Remix Judaism

. . . a helpful and innovative framework for those thinking about how American Judaism can survive and flourish. [Kwall] succeeds from the off at achieving her stated goal of introducing the “teachings and practices of the Jewish tradition in a way that comports with the sensibilities of Jews who are not, and likely never will be, observant by conventional measures.

-- Publishers Weekly

Remix Judaism, a beautifully written and deeply personal book, rooted in both wisdom and scholarship, deserves the wide readership that its author hopes to find.

Remix Judaism shows the diversity of opportunities for engagement in Jewish life that exists today. . . . Kwall’s book brings plenty of material to a book club discussion [and] has the potential to encourage conversations in families and among close friends . . . a remarkably accurate snapshot of where American Jews find themselves right now.

Remix Judaism gives us permission to connect to Jewish life and traditions on our own terms and to see our experience as an authentic and meaningful expression of Jewish life.

[an] important new book . . . Remix Judaism offers one path toward remixing and renewing the beautiful, ancient, and marvelous ritual that keeps us and our children Jews, and in so doing, enhances the meaning and splendor of our lives.

Kwall’s book should resonate with readers familiar with modern Jewish life, yet also be accessible to others, especially to those in ethnic or religious groups facing similar issues and to students in religious studies courses interested in contemporary hybrid observances.

. . .a celebration of Jewish life and culture, chock full of practical advice about tapping into Jewish traditions and values to enrich our lives and relationships . . . Whatever your level of Jewish identity and observance, Remix Judaism overflows with fresh, inspirational advice.

[Kwall’s] previous book, The Myth of the Cultural Jew, argues for the symbiosis between halakha—Jewish law—and the cultures inhabited by Jewish communities. Remix Judaism brings together these interests, builds on the idea that Jewish practice is influenced by the ambient culture, and analyzes the extent of that influence.

In our polarized world, where left and right seldom mingle, where innovation and tradition are seen as enemies, Roberta Kwall has found a way, as an observant Jew, to reach a hand out to liberal and secular Jews, talking in a respectful way about how anybody can integrate Jewish practices into the well-lived life. Kwall is a pal, a teacher, and the ultimate Jewish life coach.

-- Mark Oppenheimer, host, Tablet Magazine's Unorthodox podcast; author of "Squirrel Hill: The Tree of Life Synagogue Shooting and the Soul of a Neighborhood"

At this crucial moment, when Jewish life is at a crossroads between engagement and abandonment of Jewish knowledge, ritual and identity, Roberta Kwall reignites the tradition in all its vibrant colors. Remix Judaism might as well be called “Recharge Judaism,” because Kwall wakes us up, reminds us why Judaism powerfully endures, how it can feed our souls, focus our choices, and connect us to a powerful inheritance that’s worth prioritizing. This accessible, wise, important book should be on every shelf.

-- Abigail Pogrebin, author of "My Jewish Year: 18 Holidays, One Wondering Jew" and "Stars of David: Prominent Jews Talk About Being Jewish"

In Remix Judaism, Roberta Kwall draws nimbly and intelligently from the wellsprings of Jewish tradition and practice so as to allow American Jews to forge a Judaism that is both meaningful and authentic. Kwall is a keen observer of the contemporary Jewish scene, and she offers a clear program for modern Jewish life that has the capacity to address and motivate individuals and community. Her creative and rooted vision of Judaism is both exciting and inspiring.

-- Rabbi David Ellenson, Chancellor Emeritus of Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion; Professor Emeritus of Near Eastern and Judaic Studies at Brandeis University

There is no question in my mind that this work will be a guiding light to so many of us. If I could, I would make Remix Judaism required reading for all non-Orthodox Jews.

-- Rabbi Chuck Diamond, Former Rabbi of the Tree of Life – Or L’Simcha, Pittsburgh, PA

Writing with much sympathy and in an accessible, non-doctrinaire style about the complexities of living as an active Jew in contemporary America, Roberta Kwall has set herself the task of encouraging the broad spectrum of non-Orthodox Jews to give Judaism a second look because she is convinced their lives will be enriched immeasurably through the teachings and practices of their ancestors.

-- Jack Wertheimer, professor of American Jewish History, Jewish Theological Seminary

For a person who cares about the future of Judaism, this book presents a tremendous opportunity to take a journey with Kwall and think deeply about what it means to care about Judaism in this generation and generations to come.

-- Rabbi Joshua Rabin, senior director of synagogue leadership, United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism (USCJ)

When I chose a Jewish life, I was hungry for anything that could tell me exactly what I was signing up for. Judaism is ancient and traditional, but it is also dynamic and ever-adaptable. Bobbi Kwall has written the book I needed then, and what a joy to read it now and remind myself of the breadth of Jewish life and ingenuity.

-- Al Rosenberg, director of strategy and communication, OneTable

Roberta Kwall grapples with the challenges and opportunities of an open and diverse society to offer pathways for engagement and deepened connection to Judaism for cultural and secular Jews.

-- Rabbi Deborah Waxman, president, Reconstructing Judaism

In Remix Judaism Roberta Kwall puts forward a convincing case for liberal Jews holding tight to certain Jewish rituals and traditions even as they seek a Judaism flexible and meaningful enough to transmit to their children. It's an important message for our community, at this critical time.

-- Sue Fishkoff, editor of J. The Jewish News of Northern California and author, “The Rebbe's Army: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitc