REKINDLING THE FLAME
This book is for people who want more from Judaism and for those who
worry about its future. It is for the millions of assimilated,
unaffiliated, or disaffected Jews who are quietly finding their way back their religion and, in the process, creating new approaches to an ancient
tradition.
Samuel 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.
And 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.
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