The December Project: An Extraordinary Rabbi and a Skeptical Seeker Confront Life's Greatest Mystery
“Thoroughly engaging, this book about the winter season of life glitters with insight and wisdom—for all our years.” (Andrew Weil, MD, author ofHealthy AgingandSpontaneous Happiness)“Anyone embarking onThe December Projectis in for a surprise: there is as much laughter, healing, and deep peace in these pages as sober reflection on being human. Above all, this book is a testament to the rich rewards of conversation between fearless friends.” (Barbara Brown Taylor, author ofLearning to Walk in the Dark)“Revelatory… the best rendering of Reb Zalman’s wisdom that I’ve come across… (Davidson’s) transformation seems to have come simply from being in the elder sage’s presence - and seeing that there’s a real person behind the “sage.” Thanks to “The December Project,” we can taste some of that presence ourselves.” (Jay Michaelson,The Forward)“A gem of a book for anyone of any faith tradition. Reb Zalman is wise, funny and irresistible. You will want to read this book cover to cover.” (Sharon Salzberg, author ofReal Happinessand a founder of Insight Meditation Society)“An exuberant piece of writing I found both moving and instructive. What makes it so rich is that Davidson owns ‘a seeker’s heart and a skeptic’s mind.’” (Will Blythe, former literary editor ofEsquireand author ofTo Hate Like This Is to Be Happy Forever)“Anyone who has had the opportunity to spend private time with Reb Zalman, to be in spiritual intimacy with him, knows it is a life-changing experience. Sara Davidson has had that experience, and now through her writing, you can too.” (Rodger Kamenetz, author ofThe Jew in the LotusandThe History of Last Night's Dream)“As baby boomers begin to approach the end of their lives, the time is right for books about the spirituality of dying.... This is a book they’ll want to read.” (Anna Jedrziewski,Retailing Insight)“For boomers who wish to devote serious attention to questions of meaning as they experience ineluctable aging, this book of intense, personal conversations leavened with profound insights is an excellent place to begin.” (Publishers Weekly(framed review))“A biography of a spiritual genius preparing for his last day by helping us prepare for our next day. If you don’t know Reb Zalman, please let Sara introduce you to him. If you do know him, please let Sara introduce you to him more intimately.” (Rabbi Rami Shapiro, author ofPerennial Wisdom for the Spiritually Independent)“This is not a morbid book about the end of life, but a bright, spirited discussion between a great teacher and a sincere seeker.” (Larry Dossey, MD, author ofOne MindandHealing Words: The Power of Prayer and the Practice of Medicine)“Davidson brings us the dialogue we dream of having: where we can place our darkest doubts and fears in the loving embrace of a profound elder, who’s grooming us patiently for what’s waiting around the inevitable corner of our lives.” (Rabbi Tirzah Firestone, author ofWith Roots in HeavenandThe Woman's Kabbalah)“The December Projectembodies deep spiritual wisdom…. A lovely book.” (Marianne Williamson, author ofA Return to Love)“Renowned journalist Sara Davidson has drawn out new, previously unrevealed dimensions of Reb Zalman, one of the great teachers of our age. Listening in on their conversations is both mind and soul expanding.” (Rabbi Joseph Telushkin, author ofJewish Literacy, and Hillel)“Rabbi Zalman Schachter Shalomi is the most creative teacher and practitioner of Jewish spirituality in the Western world. Sara Davidson’s lively engagement with his teachings highlights a curious mind and a beautiful soul that we are blessed to be able to encounter through this book.” (Rabbi Michael Lerner, editor ofTikkun Magazineand author ofJewish Renewal: A Path to Healing and Transformation)“Bracing, brave observations [that] should empower readers of any age.” (Spirituality&Health;)“A warm and wise new book . . . a mediated memoir and meditation on the end of life. … A tour through the rabbi’s unusual life sprinkled with bits of folksy wisdom, and suggestions on how to achieve a little peace yourself.” (Boulder Daily Camera)“The December Projectis full of the ‘great questions’ that Schachter-Shalomi is famous for asking. [The book] distills spiritual wisdom and teachings about coping with mortality of this rabbi who has spent his life both deepening his ties to the Jewish tradition and innovating outward.” (TabletMagazine)“In her compelling new book, Davidson allows us to eavesdrop on two years of conversation with Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. . . . Reb Zalman’s wisdom shines out from the book’s pages . . . a celebratory book.” (Jewish Journal)