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Full Description
The baal teshuva process involves tremendous growth and change, as well
as constant obstacles. Baalei teshuva often wish there was a guidebook
that would support them along their way as they grow and make decisions
that may alienate them from their families, friends, and the way of
life that they once had. "The Baal Teshuva Survival Guide by Dr. Lisa
Aiken is this guidebook. Aiken is a world-renowned author and
psychologist, and a baalat teshuva herself. She addresses all of the
thorny issues that baalei teshuva face, giving psychological insights,
compassions and sound, practical advice. Every baal teshuva will see
themselves in some of the anecdotes that she presents. She helps baalei
teshuva understand how their changes, and the ways that they present
them to others, impact others and gives examples of how baalei teshuva
can prevent many interpersonal frictions by taking others' emotions
into account. Aiken takes baalei teshuva through the myriad challenges
they face, such as choosing a career (or not); accepting the loss of a
career that conflicts with Judaism; deciding if, or for how long to
study in a yeshiva; dealing with parents who can't accept that their
child has become observant; choosing an appropriate expression of
religious observance, along with a rabbi, synagogue, and community; and
relating to a spouse and/or children who are not observant. "This
important book will ease the path for Jews who are becoming observant,
revolutionize how baalei teshuva integrate their hearts and souls into
becoming observant, and improve how those who bring them close to
Judaism guide them in their journeys." -Quoted From Jewish Life
Magazine
Reviews
I have read most of the manuscript of The Baal
Teshuva Survival Guide by Dr. Lisa Aiken and have found it informative,
interesting, and thought provoking. Dr. Aiken has established her
credentials as a serious thinker and writer in the Torah community
through her previous works on topics of Torah interest. She deals with
the complex issues of the Baal Teshuva phenomenon of recent time, with
the return of many estranged Jews back to their roots. This movement of
return was given a surge after the Six Day War. Many organizations have
given baal teshuvas an important place on their agendas. Other
organizations have been created with this as their sole agenda. Over
the years many statistics have been gathered, methods of kiruv
discussed, and the successes and failures analyzed. Dr. Aiken presents
a handbook for both those making the return and those who have to guide
and mentor them. Since we are dealing with human beings and not
machines, there is no one monolithic model for the baal teshuva. Hence,
the plethora of varied and different organizations with different
approaches and methods. Dr. Aiken offers advice and guidance that takes
this fact of diversity into account. The points she makes are presented
in a lucid manner and will provoke thought and discussion. Although I
may not agree with every point made, the presentation is within an
acceptable halachic and hashkafic framework. In the final analysis, how
to utilize the information given, in a practical sense, will depend on
seeking the guidance of a bona fide rabbinic guide who will apply the
information halachically and hashkafically to that specific person s
situation and circumstances. Dr. Aiken emphasizes this point many times
throughout the book. I recommend this book as an informative guide to
this complex issue, from which kiruv workers, baal teshuvas, and the
public at large will be able to gain insight and inspiration. May
Hashem grant the author and her family long life and health to continue
to benefit the community with further Torah works. --Rabbi Zev Leff Rav
of Moshav Matityahu Rosh Yeshivah
The
Baal Teshuva Survival Guide is a comprehensive guide for people who
wish to become observant of Torah, for their families and friends, for
people who are mekarev (seek to encourage others to become Torah
observant), for rabbis and for anyone else who relates in any way to a
person making this change in life-style. --Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, MD
Author; Director Emeritus, Gateways Rehabilitation Center
This
book is wonderful. It not only provides a clear and comprehensive
description of the psychological, social, and spiritual challenges that
Baalei Teshuva experience but also serves as a roadmap for those
engaged in this daunting journey. It is a book that does not shy away
from identifying the pitfalls along the path to Teshuva, yet it always
remains encouraging, confirming and inspiring. It is a compelling read
for Baalei Teshuva, their families and friends, as well as for anyone
who would like to become more sensitive to, and knowledgeable about,
the internal and external experiences of Baalei Teshuva and those
affected by their change. This book is one of Dr. Aiken s best. --Rabbi
Yisrael Levitz, PhD Director, Family Institute of Neve Yerushalayim
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