Finding a Spiritual Home: How a New Generation of Jews Can Transform the American Synagogue » (1ST JEWISH)

In this fresh look at the spiritual possibilities of American Jewish life, Rabbi Sidney Schwarz presents the framework for a new synagogue model-the synagogue-community-and ...

Library Journal

The hunger for a spiritual life has led to a boom in all kinds of trendy movements that call for little commitment, a phenomenon as evident in Judaism as it is in the general population. This study portrays the spiritual odysseys of people who are seeking something deeper. Rabbi Schwarz, a spiritual activist, has identified one synagogue within each of the main streams of American Judaism--Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist--headed by a deeply committed rabbi who is as active communally as spiritually. The people profiled responded to the spirituality and the intellectual and communal activity and in turn contribute so that their communities are greatly enriched. For instance, the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale (Orthodox) has a thriving youth program that pairs observant and nonobservant youths in prayer and study in a big brother/sister program. The observant youth mentors the novice, and both experience intellectual and spiritual growth. Many of these young people take on leadership roles in the community as they mature. Each story is interesting, well told, and meaningful and can chart a path for those seeking similar religious commitment. Recommended for larger public libraries or where there is a significant Jewish population.--Idelle Rudman, Touro Coll., New York Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information.\

Acknowledgements
[Foreword]
Preface: My Path
Part 1. Can A Spiritually Homeless Generation Revitalize the American Synagogue?
1. Debbie's Path
2. Synagogues and the New American Jew
3. The Emerging Synagogue-Community
Part 2. A Reform Congregation Wrestling with God
4. Nate's Path
5. Congregation Beth El, Sudbury, MA
6. Joan's Path
Part 3. An Orthodox Community That Welcomes a Plurality of Voices
7. Carol's Path
8. The Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, Bronx, NY
9. Phillip's Path
Part 4. Building Community Through Empowerment in a Reconstructionist Congregation
10. Elaine's Path
11. Adat Shalom Reconstructionist Congregation, Bethesda, MD
12. Nancy's Path
Part 5. Dancing in the Aisles at a Conservative Synagogue
13. Mark's Path
14. Congregation B'nai Jeshurun, New York, NY
15. Tova's Path
Part 6. The Spiritual Possibilities of the American Synagogue
16. Aviva's Path
17. Creating the Synagogue-Community
18. The Challenge of Transformation
Epilogue: If You Can't Find It, Create It: Ten Strategies to Transform Your Congregation
Discussion Guide
Notes
Glossary
Bibliography
The Author
Index