The Year Mom Got Religion: One Woman's Midlife Journey Into Judaism

By Lee Meyerhoff Hendler

Book Overview

Offers sensitive and intelligent wisdom from a woman who learned how awakening to religion can transform-and disrupt-a life. A poignant personal testimony of the discoveries, achievements, and disappointments of a woman's renewed commitment to her faith.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580230709
• ISBN13: 9781580230704
• Release Date: July 1999
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
• Length: 194 Pages
• Weight: 0.65 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 6.0" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

intelligent and honest. silly title belies depth

I've read a lot of memoirs on Jewish identity recently, and this is one of the best.

An intimate personal search for Jewish meaning

This book is an intriguing glimpse into the exhilirating, yet difficult journey of the author to lead a more Jewishly-informed life. Ms. Hendler describes her journey in a beautifully written style, with a no-holds-barred view of both the joy and difficulties in such a journey. The joy and meaning derived from her newfound literacy are beautiful to read. The personal difficulties faced in her newfound commitment to following more Jewish halakah are often disturbing. An example is her description of the time her family takes her to a crab house for Mother's Day, shortly after she has announced that she will keep kosher from now on. I highly recommend this well-told personal account and look foward to where Ms. Hendler next directs her literary talents.

The path to spiritual growth is rocky, but very rewarding

This book is poignant, funny, and passionate. It is a must read, whether you are eager to reclaim your religious life, or just curious about those who choose this path. It is written with intelligence, insight and humor and will help you to understand that this personal journey, while richly rewarding, is not without some stumbling rocks on the path to spiritual growth. The author deeply feels her subject, and takes you along on her private pilgrimage as if you were a fly on the wall.

The Year Mom Got Religion

Lee Hendler's book details a creative and challenging exploration of seeking spirituality and meaning in Jewish life. Lee provides you with the challenges, the set backs, and the rewards that come with her remarkable journey. Her book should serve as a guide for all of us in finding our own special place within Jewish life. This is a book that can and should be shared with teenagers as well as adults. It was truly wonderful reading.

An outstanding memoir about a mid-life spiritual journey

If you have woken up in the middle of your life and started reconnecting to your neshama and jewish roots, or if you are even thinking of it, this book is an absolute must. Lee writes a powerful and moving memoir that conveys the excitement, joy, and struggle of the journey. If you haven't started down the path, she might invite you to begin, and if you are in the middle of it, you will certainly feel like you have found a soulmate who understands the intensity of the experience. What I appreciated the most about Lee's book is one of her central messages: spritual growth that is authentic takes time. She will help you find the patience that you must summon to dedicate yourself to the path for a significant time, rather than looking for "microwave spirituality." If I was to counsel someone who is on a spiritual journey, I would consider this book required reading.