YEARNINGS: EMBRACING THE SACRED MESSINESS OF LIFE

"Yearning. After twenty-three years as a rabbi, I can think of no more defining human experience."

Life can be messy and imperfect. We’re all looking for answers. And yet, as renowned rabbi Irwin Kula points out, the yearning for answers is no different now than it was in the times that gave rise to Moses, Buddha, and Jesus. Far from being a burden, however, these yearnings can themselves become a path to blessing, prompting questions and insights, resulting in new ways of being and believing. In this, his first book, Rabbi Kula takes us on an excursion into the depths of our desires, applying ancient Jewish tradition to seven of our most wonderful yearnings. Merging ancient wisdom with contemporary insights, Rabbi Kula shows how traditional practices can inform and enrich our own search for meaning. More importantly, he invites us to embrace the messiness and complexities of the human experience in order to fully embrace the endless and glorious project of life.

---

All Customer Reviews
Average Customer Review:
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

A Wise Guide to Life's Pilgrimage that Starts with Actually Celebrating the Mess!, 2008-07-09
I enjoyed this book myself, then one of our guest writers at our online magazine, [...], Gail Katz, wrote her own recommendation of Rabbi Kula's book.

Gail points out that, as a Jewish woman, this book touched her -- but I can also recommend this to a broader audience, as well.

The entire concept of the book is fresh and appealing because -- let's be honest -- most of us do not lead perfectly organized lives. Our lives are not only messy -- they're filled with ambiguity and daily friction. We love our family, for example, but we question -- and sometimes deeply disagree -- with some family members. The messiness extends further into our workplaces, communities and world.

Rabbi Kula is trying to provide a spiritual framework for accepting that messiness as part of life's pilgrimage. Rather than trying to escape it, he argues, we should realize that a certain messiness is the fabric of life itself. The challenge is where we will allow our yearnings to carry us in this pilgrimage through the mess.


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

for real, 2008-05-07
"Yearnings" opens doors and grants the reader an inner journey of redefining personal, daily life. thank you.


0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:

soul food, 2008-05-05
I have read this book twice. I will read it again. Whatever your spiritual belief, whatever your level of faith is or is not, you will be influenced by Rabbi Kula. His fundemental logical conclusions on what make all humans tick is right down the pike. The book is not a polyanna fix for all life's woes but it is sound advice on how to improve your life and improve the lives of the ones around you. You will cherish the read and you will recommend to others..... you can't not!


1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

Extremely Well Done. Many "Secrets" of Understanding Revealed!, 2008-03-24
This review pertains to the audio version, and is read by the author. I am a spiritual counselor and an ordained minister. However, my daily work is in the financial industry. I point this out only to give the reader a perspective.

If you have any interest at all in a real understanding of God and life, please read this book. Rabbi Irwin Kula shares wonderful insights and wisdom into why our perception and expectations of life are they way they are. He also helps readers to see the simplicity of our personal universe when given another, perhaps more considered, viewpoint.

There is a lot of rich material for thought and enlightenment here, so take your time and enjoy what Rabbi Kula teaches. For me it was like eating a great meal, every mouthful to be savored and all the food healthy and nourishing.


3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

Yearnings, Embracing the sacred messiness of life, 2008-02-08
I found it a bit difficult to read cover to cover because of it's intensity. But I still thouroughly enjoyed the book when I jumped around to read sections relevant to my life. It has something for everyone. Its a kind of book that needs to be re read a few times to get all the meanings. Overall a very nourishing book

Price is accurate as of the date/time indicated. Prices and product availability are subject to change. Any price displayed on the Amazon website at the time of purchase will govern the sale of this product.