The spiritual transformation of Jews who become Orthodox / Roberta G. Sands.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Sands, Roberta G., author.

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Jews--Return to Orthodox Judaism.

Jews.

Spiritual life--Judaism.

Spiritual life.

Physical Description:

1 online resource (xiii, 297 pages)

Place of Publication:

Albany : State University of New York Press, [2019]

Summary:

"Spiritual transformation is the process of changing one's beliefs, values, attitudes, and everyday behaviors related to a transcendent experience or higher power. Jewish adults who adopt Orthodoxy provide a clear example of spiritual transformation within a religious context. With little prior exposure to traditional practice, these baalei teshuvah (literally, "masters of return" in Hebrew) turn away from their former way of life, take on strict religious obligations, and intensify their spiritual commitment. This book examines the process of adopting Orthodox Judaism and the extensive life changes that are required. Based on forty-eight individual interviews as well as focus groups, it uses psychological development theory and the concept of socialization to understand this journey. Robert G. Sands examines the study participants' family backgrounds, initial explorations, decisions to make a commitment, spiritual struggles, and psychological and social integration. The process is at first exciting, as baalei teshuvah make new discoveries and learn new practices. Yet after commitment and immersion in an Orthodox community, they face challenges furthering their education, gaining cultural knowledge, and raising a family without parental role models. By showing how baalei teshuvah integrate their new understandings of Judaism into their identities, Sands provides fresh insight into a significant aspect of contemporary Orthodoxy"-- Provided by publisher.

Contents:

Introduction: The context of spiritual transformation

1. Beginnings

2. Searching, finding, and making a commitment

3. Developmental trajectories

4. Challenges of novices: learning and adapting

5. Marriage, parenting, and relations with the family of origin

6. Spiritual and religious struggles

7. Psychological and social integration

8. Incorporating spirituality into everyday life

9. The spiritual-religious transformation and its consequences

Appendix A. Individual interview questions

Appendix B. Focus group questions

Appendix C. Key informant questions.

Notes:

Description based on print version record.

ISBN:

9781438474304

143847430X