Don’t we all have books we like to revisit once in a while? Books that have inspired us, that we have enjoyed and read several times. They are sitting on our bookshelves ready to be picked up and enjoyed again. For me such book is How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household by Blu Greenberg. I picked it up last night for reference and realised that I had never written about it on this blog.
How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household deals with religious observance from a Modern Orthodox point of view. Blu Greenberg explores the different mitzvot and how she and her family observe them. It falls into three parts. The first one is devoted to regular observance such as Shabbat, Kashrut and prayers. The second one examines the life cycle while the last one covers the Jewish year.
Don’t be put off by the title; How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household is certainly one of the most inspiring books I have ever read. I discovered it by chance via the Internet and have read it several times. It reads like a novel and is thought-provoking at the same time. Blu Greenberg’s approach is extremely sensitive and has none of the holier-than-thou tone of more recent right-wing Orthodox writings. This is a great book which encourages people to be more observant by showing that it is possible to incorporate meaningful practice into one’s life.
Blu Greenberg is the co-founder and first president of JOFA, The Jewish Orthodox Feminist Alliance, and an outspoken woman on the position of women in Judaism.
How to Run a Traditional Jewish Household was first published in 1985 but has not aged one bit. Obviously it has become a treasured and authoritative reference as there now exists a Kindle version of this book.
Hannah's Nook 
I think someone should write a biography of Blu Greenberg. It would make a great book. She’s to the right of these group of women (fill in the blank) and to the left of these (fill in another blank). Her hashgafa (religious outlook) probably matches that of many women I know.
I surely would enjoy a biography of Blu Greenberg. Isn’t incredible to see how her hashkafa is reflected in her writings?
This sounds like an excellent read, from your excellent review!
Thank you Lorri! Coming from you it isbabwonderful compliment.
As someone who took on observant Jewish life in my 50s I found the book enormouselymhelpful but deeply sad. I was so sorry not to have had those family traditions when my kids were growing up. I love the book but it’s tough to read those parts and see we never offered them.
I see exactly what you mean Cynthia. This book made me wistful for the Jewish childhood I never had!
Pingback: Weekly Review with Snow-Dusted Birdfeeder | Ilana-Davita
Pingback: Review with Creative Graphic - Here in Highland Park