"Readers will appreciate learning some of the reasons behind Jewish practice as well as understanding the differences between the three major branches of Judaism: Orthodox, Conservative, and Reform. This is a rewarding book for both general readers and book groups.”
—Booklist
“This marvelous book should connect with the widest possible readership – ferociously religious or fervently secular; Jewish, Christian or humanist; baby boomer, Gen X’er or millennial . . . Judy’s relationship with Judaism comes across as a serious romance, but one that raises as many new life questions as it settles. The call to ‘rules, rituals and restraint’ that she associates with Rabbi Daniel Lapin, her teacher (and mine), don’t bring an end to thinking and choosing but provide a means to think more deeply and choose more richly.”
— Michael Medved, author of The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic
“Laugh-out-loud funny, narrated by a character you quickly come to love. I always wondered if a well-written ba’al teshuva memoir could be done. Judy Gruen has shown me how.”
—Allison Josephs, founder and director of Jew in the City
“Judy Gruen writes with down-to-earth warmth and humor about her personal spiritual journey. As she navigates family, friendship, love, loss, parenting, and community, you will root for her like you would cheer on a new best friend—someone who you just know somehow cares for and understands you, too.”
—Lori Palatnik, founding director of the Jewish Women’s Renaissance Project
“Judy Gruen shares a message of sanity so vital today: you can be spiritual, sane and yourself in the modern world. She writes with delightful humor and depth about her unexpected path to a life of Jewish commitment.” — Rabbi David Aaron, author of The God Powered Life and Living a Joyous Life
“The Skeptic and the Rabbi: Falling in Love with Faith, manages to be light and heavy, profound and amusing, uplifting and serious. . . . These contradictions mirror an upbringing of contradictions as well as the main conflict of the author’s life— to become Orthodox or not.”
— Devorah Talia Gordon, L.A. Jewish Home "In a fractured world, Judy Gruen makes us whole. A tour de force." — Ruchama King Feuerman, author of In the Courtyard of the Kabbalist
“The Skeptic and the Rabbi is two powerful love stories in one. As Judy recounts her courtship and marriage to her religiously observant husband Jeff, she also writes with warmth and humor falling in love with Judaism itself.”
—Dr. Yvette Alt Miller, author of Angels at the Table
"Gruen's ebullient positivity is a counterweight to religion-as-abuse memoirs. . . an uplifting spin on an often-misunderstood life choice."
—Library Journal
"A thoughtful guide for people—young and old, individuals and couples—seeking greater connection and meaning in Judaism. Recommended for synagogue libraries."
—Association of Jewish Libraries
"Honesty shines throughout the book, as Gruen refuses to sugarcoat her narrative. The memoir is a terrific read for anyone curious about the Torah lifestyle."
—Leah Aharoni, Jewish Action Magazine
The Skeptic and the Rabbi
Falling in Love with Faith
