Reviewer June Maffin:Living on an island in British Columbia, Canada, Dr. Maffin is a neophyte organic gardener, eclectic reader, ordained minister (Anglican/Episcopal priest) and creative spirituality writer/photographer with a deep zest for life. Previously, she has been grief counselor, broadcaster, teacher, journalist, television host, chaplain and spiritual director with an earned doctorate in Pastoral Care (medical ethics i.e. euthanasia focus). Presently an educator, freelance editor, blogger, and published author of three books, her most recent (Soulistry-Artistry of the Soul: Creative Ways to Nurture your Spirituality) has been published in e-book as well as paperback format and a preview can be viewed on YouTube videos. Founder of Soulistry™ she continues to lead a variety of workshops and retreats connecting spirituality with creativity and delights in a spirituality of play. You can find out more about June by clicking on her Web Site.
The book begins slowly and gently. The
title of the first chapter “Do You Hear What I Hear?” sets the
tone and underlying question of the book: "Do we truly hear what
is being said in conversations about religious beliefs, aka do we
hear the feelings hidden beneath the tradition, the laws, the
prejudices?"
As the reader unwraps the book, the
gift unfolds.
Readers meet Rusty Dinwall, a skilled heart
surgeon, loving husband and devoted father. Now the senior lay
leader in the local reform King Solomon synagogue, Rusty is a convert
from Roman Catholicism to Judaism shortly prior to marrying Rebecca.
Facing a serious financial crisis, the synagogue must immediately
make some crucial decisions and Rusty encourages synagogue leaders to
accept a major unexpected financial gift and the (unethical, for
some) strings attached to it. This decision places a deep
strain on his relationship with the spiritual leader of the
synagogue, Rabbi Rachel, as well as on his relationship with his
wife.
When Rusty and Rebecca learn in a Skype conversation
that their daughter Debra is engaged to Mordechai who adheres to
Orthodox Judaism, the pace of the book quickly changes. Debra shares
her future husband’s religious beliefs and they both want to be
married according to Orthodox Judaism tradition by Rabbi Schlumacher
presiding, rather than at the reform synagogue where Debra grew up
with longtime family friend Rabbi Rachel presiding. Conflict
and complications that no one could anticipate begin to erupt.
When
Rabbi Schlumacher stubbornly refuses to recognize the authenticity of
Rusty’s conversion to Judaism (because it was done through a Reform
Rabbi), and Rusty’s family pressures him to become more observant
of Orthodox Judaism traditions, he faces a major crisis of faith.
Then, at a time of the year that is holy to both Christians and Jews,
Father Donne enters the scene and Rusty is confronted by further
theological and spiritual reflection and questioning.
Faced
with two rabbis and one priest (each with differing views, traditions
and opinions) and a wife who supports Debra and Mordecai in their
decision, Rusty struggles with the potential break-up of his
marriage, begins to ask if he is as good a leader as he once believed
himself to be, and questions the connection between his chosen Jewish
faith and his Christian heritage.
This is a book for people
who are open to asking questions … questioning religious prejudice
and religious intolerance, ethical dilemmas, the meaning of marriage,
and what religion and spirituality are/are not.
Through
superbly developed characters and a delightfully creative plot,
Avraham Azrieli weaves a gentle yet powerful story that closes with
yet another gift - the gift of hope.