Roberta Rosenthal Kwall - Remix Judaism: Preserving Tradition in a Diverse World

Praise for Remix Judaism

[A] helpful and innovative framework for those thinking about how American Judaism can survive and flourish. [Roberta Rosenthal Kwall] succeeds from the off at achieving her stated goal of introducing the teachings and practices of the Jewish tradition in a way that comports with the sensibilities of Jews who are not, and likely never will be, observant by conventional measures. Articulating her reasoned approach to what shes dubbed remix Judaism, Kwall insists on proactive development of Jewish rituals that can be observed consistently, even if those rituals differ from traditional observance.

Publishers Weekly

Remix Judaism shows the diversity of opportunities for engagement in Jewish life that exists today.... Kwalls book brings plenty of material to a book club discussion [and] has the potential to encourage conversations in families and among close friends... a remarkably accurate snapshot of where American Jews find themselves right now.

Jewish Book Council

Remix Judaism, a beautifully written and deeply personal book, rooted in both wisdom and scholarship, deserves the wide readership that its author hopes to find.

Jonathan Kirsch, Jewish Journal

Remix Judaism speaks to a moment of sharp Jewish polarity, when a vast majority of Jews tell pollsters that being Jewish is more important than doing Jewish.

Andrew Silow-Carroll, editor of the New York Jewish Week

Through numerous examples Kwall teaches that non-Orthodox Judaism can be flexible enough to embrace Jews throughout their lives, nurturing them at every step, sustaining them with a rich sense of heritage.... Remix Judaism gives us permission to connect to Jewish life and traditions on our own terms and to see our experience as an authentic and meaningful expression of Jewish life.

CCAR Journal: The Reform Jewish Quarterly

[An] important new book... Remix Judaism offers one path toward remixing and renewing the beautiful, ancient, and marvelous ritual that keeps us and our children Jews, and in so doing, enhances the meaning and splendor of our lives.

Jerusalem Report

Kwalls Remix Judaism... recognizes that individual and familial practices vary widely but calls for meeting people where they are and encouraging them to build on their practices by starting with what is already most meaningful about Jewish life to them and expanding outward.

Contemporary Jewry

Kwalls book should resonate with readers familiar with modern Jewish life, yet also be accessible to others, especially to those in ethnic or religious groups facing similar issues and to students in religious studies courses interested in contemporary hybrid observances.

Choice

[A] celebration of Jewish life and culture, chock full of practical advice about tapping into Jewish traditions and values to enrich our lives and relationships.... Whatever your level of Jewish identity and observance, Remix Judaism overflows with fresh, inspirational advice.

JUF News

[Kwalls] previous book, The Myth of the Cultural Jew, argues for the symbiosis between halakhaJewish lawand the cultures inhabited by Jewish communities. Remix Judaism brings together these interests, builds on the idea that Jewish practice is influenced by the ambient culture, and analyzes the extent of that influence.

Commentary

As thoughtful and thought-provoking as it is inspired and inspiring, Remix Judaism is an exceptionally well written, organized, and presented study that will prove to be an enduringly popular and appreciated contribution to the growing body of Contemporary Judaic Studies literature.

Midwest Book Review

Remix Judaism is a must-read for Jews of all levels of observance. It creates the space for such an important discussion on how we can, and are, preserving the most vital aspects of Jewish tradition for generations to come.

Decalogue Tablets

Roberta Kwall provides a new way to be Jewish in America! The books remixed approach to contemporary Judaism means developing practical paths based in historical traditions. For anyone interested in the vibrancy of the Jewish community and religion, this book provides critical grounds for thoughtand action.

Naomi Cahn, University of Virginia School of Law

Professor Kwall, one of the prominent scholars of modern American Jewry, wrote Remix Judaism as a follow-up to The Myth of the Cultural Jew. Her new book touches the lives of so many of us who live in a non-Orthodox world yet strive to maintain a strong connection to our Judaism.... Her diverse sources are masterfully woven into the fabric of her narrative. There is no question in my mind that this work will be a guiding light to so many of us. If I could, I would make Remix Judaism required reading for all non-Orthodox Jews.

Rabbi Chuck Diamond, former rabbi of
Tree of LifeOr LSimcha, Pittsburgh

In Remix Judaism, Roberta Kwall draws nimbly and intelligently from the wellsprings of Jewish tradition and practice so as to allow American Jews to forge a Judaism that is both meaningful and authentic. Kwall is a keen observer of the contemporary Jewish scene, and she offers a clear program for modern Jewish life that has the capacity to address and motivate individuals and community. Her creative and rooted vision of Judaism is both exciting and inspiring. Remix Judaism will deservedly garner a wide readership!

Rabbi David Ellenson, chancellor emeritus,
Hebrew Union CollegeJewish Institute of Religion

Remix Judaism is a sourcebook of great Jewish ideas and a guidebook for living Jewishly in the twenty-first century. Roberta Kwall manages to be both descriptive and prescriptive, charting a path for how Jewish living can thrive in contemporary society. This is not a book for the future; this is a vital book for right now.

Rabbi Avi Finegold, founder, The Jewish Living Lab, Montreal

In Remix Judaism Roberta Kwall puts forward a convincing case for liberal Jews holding tight to certain Jewish rituals and traditions even as they seek a Judaism flexible and meaningful enough to transmit to their children. Its what every synagogue tries to do, but her book aims to reach those Jews who dont hear the message because theyre not in the pews. Its an important message for our community at this critical time.

Sue Fishkoff, editor of J. The Jewish News of Northern California

Remix Judaism is a thought-provoking book filled with justification, stories, and ways to lead an assimilated lifestyle while being intentional about your Judaism.... As a millennial Jewish summer camp professional who works with the next generation of the Jewish people, I believe Kwalls remix Judaism is the direction my campers should embody as they begin their own journeys to discovering their Jewish identities.

Gabrielle Gordon, assistant director, Camp Young Judaea Midwest

Lucidly and engagingly written, Roberta Kwalls Remix Judaism is a must-read for Jews and other willing listeners seeking to deepen their connection to Judaism in ways other than through traditional Jewish legal observance.... Kwalls emphasis on the importance of Jewish education; the joyful, thoughtful, and consistent appropriation of Jewish traditions; and the contemporary need to balance the normative Jewish legal tradition with a search for personal meaning makes Remix Judaism an indispensable starting point for all those seeking a rich, meaningful Jewish life outside the scope of traditional Jewish legal observance.