Einstein and the Rabbi by Naomi Levy

About the Book:

When Rabbi Naomi Levy came across this poignant letter by Einstein it shook her to her core. His words perfectly captured what she has come to believe about the human condition: That we are intimately connected, and that we are blind to this truth. Levy wondered what had elicited such spiritual wisdom from a man of science? Thus began a three-year search into the mystery of Einstein’s letter, and into the mystery of the human soul. What emerges is an inspiring, deeply affecting book for people of all faiths filled with universal truths that will help us reclaim our own souls and glimpse the unity that has been evading us. We all long to see more expansively, to live up to our gifts, to understand why we are here. Levy leads us on a breathtaking journey full of wisdom, empathy and humor, challenging us to wake up and heed the voice calling from within―a voice beckoning us to become who we were born be.

My Review:

I enjoyed this book, a refreshing change from my usual evangelical Christian read on spirituality. Levy talks about the soul, a way back to our true selves. She encourages us to listen to our soul, be receptive to its teachings. She includes many thought provoking stories and insights.

She helps us contemplate our soul's journey and see hidden secrets in each day. “When we look back on life, some of our harshest trials turn out to be sources of wisdom. … Every life experience is an opportunity to unlock the good that is waiting for you there.” (249)

I appreciated this journey to to think about and experience a higher level of the soul. There is usually an emphasis on the spirit in the books I read. I found this book to be refreshing and full of insightful comments.

My rating: 4/5 stars.

About the Author:

Naomi Levy's latest book is Einstein and the Rabbi. She is the author of the national bestseller To Begin Again, as well as Talking to God and Hope Will Find You. Naomi is the founder and leader of Nashuva, a groundbreaking Jewish spiritual outreach movement based in Los Angeles. Levy was named one of the top-fifty rabbis in America by Newsweek and has appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, the Today show, and NPR. She was in the first class of women to enter the Jewish Theological Seminary’s rabbinical school and the first woman in her movement to head a congregation on the West Coast. Naomi lives in Venice Beach, California, with her husband, Rob Eshman. They have two children, Adi and Noa.

Flatiron Books, 352 pages.

(My star ratings: 5-I love it, 4-I like it, 3-It's OK, 2-I don't like it, 1-I hate it.)