Recommended Books

Sharing Books

Reading has always been one of the ways I stay connected: to tradition, to new ideas, and to other people’s lived experience - it is the conversation about the world.

Books have shaped how I think, how I learn and teach, which is just learning together, and how I show up for others.

Some I return to again and again; others arrived at just the right moment. I share them here not as endorsements of every word, but as invitations to deeper reflection.

What I’m currently reading

Another amazing deep dive into American History, who we are and aren’t, and how we got here. Dismantling the mythos around the US Constitution may be one path to saving our democracy.

After rereading Huck Finn and James, Professor Fishkin delves deep into historical and contemporary issues around Jim - so worthwhile!

An excellent eulogy for a term that has clearly outlived its usefulness to those who want to make a positive difference even as it continues to be useful for everyone engaged in adversarial opposition politics.

These are three books that I am currently reading - connect with me on Goodreads here and see the rest.

I write very quick reviews of pretty much anything I’ve read in the last few years.

Spirituality & Philosophy

A great delving into the practical philosophy of Maimonides that shows the pragmatisms of Jewish thinking and doing.

Here are videos of discussions about the book.

One of the easiest ways to begin exploring Jewish Mysticism.

Here are videos of discussions about Jewish Mysticism and I am happy to enter into conversations that use these teachings as a helpful guide.

An excellent exploration of Jewish sources on the process of repentance applied to contemporary issues - brava.

Check out this great curriculum for the Season of Repentance based on Rabbi Ruttenberg’s book, and created by Bayit.

The basic building blocks for deep relationships and living relationally.

Best read in small study groups. Click here to explore one with me.

Spiritual Direction & Jewish Thought

A wonderful entry into the rhythm of the year and lifecycles as a conscious engagement in Jewish living. One of my favorite “Introduction to Judaism” books.

A beautiful expression of the power of being present for each other.

The most essential book for understanding the different ways that Jews read Scripture. Jews read the same text differently and it makes an enormous difference.

A wonderful story of discovering meaning in Jewish living.

Justice & its challenges

Essential. Read it and reconsider who we are and what we do. A game-changed in awareness about what change might look like and for whom.

A brutal and necessary revelation of just how heedless of anything like law, or even plain English, Republican-appointed Supreme Court Justices have been and are, and what we must do about it.

Some very important insights and moves forward on dismantling white Christian supremacy through additive practices not replacements. Needed now more than ever.

Interfaith & Identity

The BEST EVER book for kids about Chanukah in America as a Jewish minority. I have read it to grade school classes of both our kids since I found it.

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