cover image Lifecycles: Vol.1; Jewish Women on Life Passages and Personal Milestones

Lifecycles: Vol.1; Jewish Women on Life Passages and Personal Milestones

. Jewish Lights Publishing, $24.95 (480pp) ISBN 978-1-879045-14-9

Few rabbis two millennia ago, or even two decades ago, would have cited childbirth, menstruation, coming out or menopause as life passages to be marked by prayer and ceremony. As this powerful compendium illustrates, however, feminism has transformed the definition of Jewish lifecycle events, imbuing ritual with innovation and creativity. The 50 Jewish women-scholars, rabbis, thinkers and poets-who have contributed provocative essays and moving ceremonies to this rich collection do so with a passion for molding Judaism and feminism. Every possiblity within feminine lifecycles is explored with openness. The contributors' sincerity, coupled with depth of knowledge, moves this volume past faddishness to resonance with the women of all ages. (Nov.)