Six Jewish Spiritual Paths
A Rationalist Looks at Spirituality
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- $16.99
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- $16.99
Publisher Description
The quest for spirituality is universal, but with so many paths of spiritual nourishment to explore, how do we begin to find the one that is right for us?
“Our tradition provides us with appropriate vehicles to express our spirituality within the framework of Judaism. Jewish sages, taking into account the need and makeup of the individual Jew, have been very generous in outlining for us various alternatives…. As you become aware of your emotional and intellectual needs, and search for an appropriate path to meet them with integrity, you will soon realize that you have a preference for certain paths among the many.”
—from Chapter 9
Rabbi Rifat Sonsino—a self-proclaimed rationalist—offers a candid, comprehensive discussion of the major paths to spirituality within the framework of Judaism, and the differing way each path can help us on our quest to nourish the soul and enlighten the mind.
Acts of transcendence, prayer, meditation, study, ritual, relationship and good deeds…which is the best path for you? How can you follow it?
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Rabbi Sonsino takes on the contention that religion can sometimes be an impediment to spirituality, arguing instead that spirituality is a powerful way of expressing religious yearnings. He defines spirituality as "the awareness of standing before God," no matter how God is defined. Though many Jews seeking spirituality turn to Eastern religions, he says that Judaism has a rich spiritual tradition of its own, including six distinct paths: acts of transcendence (single events that have long-lasting effects), study, prayer, meditation, ritual and good deeds. These paths don't have to be mutually exclusive, Sonsino maintains, nor can spirituality be imposed. It is a "personal and... private matter" that requires constant attention and energy. Lucidly and clearly written, this book brings in many voices and poignant anecdotes from historical and contemporary Judaism to personalize the paths Sonsino suggests. The only voice missing from the conversation is his own. The reader learns intriguing bits about Sonsino's background at the very beginning and end of the book: He grew up in Istanbul, attended an Orthodox religious school there, studied law, served in the Turkish army, received his ordination as a Reform rabbi in the United States, served congregations from Buenos Aires to Massachusetts, and calls himself a "rationalist" who examines issues from a historical and critical perspective. But a deeper integration of Sonsino's own experiences with the spiritual quest he describes would have enriched this thoughtful book.
