Evergreen

The author proposes that only an active program that combines inreach to "faithless" Jews and outreach to unchurched spiritual seekers can revitalize the Jewish community.

The Bible records several problematic instances of God hardening human hearts, seemingly stripping them of free will.

Traditionally Judaism has been concerned about a Jew by choice's motives.

According to some thinkers, God only watches over people in a general way; according to others, divine providence extends to the minute details of life.

In mystical terms, this is a period of time leading to the unification of the male and female aspects of the Divine.

Rabbinic tradition sees her as a virtuous woman who is rewarded for her behavior.

Shavuot commemorates the spring harvest and the giving of the Torah on Mount Sinai.

In traditional communities, a child must be formally converted if adopted or born to a non-Jewish mother.

A convert must step gingerly across a minefield of long-held expectations, sometimes complicated by ambivalence toward Jewishness.

Conversion means life change, but the path to Jewish identity varies widely.