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Summary: The Learner is Our Teacher
Review: As an educator and researcher about Jewish adult development and learning, I come to Lee Meyerhoff Hendler's The Year Mom Got Religion with a particular interest in what this story can teach Jewish learners and their teachers about adult Jewish growth. Several things stand out. First, as Hendler notes, every Jew has a Jewish story to tell, and reading her story surely will impel others to craft and gain insight from their own autobiographies. The more we engage our own narratives, the more connected we become to our Jewish identities. In this sense, the storytelling here is engaging and inspiring; this book is definitely a "good read." Second, the path of each Jewish learner is unique, but every journey involves the kinds of challenges Hendler illustrates: overcoming the embarrassments of being a newcomer, finding compatible study partners, searching for quality teachers, acquiring new vocabularies, confronting and reframing old assumptions, feeling alienated from loved ones who are not on the journey too. By articulating these challenges, Hendler helps us to see that one doesn't "get" religion overnight; the process is gradual and mastery takes time and commitment. Nonetheless, the excitement and passion of the learner are infectious, and Hendler's account helps us to share her joy and to begin to imagine what fun we too could have on the road to Jewish literacy. Finally, adult Jewish growth does not occur in isolation; when we develop, the people around us cannot help but be affected. Although Hendler's descriptions of her family's mixed responses make for important "drama" in this book, what is more compelling are the examples of the many ways the "learner" becomes the "teacher" who helps others to learn. As a teacher, Lee Hendler invites us to think about our own interpretations of Bible stories, our understanding of the Holocaust, our personal relationship with God, our definition of spirituality, our Jewish baggage and prejudices, and our commitments to the strengthening of Jewish community. Whether you are on a Jewish learning journey or want to understand what is involved in contemporary Jewish development, you will find this a highly informative and thought-provoking book.
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Summary: intelligent and honest. silly title belies depth
Review: I came to this book eagerly as an on-again-off-again "baalas teshuvah" myself. There are many books on the market about Jews becoming more religious, and many of these offer fascinating new insights. I was really hoping Hendler would have something to say that would resonate for me... but just a short way into the book, I realized I was going to be disappointed. I'm sure Hendler is a lovely person, but on paper, I found her rather self-absorbed. She seems obsessed with her family's wealth, status and influence in the Jewish community, and while I'm heartened to see the "elite" showing an interest in genuine Jewish life, I couldn't help resenting the touch of sanctimoniousness I detected here. I am also leery of anyone who claims to have "gotten religion" within the Conservative movement. My own past experience with Conservative Judaism has biased me here, but I think returning to your religious roots demands that you surround yourself with like-minded individuals. Frankly, I doubt there's any Conservative congregation on the continent where Shabbat, Kashrut and Taharat Hamishpacha are practiced in anything like a majority of homes. I remember all too well walking home from a Conservative shul and having other congregants beep at me from their cars as they drove past. That was just one more symptom of the underlying disdain within the laypeople of that movement for accepting halachic responsibility in their lives. I'm pleased that Hendler has taken on some of that responsibility, and that she's found joy and fulfillment in the process. However, I doubt that her message will resonate with most Conservative Jews, who are probably quite comfortable with their current lack of observance. What Hendler seems to have discovered is that while philanthropy alone isn't enough to elevate herself above the masses, halachic life might be. In "getting religion", Hendler has joined a different type of elite, one that exists only within the Conservative movement. In Reform and Reconstructionist Judaism, laypeople are often well-educated, services include more English, and there is a greater focus on making religion accessible. In Orthodoxy, the majority of participants are observant, and can lead traditional services and Torah readings in Hebrew. Only in Conservative Judaism is there a rift between the layperson and the "priesthood", the rabbis and chazzanim who drape themselves in robes and silly hats so they can stand above their congregants at the front of the synagogue. Hendler's "odyssey" (as another reviewer here called it) is really the tale of how she bought her way into that priesthood, acquiring everything but the long black robes through a pampered suburban journey into spiritual life. Though she contends that anyone can incorporate Judaism into his/her life, I doubt that's really what she's after, because then she wouldn't be (as the same reviewer commented), such a "sought-after lay speaker." She is sought-after because her thesis is that Torah-inspired Judaism isn't such a "dirty" concept after all... even the rich can do it! But I for one resent that kind of help, with