Change Happens: Owning the Jewish Holidays in a Reconstructionist Tradition

Change Happens is a fascinating new book that is a fabulous resource AND a wonderful read. By using Change Happens you become part of the evolving religious civilization of the Jewish people and the transformation of Jewish tradition. This richly illustrated book begins with a chapter on celebrating the Sabbath, followed by all the holidays (from Rosh Hashanah through Shavuot) and ending with chapters on observing Rosh Hodesh, Yizkor, and Yahrtzeit. Each chapter opens with a meditation inviting you into a spiritual space where you can begin to envision, plan, and create how you, your family, and friends might celebrate that holiday. Next, a story about the holiday provides a framework for discussion and contemplation for all age levels. Brief reflections about each holiday, with relevant sacred Biblical text, help one discover why the holiday exists, and why within our evolving practices we continue to observe and cherish certain rituals. Another section offers the traditional prayers, rituals, and traditions for the holiday. All this leads to varied contemporary practices that serve as tools to make each holiday meaningful. Each holiday includes a spiritual chocolate moment, a gardening practice, and a tzedakah opportunity. Change Happens offers the opportunity for the reader to discover new practices and participate in the process of being part of an evolving religious civilization, to search for what makes these holidays valuable and important in developing one s own distinct Jewish identity. It is also designed and printed on a paper stock that allows the reader multiple places to insert personal reflections, holiday thoughts, photos and recipes. A perfect read, a perfect gift, this book belongs one very Jewish bookshelf and in the homes of parents, grandparents, college kids, interfaith families, newly married couples, and all families and friends who want to infuse their lives with a renewed sense of celebration and joy.