Product Description

Recent years have seen an explosion of interest in spirituality and religious texts, as well as an exciting expansion of women's participation and leadership in Jewish life. This unique two-volume collaboration brings together women writers, rabbis, and scholars to create the first comprehensive work on Jewish lifecycle that fully includes women's perspectives.

Lifecycles, V2 explores the impact biblical texts have on our lives--and the impact our lives have on those texts. It delves into the human themes found both in the first five books of the Bible, and in women's lives today, themes of:

Genesis--Our roots and beginnings, family and home Exodus--Transformations to freedom, holiness, and Torah Leviticus--Food and sacrifice, health and the body, sexuality, the power of words Numbers--Creating community in times of transition Deuteronomy--Leadership, law, and re-visioning the future

With a rich diversity of voices, the contributors show us how to understand the power of biblical texts, and then how to use those texts to find our own connections of self, spirit and community.

Introductions by Orenstein and Litman offer a broader context for the concepts explored in each section, and an afterword provides further advice on "Engaging with Torah," including a section on how to create a midrash. In a personal, insightful, and creative style, Lifecycles, V2 opens opportunities for us to grow from the intersection of the texts of our heritage and the lessons of our lives.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #1585414 in Books
• Published on: 1998-11
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 401 pages

Review
"A marvelous anthology of essays, poetry, text interpretation, and challenging insights which provides all readers, male and female alike, with a wealth of material to fortify us on our own spiritual journeys." -- Norman J. Cohen, Provost, Hebrew Union College; author, Self Struggle & Change: Family Conflict Stories in Genesis

"An extraordinary collection...illuminates the Bible through the prism of the experience of Jewish women....A 'must' for all who cherish serious Torah scholarship as it relates to the life experience of contemporary Jewish women and men." -- Dr. Rela Mintz Geffen, Professor of Sociology, Gratz College; editor, Celebration and Renewal: Rites of Passage in Judaism

"An indispensable resource for all people for whom the Hebrew Bible remains a privileged place to meet the Living God." -- Dr. Rosemary Radford Ruether, Garrett Theological Seminary

"Both the process and content are extraordinary and transformative....I did, and I imagine most people will, emerge richer as a human being." -- Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Pathfinder of ALEPH Alliance for Jewish Renewal; author, Down-to-Earth Judaism and Godwrestling--Round 2

From the Back Cover
An extraordinary collection...illuminates the Bible through the prism of the experience of Jewish women....A must for all who cherish serious Torah scholarship as it relates to the life experience of contemporary Jewish women and men. Dr.Rela Mintz Geffen, Professor of Sociology, Gratz College; editor, Celebration and Renewal: Rites of Passage in Judaism

A marvelous anthology of essays, poetry, text interpretation, and challenging insights which provides all readers, male and female alike, with a wealth of material to fortify us on our own spiritual journeys.
Norman J. Cohen, Provost, Hebrew Union College; author, Self, Struggle & Change: Family Conflict Stories in Genesis

An indispensable resource for all people for whom the Hebrew Bible remains a privileged place to meet the Living God.
Dr. Rosemary Radford Ruether, Garrett Theological Seminary

Both the process and content are extraordinary and transformative....I did, and I imagine most people will, emerge richer as a human being. Rabbi Arthur Waskow, Pathfinder of ALEPH: Alliance for Jewish Renewal; author, Down-to-Earth Judaism and Godwrestling Round 2

About the Author
Rabbi Debra Orenstein is an author and inspirational speaker on Jewish spirituality and gender studies. She is a Senior Fellow of the Wilstein Institute of Jewish Policy Stu dies and an Instructor at the University of Judaism in Los Angeles. Rabbi Jane Rachel Litman is spiritual leader of Congregation Kol Simcha of Orange County and is on the faculty of California State University Northridge.

Customer Reviews

Treasure trove, run to buy it for all your friends!
Rabbi Orenstein has done it again. Her book of essays on the Torah through the eyes of Jewish women is a significant contribution to Biblical scholarship which has heretofore been male-centered. The essays offer provocative and interesting new perspectives which enrich our reading of the sacred text and fortify us in our sense of connection to the tradition. A wonderful book by very talented authors and editors!