Pathways

the long version

In recent decades, there has been a significant movement among formerly secular and marginally religious Jews to embrace traditional Judaism. Known as baalei teshuvah, "those who return," they are reclaiming Judaism as an enriching and viable way of life. Pathways: Jews Who Return is a collection of first-person oral histories that illuminates their journey. Many of those interviewed came from secular American homes where Jewish identity was of the "lox-and-bagels" variety. Some had a more informed Jewish background, but found no substance in the knowledge. Some came to Judaism in response to a particular life cycle experience, such as the death of a parent or the birth of a child. Some learned about Torah through an organized outreach program or on a trip to Israel. Some had a revelatory experience, and some methodically explored the life enhancing possibilities that traditional Judaism might offer them. Whether they were actively searching for spiritual fulfillment or stumbled upon their Jewish heritage through an unexpected encounter or experience, these baalei teshuvah were all ultimately inspired to lead lives infused with Torah - lives that are more structured and more profound.