its insinuation that there is something improper about religious life, that it needs the "hechsher" (imprimatur) of wealth and a good upbringing to make it palatable. In true Conservative fashion, Hendler's book ultimately touts Jewish life only as a means to personal fulfillment, rather than as a system of ancient responsibilities which are often as difficult and confounding as they are uplifting. Though she describes the difficulties of observance, her descriptions are often superficial and breezy, much like the title of this book. To me, both epitomize the Conservative obsession with being religious, but not TOO religious, that eventually drove me away from that movement altogether. Another reviewer commends Hendler for her patience, but at many points in this book, that could be interpreted as restraint and a less-than-wholehearted desire to make the major life changes Judaism demands. Read this book for its anecdotes and reminiscences, but don't expect any kind of epiphany. There isn't a lot of "take away" wisdom in this self-obsessed work. Hendler does provide a reading list, and the story of her journey might make a good starting point for Conservative Jews who want to stay that way. But there are better autobiographies to read for inspiration if you're interested in embarking on a full, open-minded Jewish journey.
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Summary: intelligent and honest. silly title belies depth
Review: I've read a lot of memoirs on Jewish identity recently, and this is one of the best.
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Summary: An outstanding memoir about a mid-life spiritual journey
Review: 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.
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Summary: The Year Mom Got Religion
Review: 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.
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Summary: The Year Mom Got Religion
Review: 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.
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Summary: How religion strengthened a person and a family.
Review: Some people preach religon, some avow it-very few ever live it. Lee Meyerhoff Hendler is one such person, and her story of being transformed from a twice a year Jew, with no knowledge of Hebrew, nor of the Bible, to a fully conversant, observant Jew is an inspiration to people of all religions. More importantly, as Lee Hendler acquired the insight into the meaning of the Torah,(the first five books of the Bible), the various nuances of interpretation, and the sense of justice and charity that comes from this understanding, her behavior towards her family became increasingly tolerant, and supportive, far less judgemental, and far more compassionate. The religous transformation produced a personality shift, that, as a psychiatrist, we would hope to achieve with all our patients but rarely do. Religon gave Lee the insight and strength to grow, and she did. The book deals with the author's realization that charity, i.e. the act of giving money, was not "tzadukah," which literaly, and appropriately translated from Hebrew, means "justice." Since she was born into a very charitable family, that had given major gifts to Johns Hopkins Hospital, the Meyerhoff Symphony Hall in Baltimore, and the Holocaust Memorial Museum, in Washington, D.C., she was imbued with the sense of giving. However, she realized that she did not have the full understanding of the component of justice that was part of the charitable behavior. Why was it important to contribute to a community? What is the religious basis for these acts? These questions triggered her ever active mind to find solutions. How could she really give to religious organizations without fully understanding the need for them. Armed with this insight, she began a journey-often alone, and unsupported by her family, and certainly not by me, her husband. She first began to attend services on Saturday morning, alone, and with no knowledge of Hebrew, or even the ritual of the service. Slowly, painfully, she learned the service, then the meaning of the service, and then Hebrew. To teach one's self a new alphabet, and then learn a new language using this new alphabet is a daunting task. To understand it, as she does, is impressive. To apply the understanding, not only in religion, but in everyday life, is what this book describes. For people and families lost in the world of divorce, limited communication, T.V. instead of conversation, materialism instead of values, and self indulgent behavior, instead of sharing, this book will serve as a beacon. When Lee Hendler speaks in various communities around the country, people hear her message, and months or years later, they tell her that her talk has changed their life-improved their marriage, and themselves, their relationship with their children, and with the community. If there are people out there who still cherish family and community, and country, but have loss their moral compass, this is a book to help you find the way, regardless of what religion you follow.
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Summary: An intimate personal search for Jewish meaning
Review: 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.
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Summary: The path to spiritual growth is rocky, but very rewarding
Review: 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.
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