I´ve heard the first time about Kayla Haber-Goldstein while listening to her interview with 18 Forty Podcast, one of the few Jewish podcasts I am regularly listening those days. I am regularly writing about people who left the religious life for various reasons, but her story, told on a very honest voice, was different: while struggling to the observant life, she challenged herself to start a life project of documenting and researching various aspects of Judaism.
The result of her four years of intensive search, discussions and learning was Questioning the Answers, a book that echoes the honest and curious voice I´ve heard during the podcast. I just finished the book and I could not stop thinking how it reminds us what an awesome family we are all part of. How important it is to understand instead of judging, try to repair instead of destroying.
The whole book is a personal yet important view on many topics, including the role of women in Judaism, our relationship with Gd, prayer, mental health, prayer. My favorite part of it is the last long closing chapter dedicated to the Jewish holidays, that she is re-reading in her personal key. A reminder of how important for everyone is to never stop thinking and give meaning to our cycle of life.
Questioning the Answers is a beautiful contribution to traditional interpretations. I only wished it went a bit longer.
Rating: 4.5 stars
