News & Events
The Skeptic and the Rabbi
Hits Book Stores
The Skeptic and the Rabbi is featured in special High Holiday displays at many Barnes & Noble stores. The strong showing for Judy’s book has put the book into its second printing already. Here’s Judy at the B&N at The Grove in Los Angeles.
Praise for The Skeptic and the Rabbi
“This marvelous book should connect with the widest possible readership – ferociously religious or fervently secular; Jewish, Christian or humanist; baby boomer, Gen X’er or millennial . . . Judy’s relationship with Judaism comes across as a serious romance, but one that raises as many new life questions as it settles. The call to ‘rules, rituals and restraint’… don’t bring an end to thinking and choosing but provide a means to think more deeply and choose more richly.” – Michael Medved, author of The American Miracle: Divine Providence in the Rise of the Republic.
“Gruen’s ebullient positivity is a counterweight to religion-as-abuse memoirs… an uplifting spin on an often-misunderstood life choice.” – Library Journal
“Honesty shines throughout the book, as Gruen refuses to sugarcoat her narrative. She frankly discusses the many real challenges she encountered in her decision to take upon various mitzvot. The memoir is a terrific read for anyone curious about the Torah lifestyle.” – Leah Aharoni, Jewish Action Magazine
Books
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Mirth & Meaning Blog
News And Notes From Judy
by
Dear Readers,
This season has brought joy and blessing to our family. Our fourth grandchild, our second grandson, was born January 14, at a strapping 9 pounds, 2 ounces. His name is Reuven Yitzchak (Robert Issac), carrying the name of both his great-grandfathers.
We feel enormously blessed to have children who are bringing in a new generation to the world. So many people are not making parenthood a priority; and I hope they will change their minds for all the right reasons! We are especially fortunate that our grandchildren live nearby, filling our lives with joy, trips to the park, and yes, sometimes sprained shoulders or sore backs from too much lifting of little people topping 30 or 40 pounds!
This was also the third time I had the privilege of attending a grandchild’s birth. It is dramatic and awesome to witness it. What a miracle!
New columns, reviews, and other professional news
Professionally I have also been busy. My recent columns on Aish.com include my observations after my first experience knowing someone who chose physician-assisted suicide — something that affected me very powerfully. Other columns focused on Harvey Weinstein and the “Me-Too” phenomenon, a promising twist in the world of fashion, and more. You can check out my whole line up of stories on this wonderful website here.
Publications
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