Abigail Pogrebin

It took me many years to read this book I disliked it so much. It was both poorly written and poorly edited. Abigail Pogrebin presents a variety of prominent Jews who disliked Hebrew School, but easily bragged about the wealth and intelligence of the Jewsih people. Most attributed their fortune to the suffering of the Jews and the experience of the HJolocaust. Very few continued their Judaism except to attend a Passover seder and possible attend synagogue at Yom Kippur. Many raised their children with either no religion or Judaism and at least one other relgion and then let their children choose their own faith. Many of those interviewed have since been discredited for a variety of reasons, but my favorite quote is from Al Franken who says he's an American first, and then a Jew, but he's also a Minnesotan first, and then a Jew.… (more)

Renowned author, Abigail Pogrebin, a reform Jew whose annual childhood observance covered the High Holidays, Hanukkah, and a couple of Passover Seders – decided to embark upon a yearlong journey into understanding Judaism through 18 holidays. Her book chronicles her adventures in Judaism from Elul, the period of reflection that precedes Rosh Hashanah, to the final Shabbat of the year. Her thoughts, experiences, and feelings derive from interviewing dozens of rabbis and Jewish academics on the Torah and observing the holidays at synagogues of all dominations across New York and Los Angeles. Although Judaism’s Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform branches seem to deepen the divide within the religion, Pogrebin also learned that Judaism has the power to unite. While dancing with the Torah during a Simchat Torah celebration, she wonders with awe “Where in the world is there a people that loves a book so much that they dance around with it?” Throughout this engaging read are funny anecdotes intertwined with deep spiritual reflection.
Pogrebin credits the year of study with making her more mindful, compelling her to “look harder at every priority, every relationship, every choice,” and quelling her concern that it’s too late to start living a Jewish life.
Abigail is the daughter of Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author and well-known activist who started Ms. Magazine with Gloria Steinem.… (more)