Includes a Reader's Guide with discussion questions (pages 217-219).
Contents:
Foreword / by Michael Medved -- Introduction -- Wedding day -- The grandparents I have to thank -- Seven circles -- "Every family in the world ..." -- Journeys near and far -- Back in the USSR -- The gallery of regrettable dates -- Growing conflict -- Meeting Rabbi Lapin -- Friendships lost and found -- Decision time -- The plunge -- The talking donkey -- Dinner with Charlie -- The ritual bath -- Can I still say that? -- Hi, my name is Judy and I'm a religious fanatic -- Hair today, hidden tomorrow -- Through a child's eyes -- Out in the world -- Grandpa's little girl -- Seven circles.
Summary:
"As Judy Gruen walked down the aisle and into her Orthodox Jewish future, her bouquet quivered in her shaky hand. Having grown up in the zeitgeist that proclaimed, "If it feels good, do it," was she really ready to live the life of "rituals, rules, and restraints" that the Torah prescribed? Skeptic and the Rabbi is a rare memoir with historical depth, spirituality, and intelligent humor. Gruen speaks with refreshing honesty about what it means to remain authentic to yourself while charting a new yet ancient spiritual path at odds with the surrounding culture, and writes touchingly about her family, including her two sets of grandparents, who influenced her in wildly opposite ways. As she navigates her new life with the man she loves and the faith she also loves--surviving several awkward moments, including when the rabbi calls to tell her that she accidentally served unkosher food to her Shabbat guests--Gruen brings the reader right along for the ride. Reading this wry, bold and compelling memoir, you'll laugh, you'll cry, and when you're finished, you may also have a sudden craving for chicken matzo ball soup--kosher, of course."--Amazon.com.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.