Mudhouse Sabbath
Although this book is written for Christians, Lauren Winner's message has universal appeal. Having converted from Judaism to Christianity in early adulthood, Winner (Girl Meets God) is a joyful follower of Christ, but a more discriminating follower of Christianity. Early on in her conversion, she noticed that Christianity lacked much discipline or emphasis when it came to performing rituals, so integral to the Jewish faith. "This book is about those things that I miss," she writes. "It is about Sabbaths and burials and prayers, rituals Jews and Christians both observe.... Jews do these things with more attention and wisdom not because they are more righteous nor because God likes them better, but rather because doing, because action, sits at the center of Judaism. Practice is to Judaism what belief is to Christianity. Your faith may come and go but your practice ought not to waiver." She organizes her chapters according to the rituals and values that both religions share--such as prayer, candle lighting and weddings--and discusses how Christians could deepen these rituals by taking a few lessons from the Jews. For instance, she shows the parallels between Shabbat and the Sabbath, and asks Christians to consider the Jewish model--a true day of rest (not even shopping!) in order to deepen the connection to God. ("Mudhouse" is the name of the coffee shop where Winner reads an inspiring account of Shabbat from Nan Fink's memoirStranger in the Midst.) When talking about mourning a death, she discusses the Jewish "calendar of bereavement" that acknowledges the slow process of mourning, a spiritual discipline that readers of all faiths would be wise to study. Winner's writing is generous, personal and filled with practical suggestions—-a perfect blend for the spiritual growth genre. Overall, she expertly invites Christians into a deeper and more daily level of faith. --Gail Hudson