This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared
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3.8 • 6 Ratings
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- $19.99
Publisher Description
In this “journey of spiritual transformation” (Publishers Weekly) award winning author Rabbi Alan Lew follows the practices and rituals of the Jewish High Holy Days and guides readers through heartbreak, contemplation, and re-birth.
There are times in life when we are caught utterly unprepared: a death in the family, the end of a relationship, a health crisis. These are the times when the solid ground we thought we stood on disappears beneath our feet, leaving us reeling and heartbroken, as we stumble back to our faith.
The Days of Awe encompass the weeks preceding Rosh Hashanah up to Yom Kippur, a period in which Jews take part in a series of rituals and prayers that reenact the journey of the soul through the world from birth to death. This is a period of contemplation and repentance, comparable to Lent and Ramadan. Yet, for Rabbi Alan Lew, the real purpose of this annual passage is for us to experience brokenheartedness and open our heart to God.
In This is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared, Lew has marked out a journey of seven distinct stages, one that draws on these rituals to awaken our soul and wholly transform us. Weaving together Torah readings, Buddhist parables, Jewish fables and stories from his own life, Lew lays bare the meanings of this ancient Jewish passage. He reveals the path from terror to acceptance, confusion to clarity, doubt to belief, and from complacency to awe.
In the tradition of When Bad Things Happen to Good People, This Is Real And You Are Completely Unprepared enables believers of all faiths to reconnect to their faith with a passion and intimacy that will resonate throughout the year.
Customer Reviews
Perfect To Read Every Year Before High Holy Days
This is the second time I’ve read this book. First time was last year and second time was just now. Last year, I read the physical copy and this time, I listened to the audiobook. I absolutely love this book and it’s a mind blowing experience every time. It’s a fantastic prep-book to read right before heading into High Holy days for me. I love reading this during the time right before Rosh Hashanah, personally. I recommend this to literally anyone and everyone regardless as to if you’re new to Judaism or experienced with it. It’s a wonderful glorious book. Absolutely a must read and should be a fixture in everyone’s bookshelf at home.