He acknowledges that this rare and coveted calm is already inside each of us, but it’s been worn down by the hustle of busy lives and distractions.

He bolsters this theory with a wide array of perspectives-some based on ancient wisdom (one of the author’s specialties), others more modern-all with the intent to direct readers toward the essential importance of stillness and its “attainable path to enlightenment and excellence, greatness and happiness, performance as well as presence.” Readers will be encouraged by Holiday’s insistence that his methods are within anyone’s grasp. Warmth, humor, and first-rate scholarship illuminate this elegant, thoughtful work, which should be of great interest to those considering intermarriage, and those (including Jews) who simply would like to learn more about Judaism.Īn exploration of the importance of clarity through calmness in an increasingly fast-paced world.Īustin-based speaker and strategist Holiday ( Conspiracy: Peter Thiel, Hulk Hogan, Gawker, and the Anatomy of Intrigue, 2018, etc.) believes in downshifting one’s life and activities in order to fully grasp the wonder of stillness. Serving as a broad introduction to Judaism, Cox’s study also offers guidance to interfaith couples searching for ways to embrace the religious traditions of both spouses his chapter on “December Madness” and his position on the great Christmas tree debate are particularly useful. This clear-eyed view is not reserved for Christianity Cox examines some of the uglier points of Jewish history as well, including the violence of Purim and the myths of Chanukah. “Anti-Judaism is not peripheral to Christianity,” he asserts, going on to discuss some grand old institutionalized traditions of anti-Semitism. Though he finds common ground with some Christian practices, Cox is a careful guide, cautioning against a wholesale appropriation of Jewish tradition as a mere adjunct to Christianity.

Common Jewish practices that may mystify gentiles (sukkah booths, Yom Kippur fasting) are explained, and personal experiences with his family and spiritual advisors are relayed.

Loosely organizing his book around the progression of the Jewish year, Cox leads the reader through holidays both great and small, as well as marriage, death, and bar and bat mitzvahs. After 14 years of marriage and participating in each other’s rituals and traditions “as far as our consciences allow,” Cox here takes on the daunting task of serving as guide to a religion that is not his own. When Cox (Divinity/Harvard Fire From Heaven, 2001, etc.) wed Wellesley religion professor Nina Tumarkin, it marked the beginning of his life in a Jewish household. Christian theologian Cox reports on experiencing and embracing Judaism in his interfaith home.

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