“A unique, perceptive, and
constructive book about divorce. Any Jewish divorcing couple
will find the wisdom and guidance in this book a great
help.”
—E. M.
Hetherington, PhD, Professor
Emeritus, Department of Psychology, University of Virginia;
author, For Better or for Worse:
Divorce Reconsidered
Rabbi Laura Geller, the third woman to be ordained in the Reform movement,
is the first woman to become senior rabbi of a major
metropolitan congregation, Temple Emanuel of Beverly Hills. She
is an authority on women’s spirituality and the Jewish
tradition.
