Become more insightful, inspired parents through Jewish spiritual wisdom.
“While raising our three children, we learned a parenting secret: that bringing up a child transforms us and transforms our world. We discovered that being parents is a spiritual journey that begins in an act of love and continues through intentional actions. The Holy One bequeaths to us minimally formed creatures, all potential, morally neutral. As parents we transform those children into compassionate, loving human beings. We become partners with God.”
—from the Introduction
Parenting has never been easy—but in a culture that encourages more screen time than face time, how can you make sure that your children stay connected to what really matters in life?
In this guidebook for building a strong framework for a Jewish life, Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Michelle November, MSSW, reveal the spiritual wisdom they have learned and the hard-won parenting techniques they developed that shaped their children as individuals and their family as a whole. Together, they explore spiritually nourishing approaches to help you foster essential Jewish values like gratitude, joy and honesty in your children. Kipnes and November also share timeless teachings and spirit-filled activities, rituals and prayers that will help you cultivate strong Jewish values and cherished spiritual memories in your own family.
“This book is a gem. The authors serve as your warm, wise and candid guides to a stunning range of Jewish wisdom for the here and now.... Learn and enjoy.”
—Dr. Wendy Mogel, author, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children
“An invaluable guide for parents seeking to raise spiritually resilient and grounded children.”
—Rabbi Rick Jacobs, president, Union for Reform Judaism
“There are many how-to books on the market, but few address how to nurture a soul. ... A provocative, honest and practical guide for cultivating the soul. It is a gift to all of us who care about the spiritual imagination of children.”
—Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso, author of many award-winning children’s book, including God’s Paintbrush
“Offer[s] a powerful blend of useful information, insightful questions and concrete practices that meets each of us where we are and takes us where we want to go.”
—Carla Naumburg, PhD, author, Parenting in the Present Moment
“An invaluable resource for parents who are concerned not only with their children’s success, but with their souls.”
—Rabbi David Wolpe, Max Webb Rabbi, Sinai Temple, Los Angeles; best-selling author, Teaching Your Children about God
“Engaging and spiritually motivating.... A must-read for clergy, parents, grandparents, teachers and anyone charged with the holy task of nurturing young souls.”
—Rabbi Ilana C. Garber, Beth El Temple, West Hartford, Connecticut; blogger, ilanagarber.com
“With warmth, candor, Jewish insight and practical wisdom, Paul Kipnes and Michelle November show us all how to be better parents. By reminding us that both childhood and parenting are spiritual journeys, they illuminate a path toward wholeness for us all.”
—David Stern, senior rabbi, Temple Emanu-El, Dallas
“A wonderful resource.... Informed by traditional and modern Jewish sources. A very helpful guide at many levels.”
—Joanne Doades, author, Parenting Jewish Teens: A Guide for the Perplexed
“Gently encourage[s] the reader to explore the myriad ways of infusing parenting with moments of deep meaning.”
—Rebecca Einstein Schorr, co-editor, The Sacred Calling: Forty Years of Women in the Rabbinate; blogger, This Messy Life (rebeccaeinsteinschorr.com)
“A wonderful, idea-packed, practical guide for shaping a spiritually alive Jewish family. The perfect gift for parents and grandparents looking to bring joy and meaning, blessings and kisses into the home.”
—Dr. Ron Wolfson, Fingerhut Professor of Education, American Jewish University; author, The Best Boy in the United States of America: A Memoir of Blessings and Kisses
“Inclusion is a value that the entire Jewish community must practice—in its synagogues, schools, camps and community organizations. Paul Kipnes and Michelle November have been leaders on this issue in their community and we can all learn from their example of acceptance and inclusion.”
—Jay Ruderman, president, Ruderman Family Foundation
“Paul Kipnes and Michelle November share their decades of wisdom on our most sacred work as parents—raising our children.... They live it, breathe it, teach it. Their children are the greatest testimony.”
—Ruben Arquilevich, executive director, Newman Center for Year-Round Engagement
“With rare wisdom, gentle love and humor, Paul Kipnes and Michelle November turn parenting into a spiritual adventure. This book is a blessing to a new generation of families. I will joyfully share it with new parents and grandparents.”
—Rabbi Edward Feinstein, author, Tough Questions Jews Ask: A Young Adult’s Guide to Building a Jewish Life
“Insightful, uplifting and filled with lots of practical tips.... It should sit right next to Dr. Spock on the nightstand.”
—Dr. Kerry M. Olitzky, executive director, Big Tent Judaism / Jewish Outreach Institute; author, Introducing My Faith and My Community: The Jewish Outreach Institute Guide for the Christian in a Jewish Interfaith Relationship
“Alternating between personal anecdotes and Jewish teachings, the book is a lovely blend of inspiration and instruction.... A comprehensive guide for Jewish parents across the spiritual spectrum. Paul and Michelle offer delightful nuggets of wisdom that I look forward to using and sharing.”
—Rabbi Phyllis Sommer, parenting blogger, Superman Sam (supermansamuel.blogspot.com)
Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Michelle November, MSSW, have been married for over twenty-five years and burst with pride at the admirable young adults their three children are becoming. They spend every summer as faculty at the Camp Newman Jewish summer camp, fostering Jewish spirituality in campers.
Rabbi Paul Kipnes, MAJE, a popular lecturer on raising ethical, resilient Jewish children, is spiritual leader of Congregation Or Ami in Calabasas, California, former camp director and North American Federation of Temple Youth regional advisor.
Michelle November, MSSW, has guided families as a parenting teacher and family camp retreat designer. She is the former national college director of the Union for Reform Judaism and senior admissions officer at de Toledo High School in West Hills, California.
Rabbi Paul Kipnes and Michelle November, MSSW, are available to speak to your group or at your event. For more information, please contact us at (802) 457-4000 or publicity@jewishlights.com.
