Rekindling The Flame

Rekindling the Flame

Table of Contents

Chapter 1: The Uncounted and the Discontented

Part 1: Why Jews struggle With Judaism

Chapter 2: Who's a Good Enough Jew?
Chapter 3: The Psychological Resistance to Being Jewish
Chapter 4: L'Chayim to Life: Overcoming the Resistance

Part 2: Solutions for Living in an Assimilated World

Chapter 5: Composing and Recomposing Judaism in Our Lives
Chapter 6: Can You Be A Good Jew and Love Handel's Messiah?
Chapter 7: Intermarried-and Jewish

Part 3: Finding The Joy in Judaism

Chapter 8: The Psychology of a Vibrant Judaism
Chapter 9: Creative Solutions to Careers: The Real Tikkun Olam
Chapter 10: Making Judaism Your Own At Home and On The Holidays
Chapter 11: Fresh Air in the Synagogue

Conclusion: The Jew In The Mist

Appendix: Starting and Enjoying Your Own Jewish Discussion Group

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What does it mean to have a faith? What is the difference between religion and spirituality? Can we vitalize the deeply personal experience of a religious tradition in our lives? These are questions that many people struggle with, as they try to make their traditions match who they are as spiritual adults. In this book, I examine these questions from the perspective of growing up Jewish. There are millions of assimilated, unaffiliated, or disaffected Jews who are quietly finding their way back to their religion and in the process creating new approaches to an ancient tradition. They offer perspective and lessons for people from all traditions who want to bring their childhood experience more in line with who they are now as adults. Here is the copy from the book jacket:

"Sam Osherson has found many men and women who are Jewish under the radar: families observing the holidays at home; intermarried couples raising their children Jewish; study groups working with and without the benefit of rabbis; and people being inspired to creative work and charitable action by Judaism. These people are widening the doors of Judaism, creating new holiday rituals, increasing the openness to other religions, and moving this patriarchal religion toward one without authoritarian figures.

"Osherson has identified sources of the ambivalence that afflicts so many Jews-ranging from unfinished childhood struggles with parents to the impact of the Holocaust on Judaism itself-as well as the surprisingly strong, resilient nature of Jewish identification. Ambivalence and commitment co-exist for many Jews, and Judaism can thrive by honoring both. Many Jewish men and women who have questioned their tradition are now creating a vibrant, enriched Judaism for our contemporary world. The excitement and joy that comes from rekindling the flame is the powerful message of this book. Samuel Osherson has begun a new chapter in the long story of the survival of the Jewish people."

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