Rabbi Tzemah Yoreh is exactly the kind of person I would want to have as my teacher and fellow explorer of spirituality and meaning-making. The seeming contradictions he embodies position him well to be able to grapple with some of the toughest topics we humans grapple with in our existence. He makes his case effectively, with humor, and obvious intelligence.

I approached this book with little idea of what it might offer. What I found was a very clever and enjoyable writing style with some sentences and ideas that I practically want to frame. I also enjoyed reading about Rabbi Yoreh's life and the places he has been. I also appreciated his main message of compassion and how nurturing it in himself and his congregation has been. Yes, it's an odd little book in some ways but I think we can take that as a charming reminder of who he is.
I'm going to recommend this to book clubs--Jewish book clubs in particular--because there is plenty of good fodder to spark discussion.
And then there is his poetry and the poetry of others. That adds another note to this work and will be appreciated by many readers.

Thank you to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. And also, thank you to my daughter who is also a NetGalley reviewer and drew my attention to this book.

This book is interesting and quite unique. It’s written by a Rabi who happens to be on the autism disorder spectrum (previously he would have been known as having Asperger’s). I enjoyed the authors account of what life has been like for him as a high functioning autistic man. He lays bare both the struggles and the gifts. Although I felt the latter part of the book didn’t quite match the rest of the book, I liked it all. It’s different. It’s fresh. And if you or a loved one is a high functioning autistic, it’s entirely relatable. Kudos to the author and the publisher!

I really liked this book!! It’s unique in its style and, sometimes, randomness. But I loved getting a glimpse into the mind and life of an autistic man who grew up in religion and is now a humanist. As someone also raised in strict religion, who became a full time committed member, but is now a humanist, I just find it so fascinating. As a mom to a child who may be on the spectrum, it’s also a very helpful read and insights.

This book will not be everyone’s cup of tea, but I personally quite liked it! I find it an encouragement to just be who I am, and to let life bring a community that will accept me for me.

#SoCompassionateitHurts #NetGalley

Anyone who is “on the spectrum” or knows someone who is,may want to read this title by Tzemah Yorah. He takes readers on a journey through his childhood, marriage, and life as a parent. He also gives an account of how he became a Rabbi and the unique perspective that he feels autism has given to him and the ways in which this has enhanced his approach to his profession.

At times, I found this title to be a bit “stream of consciousness” in its unfolding. Nonetheless, I valued getting to know this very honest author through this work.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Modern Scripture for this title. All opinions are my own.