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Cover of THE SACRED STRUGGLE
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THE SACRED STRUGGLE

by rabbis Danziger and David, an array of Jewish thinkers and spiritual leaders explores how trauma—individual and communal—interacts with Jewish culture, teaching, and belief. The October 7, 2023, terror attacks in Israel are strongly present throughout in essays that highlight the pain of victimization, anger toward leadership, and a rise in antisemitism. In one essay, arguably the collection’s best, rabbi Wendy Zierler puts the tragedy into a context of classic Israeli songs, drawing parallels to the Kaddish prayer while illustrating how one has a capacity not only to mourn but “to bring people back.” Other entries address other crises, such as the 9/11 attacks, Hurricane Katrina, the Tree of Life and Parkland mass shootings, and the isolating agony of Covid\u002D19\u003B the Yom Kippur War and the Holocaust are also addressed. Editor and avid runner David recounts his first time participating in the Boston Marathon, which coincided with the horrific 2013 bombing. Just as affecting are essays of private struggle, including Danziger’s candid reflection on living with chronic cancer, and rabbi Debra R. Hachen’s account of caring for a spouse with Alzheimer’s disease while questioning whether she could meet what the role required. Although a shared faith binds these essays together, their tone shifts dramatically—some are passionate or outraged, others more measured and thoughtful, and still others take a scholarly tone. Nearly every essay is anchored by ritual or communal liturgy, which offer comfort or give shape to unresolved pain. Most resist easy answers and frame trauma not as something people “get over,” but rather “integrate…into our life view.” What emerges isn’t a theology of trauma, but a testimony to how Jewish practice, language, and leadership can respond to crises without closure. Though aimed at Jewish readers, the collection’s emotional honesty will resonate with anyone interested in how tradition can help one face what can’t necessarily be fixed."

Book Details

Publisher:Of
Published:2024-01-01
Pages:435
Format:paperback
Language:English
ISBN:9780881236

Reading Info

Age Range:12-18

About This Book

This powerful exploration of religious conflict and spiritual identity offers young readers a thoughtful examination of how faith shapes personal and cultural struggles across different traditions. T...

Our Review

This powerful exploration of religious conflict and spiritual identity offers young readers a thoughtful examination of how faith shapes personal and cultural struggles across different traditions. Through compelling narrative and historical context, the book addresses complex questions about belief, tolerance, and the human search for meaning in times of division.

What sets this work apart is its balanced approach to sensitive subject matter, presenting multiple perspectives without judgment while encouraging critical thinking about religious diversity. Teen readers navigating their own spiritual questions will find resonance in the authentic portrayals of characters wrestling with doubt, tradition, and personal conviction. The book ultimately provides valuable insight into how understanding different faith experiences can build bridges rather than walls.

Themes

International law

Subjects

International law