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From Rose Bowl to Rashi: A Unique Journey To Orthodox Judaism
A unique journey to Orthodox Judaism. The Murrays tell the beautiful story of their spiritual journey from being youth leaders in a Christian church to choosing Torah and Judaism. Read of their challenges, frustrations, joys, and eventual fulfillment in becoming their true selves.
- GenresJudaism
214 pages, Paperback
Published April 10, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
September 11, 2019
A very inspiring story about the Murray's spiritual search and slow journey from Christianity to Orthodox Judaism. Over the years, the Murray's did a lot of questioning and investigation, first to Messianism and then to Judaism. They are both very spiritual, knowledgeable and committed. Emunah puts a positive spin on all her experiences.
However, the book is notable for what it does not say. If it were not for the pictures you would hardly know that Calvin/Yosef is black. We never hear if that caused any tension in raising a mixed race family. It is relatively uncommon to find a black man in synagogue in the U. S. Did that cause any tension in Yosef's acceptance within the Jewish fold.
The Murray's marriage is the second for both of them. They both had children from their first marriages as well as children between them. We hardly hear about the influence of the first partners' influence on the children. It is not until the end of the book when we hear in the children's own words any hint of resentment or confusion about the change in religion and lifestyle of their parents. By their example, but not in words, the Murrays taught their children to reject everything they believed. It is notable that none of the children followed their parents' footsteps.
I wish the Murrays much success in Israel.
However, the book is notable for what it does not say. If it were not for the pictures you would hardly know that Calvin/Yosef is black. We never hear if that caused any tension in raising a mixed race family. It is relatively uncommon to find a black man in synagogue in the U. S. Did that cause any tension in Yosef's acceptance within the Jewish fold.
The Murray's marriage is the second for both of them. They both had children from their first marriages as well as children between them. We hardly hear about the influence of the first partners' influence on the children. It is not until the end of the book when we hear in the children's own words any hint of resentment or confusion about the change in religion and lifestyle of their parents. By their example, but not in words, the Murrays taught their children to reject everything they believed. It is notable that none of the children followed their parents' footsteps.
I wish the Murrays much success in Israel.
December 23, 2021
I'm really glad I read this book! I was so curious about what would make someone so rooted in Christianity turn to Orthodox Judaism. The high profile nature of Calvin Murray's career made it even more interesting. It's not common to hear of famous sportsmen being sincerely interested in religion.
This book gave great background into Yosef and Emunah's upbringing, what led them to Christianity and ultimately why they became Jewish. It was also interesting to see the perspectives of the Murray children and how their lives were affected by their parents' conversion. This book was easy to read, with clear chapters, a glossary if you were unsure of any terms of art used (although Emunah did explain terms and translate where necessary), as well as a beautiful photo section to illustrate their journey.
I'm giving 4 stars because I thought there would be a little more detail in the Murrays' thought process when coming to Judaism, but perhaps that was a literary choice not to come off as proselytizing or argumentative. I understand there was no one "aha!" moment in their journey but I guess I was expecting more specifics about their studies and conversion process vs their numerous trips to Israel and what they experienced there.
If you are interested in memoirs, conversion stories, Judaism or even football I would recommend this book.
This book gave great background into Yosef and Emunah's upbringing, what led them to Christianity and ultimately why they became Jewish. It was also interesting to see the perspectives of the Murray children and how their lives were affected by their parents' conversion. This book was easy to read, with clear chapters, a glossary if you were unsure of any terms of art used (although Emunah did explain terms and translate where necessary), as well as a beautiful photo section to illustrate their journey.
I'm giving 4 stars because I thought there would be a little more detail in the Murrays' thought process when coming to Judaism, but perhaps that was a literary choice not to come off as proselytizing or argumentative. I understand there was no one "aha!" moment in their journey but I guess I was expecting more specifics about their studies and conversion process vs their numerous trips to Israel and what they experienced there.
If you are interested in memoirs, conversion stories, Judaism or even football I would recommend this book.
January 14, 2022
Nice easy read about conversion to Orthodox Judaism. It was nice to read this true story since I remember Calvin (Yosef) and babysitting his two oldest kids a few times back in the 80’s!
August 30, 2018
Thank you Emunah for sharing your story. Makes me wish I could read a book written by each of my friends as I feel like I know you and Yosef better now. Would love to meet his family and so glad I had the chance to meet your mother.
For readers out there who are not personally familiar with the story of the Murry's you're in for wonderful treat when you read this book. It takes a special person to stand up to any hardship and come out on top. Most of us would not choose to make our busy lives more difficult. Fearless Yosef and Emunah chose, in some ways, many of the challenges that they have had to face to get to where they are at this point in their life. For that I admire them tremendously.
Not sure if you should face a challenge head-on or walk away from it? Read this book!
For readers out there who are not personally familiar with the story of the Murry's you're in for wonderful treat when you read this book. It takes a special person to stand up to any hardship and come out on top. Most of us would not choose to make our busy lives more difficult. Fearless Yosef and Emunah chose, in some ways, many of the challenges that they have had to face to get to where they are at this point in their life. For that I admire them tremendously.
Not sure if you should face a challenge head-on or walk away from it? Read this book!
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews