About the Book
As Judy Gruen walked down the aisle and into her Orthodox Jewish future, her bouquet quivered in her shaky hand. Having grown up in the zeitgeist that proclaimed, “If it feels good, do it,” was she really ready to live the life of “rituals, rules, and restraints” that the Torah prescribed?
The Skeptic and the Rabbi is a rare memoir with historical depth, spirituality, and intelligent humor. Gruen speaks with refreshing honesty about what it means to remain authentic to yourself while charting a new yet ancient spiritual path at odds with the surrounding culture, and writes touchingly about her family, including her two sets of grandparents, who influenced her in wildly opposite ways. As she navigates her new life with the man she loves and the faith she also loves―surviving several awkward moments, including when the rabbi calls to tell her that she accidentally served unkosher food to her Shabbat guests―Gruen brings the reader right along for the ride. Reading this wry, bold and compelling memoir, you’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and when you’re finished, you may also have a sudden craving for chicken matzo ball soup―kosher, of course.
Praise for The Skeptic and the Rabbi: Falling in Love with Faith
Down-to-earth
warmth and humor“Judy Gruen writes with down-to-earth warmth and humor about her personal spiritual journey. As she navigates family, friendship, love, loss, parenting, and community, you will root for her like you would cheer on a new best friend―someone who you just know somehow cares for and understands you, too.”
A tour de force
“In a fractured world, Judy Gruen makes us whole. A tour de force.”
More Praise
“Laugh out loud funny, narrated by a character you quickly come to love. I always wondered if well-written ba’al teshuva memoir could be done. Judy Gruen has shown me how.”
– Allison Josephs, founder and director, Jew in the City
“Judy Gruen shares a message of sanity so vital today: you can be spiritual, sane and yourself in the modern world. She writes with delightful humor and depth about her unexpected path to a life of Jewish commitment.”
– Rabbi David Aaron, author of The God Powered Life and Living a Joyous Life
“The Skeptic and the Rabbi is two powerful love stories in one. As Judy recounts her courtship and marriage to her religiously observant husband Jeff, she also writes with warmth and humor falling in love with Judaism itself.”
– Dr. Yvette Alt Miller, author of Angels at the Table
“Readers will appreciate learning some of the reasons behind Jewish practice as well as understanding the differences between the three major branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. This is a rewarding book for both general readers and book groups.”
– Joan Curbow, Booklist
“Gruen’s memoir can speak to a person of any faith–or even none. Indeed, the experience she describes could easily belong to a young Muslim woman who chooses to wear the hijab in defiance of her family, or a Christian who forgoes a lucrative career to work with the poor. At heart, this is a book about finding and claiming one’s identity, about authentic choices, about embracing tradition out of love and not duty.”
– Susan Hanson, Story Circle Book Reviews
“The book offers insights for all, as I discovered parallels to my own adult baptism into Christianity years ago. . . “The Skeptic and the Rabbi” is both deep and delightful, and gives clarity how a love of faith can add purpose and richness to life..”
– Suzette Standring, The Patriot Ledger
“Gruen’s ebullient positivity is a counterweight to religion-as-abuse memoirs… an uplifting spin on an often-misunderstood life choice.”
– Library Journal
“Honesty shines throughout the book, as Gruen refuses to sugarcoat her narrative. She frankly discusses the many real challenges she encountered in her decision to take upon various mitzvot. The memoir is a terrific read for anyone curious about the Torah lifestyle. ”
– Leah Aharoni, Jewish Action Magazine
“Gruen’s articulate, candid voice can serve as a model for readers seeking more spirituality in their Jewish lives. . . a thoughtful guide for people—young and old, individuals and couples—seeking greater connection and meaning in Judaism. Recommended for synagogue libraries.”
– Association of Jewish Libraries
“Every page of this memoir is a feast for the heart and mind.”
– Ada Castel, May 2018
“I highly recommend this book for those who have watched with disbelief or questioned their friends or family members’ transition (or “return”) to Orthodox Judaism. Gruen’s sensitivity, charm and good wit will make any traveler happier for the ride.”
– Emmanuel Saltiel, October 26, 2017
“I learned about Jewish traditions unfamiliar to me, and I came to understand that other traditional writings besides the Torah are used to interpret and apply its teachings. The spiritual meaning of rituals and heritage came alive to me in this book, and I understood more of my Christian faith—with both its contrasts and similarities—in the context of Judy’s journey to embrace the beliefs and practices of Jews over the centuries. If you read this book, you will laugh, tear up, and reconsider your own values and beliefs.”
– Karen Phillips, July 13, 2018
“All will appreciate Judy’s core message: That “you have to be ‘you-ish’ in order to be ‘Jewish’.” Judy proves that no matter what your starting point, observance is so much richer when you retain your skepticism and truly make each mitzvah your own.”
– Niva Taylor, Oct 1, 2017
More Praise
“Laugh out loud funny, narrated by a character you quickly come to love. I always wondered if well-written ba’al teshuva memoir could be done. Judy Gruen has shown me how.”
– Allison Josephs, founder and director, Jew in the City
“Judy Gruen shares a message of sanity so vital today: you can be spiritual, sane and yourself in the modern world. She writes with delightful humor and depth about her unexpected path to a life of Jewish commitment.”
– Rabbi David Aaron, author of The God Powered Life and Living a Joyous Life
“The Skeptic and the Rabbi is two powerful love stories in one. As Judy recounts her courtship and marriage to her religiously observant husband Jeff, she also writes with warmth and humor falling in love with Judaism itself.”
– Dr. Yvette Alt Miller, author of Angels at the Table
“Readers will appreciate learning some of the reasons behind Jewish practice as well as understanding the differences between the three major branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. This is a rewarding book for both general readers and book groups.”
– Joan Curbow, Booklist
“Gruen’s memoir can speak to a person of any faith–or even none. Indeed, the experience she describes could easily belong to a young Muslim woman who chooses to wear the hijab in defiance of her family, or a Christian who forgoes a lucrative career to work with the poor. At heart, this is a book about finding and claiming one’s identity, about authentic choices, about embracing tradition out of love and not duty.”
– Susan Hanson, Story Circle Book Reviews
“The book offers insights for all, as I discovered parallels to my own adult baptism into Christianity years ago. . . “The Skeptic and the Rabbi” is both deep and delightful, and gives clarity how a love of faith can add purpose and richness to life..”
– Suzette Standring, The Patriot Ledger
“Gruen’s ebullient positivity is a counterweight to religion-as-abuse memoirs… an uplifting spin on an often-misunderstood life choice.”
– Library Journal
“Honesty shines throughout the book, as Gruen refuses to sugarcoat her narrative. She frankly discusses the many real challenges she encountered in her decision to take upon various mitzvot. The memoir is a terrific read for anyone curious about the Torah lifestyle. ”
– Leah Aharoni, Jewish Action Magazine
“Gruen’s articulate, candid voice can serve as a model for readers seeking more spirituality in their Jewish lives. . . a thoughtful guide for people—young and old, individuals and couples—seeking greater connection and meaning in Judaism. Recommended for synagogue libraries.”
– Association of Jewish Libraries
“Every page of this memoir is a feast for the heart and mind.”
– Ada Castel, May 2018
“I highly recommend this book for those who have watched with disbelief or questioned their friends or family members’ transition (or “return”) to Orthodox Judaism. Gruen’s sensitivity, charm and good wit will make any traveler happier for the ride.”
– Emmanuel Saltiel, October 26, 2017
“I learned about Jewish traditions unfamiliar to me, and I came to understand that other traditional writings besides the Torah are used to interpret and apply its teachings. The spiritual meaning of rituals and heritage came alive to me in this book, and I understood more of my Christian faith—with both its contrasts and similarities—in the context of Judy’s journey to embrace the beliefs and practices of Jews over the centuries. If you read this book, you will laugh, tear up, and reconsider your own values and beliefs.”
– Karen Phillips, July 13, 2018
“All will appreciate Judy’s core message: That “you have to be ‘you-ish’ in order to be ‘Jewish’.” Judy proves that no matter what your starting point, observance is so much richer when you retain your skepticism and truly make each mitzvah your own.”
– Niva Taylor, Oct 1, 2017
