Sometimes, when I look at the pile of books I plan to review for the paper, I sigh and think, "Not more books about spirituality and Jewish practice. What could these authors possibly have to say that all of the other books I've reviewed haven't said before?" Especially annoying are those that suggest I leave my rational mind behind, as if thinking makes it impossible to appreciate their spiritual approach. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find much of interest in "Jewish with Feeling: A Guide to Meaningful Jewish Practice" by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi with Joel Segel (Riverhead Books) and "Reclaiming Judaism as a Spiritual Practice: Holy Days and Shabbat" by Rabbi Goldie Milgram (Jewish Lights). Milgram's work, in particular, left me feeling open to new spiritual possibilities.

Milgram almost gave up on Judaism. Looking at all the horrible things done in the name of religion, she found herself tempted "to declare [myself] a secular humanist and be done with religion. Religion was clearly a dangerous entity." After a long search, though, she found what was missing from the "desiccated, depressing, and, quite frankly, boring" Judaism of her childhood: "applied spirituality." Her work offers a way to infuse your Judaism "with meaning, integrity, and joy." Instead of providing a list of what-to-do-and-how-to-do-it, Milgram offers a "series of 'recipes,' that support, expand, and provide a meaningful context for the experience of being alive." She suggests that readers "'taste' [the recipes] as a way of enriching your religious experience."

Milgram urges the reader to take the time to appreciate all aspects of holidays; we are encouraged to "slow down and savor the meaning of life. Each holiday is rich in culture and character with its own unique symbols, settings, musical themes, prayer, rituals, stories, and food. These themes and prayers are intended to evoke discussion about the great questions of life both around your table and in your congregation so that all those present can learn from the past and, in turn, mentor one another." Not everyone will feel comfortable with her ideas since she practices "a Judaism that is designed to be inclusive, egalitarian, nonhierarchical, non-triumphalist, proactive for peace and justice, joy and healing." However, those seeking to increase the spiritual content of their religious practice will find her suggestions helpful. While I didn't always agree with Milgram's interpretations of the reasons and meaning behind individual holidays, I found many of her recipes an excellent way to enter into the spirit of the holy day. For example, it can be very difficult to leave the work week behind when Shabbat comes. She suggests not only using a physical "Shabbos box," where you leave your pagers, cell phones and PalmPilots, but a mental version where you place all your weekday cares and worries. Her recipe calls for you to acknowledge all "the images, sounds, concepts, feelings" that keep you from being at peace. Then you "tuck" them into the Shabbos box and "promise to return to them after Shabbat," when you are rested and better able to deal with them. Finally, whenever a work-related idea occurs to you during the day, you release it instead of trying to pin it down. In the process you'll be "re-souling" yourself. Milgram promises that "this gift of time away from work will allow you to be far more present to significant others, to connect through community, cease laboring and heal through celebration."

"Reclaiming Judaism as a Spiritual Practice" is the first in a series that will include works on prayer, Torah, mitzvot and halachah (Jewish law). I look forward to future volumes. In her introduction, Milgram mentions that she not only graduated from the Reconstructionist Rabbinical College, but was also privately ordained by Schachter-Shalomi, who is best known as one of the founders of the Jewish Renewal movement. His new work is for spiritual seekers, those whose "soul is not content to stay on the level of mere observance, ritual, and dogmatic belief that it encounters in most Jewish settings. [This soul] needs a more personal, mystical approach. It wants an open-sky Judaism: a Judaism that invites the infinite and operates at a higher level of spiritual consciousness." He invites the reader "to dig, to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty," by actively applying yourself toward your spiritual practice. Schachter-Shalomi recognizes that Judaism does not own the only path to spirituality, but feels that the Jewish path offers unique possibilities for spiritual gain. However, his Judaism is less concerned with the "Judaism of shalts and shalt nots, belief or theology, or even the Judaism of ethics, but about the Judaism of spiritual experience." For him, "creative involvement with God... is more important than following rituals to the letter." To helps readers move beyond their preconceived notions about religion, he discusses the nature of God, the meaning of mitzvot and the use of prayer as a means of speaking to God. He also addresses a new way of looking at kashrut and reasons to remain Jewish. In addition, he tells interesting tales of his own spiritual search, including his travels for the Lubavitch movement.

"Jewish with Feeling" is an excellent place for those who feel turned off by Jewish practice, but who still hunger for spirituality, to begin their search for religious meaning. While more traditional Jews, especially rationalists, may be disturbed by some of Schachter-Shalomi's thoughts and practices, others may find themselves embracing his ideas. While there were several times I found myself thinking, "This is not for me," I could still appreciate what he is trying to accomplish.

While both books make for interesting and worthwhile reading, I felt uplifted and excited after reading Milgram's work. Since the two are very similar, it was difficult to determine why "Reclaiming Judaism" appealed to me more than "Jewish with Feeling." What I realized is that while many books leave us wanting to become more spiritual, most people lack the practical skills to go about accomplishing that. Schachter-Shalomi may leave you ready to take the next step, but you still might be unsure of how to go about it. Milgram's practical approach helps remedy this difficulty. Her recipes, which are really exercises in spirituality, give concrete advice on how to take that step, much like the recipes in a cookbook can help you prepare a meal. What both authors emphasize, though, is that it takes practice and dedication to accomplish this. However, almost anything worthwhile demands your time and energy. Those willing to devote themselves to their spiritual practice will be rewarded. Buy Now