Six Jewish Spiritual Paths: A Rationalist Looks at Spirituality
The quest for spirituality is universal, but with so many paths of spiritual nourishment to explore, how do we begin to find the one that is right for us?
“Our tradition provides us with appropriate vehicles to express our spirituality within the framework of Judaism. Jewish sages, taking into account the need and makeup of the individual Jew, have been very generous in outlining for us various alternatives…. As you become aware of your emotional and intellectual needs, and search for an appropriate path to meet them with integrity, you will soon realize that you have a preference for certain paths among the many.”
—from Chapter 9
Rabbi Rifat Sonsino—a self-proclaimed rationalist—offers a candid, comprehensive discussion of the major paths to spirituality within the framework of Judaism, and the differing way each path can help us on our quest to nourish the soul and enlighten the mind.
Acts of transcendence, prayer, meditation, study, ritual, relationship and good deeds…which is the best path for you? How can you follow it?
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Book details
- Author
- Rifat Sonsino
- Imprint
- Jewish Lights, an imprint of Turner Publishing Company
- Published
- Pages
- 206
- Formats
- Hardcover, Paperback
- Subjects
- Religion › Judaism
- Topics
- Jewish spirituality · rationalism · prayer and meditation · Jewish ritual · religious study · acts of kindness · Judaism
- ISBN-13
- 9781580230957 (Hardcover)9781580231671 (Paperback)
About the author
RIFAT SONSINO is a rabbi and scholar serving as spiritual leader of Temple Beth Shalom in Needham, Massachusetts. His books include What Happens after I Die? Jewish Views of Life after Death and Finding God—Ten Jewish Responses.
Sonsino was ordained at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion and holds a degree in law and a Ph.D. in Bible and ancient Near Eastern studies. He has served as editor of the Central Conference of American Rabbis Journal.
Rifat lives in Needham, Massachusetts, with his wife, Ines; they have two children, Daniel and Deborah, and are the grandparents of Ariella.