Today a great spiritual hunger is surfacing as many seek comfort, support, and meaning in a world that has spun out of control. There are endless paths to take, yet most have little knowledge of what authentic Jewish and Zen practice actually are and how they can heal your life. I have written this book not only for Jews and Zen students, but for all those who seek true fulfillment and answers to the primal questions that drive their lives.

This book will show you how Zen and Jewish practice illuminate, challenge, and enrich one another. You will see how each tradition provides keys for finding answers to the personal struggles you face today. Each chapter deals with different life issues such as loneliness, relationships, marriage, family, healing sorrow, and shows how both Jewish and Zen practice handle them. We look at the true nature of love, what the mitzvot really are, how to wake up from illusions, how to practice of mindfulness, where to find true support and what keeps us from it. You also learn about zen meditation, how to remain balanced and centered, and grounded in the present moment.

In a sense, Judaism and Zen represent two opposite ends of a continuum: Zen is based on radical freedom, individuality, being in the present, and nonattachment. Judaism comes rooted in family relationships, love, prayer to a Higher Power, and the injunction to hold on and remember. A Jewish heart is warm, giving, human, devoted to family and friends, and filled with longing for the well-being of all. A Zen eye is fresh, direct, spontaneous, planted in the present moment. It is unencumbered by ideas, beliefs, tradition, hopes, or expectations. These practices are like two wings of a bird: both are needed to be able to fly.

As you read the book and undertake some practices you will learn how to create a life filled with love, acceptance, respect, clarity, kindness. You will gain insight into the true nature of love, discover what creates true fulfillment and learn how to build relationships on a foundation that cannot falter. You will also stop looking for love and happiness where they cannot be found, and save yourself a lot of heartache. Practicing both Judaism and Zen together will set you in the right direction, and allow your life to bloom.

Each chapter includes specific exercises and guidelines so you can integrate the material into your everyday life. The book will speak to all individuals who are seeking understanding and meaning, and wish to live a life grounded in authentic faith.