The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things

by Steven Z. Leder

Finding meaning in the mundane is just a matter of knowing where to look. Herewith, the miraculous nature of everyday life is explored. Through vignettes at turns funny and poignant, Rabbi Leder points out those easily overlooked connections between everyday experiences and the teachings of Judaism. God and spirituality can be found in every aspect of our daily routines. Ordinary things--a pet frog, a weekend fishing trip, a roller coaster ride--become extraordinary when reexamined through Jewish eyes. Woven throughout Rabbi Leder's essays are midrashic texts, talmudic excerpts, and passages from the Torah, reflecting thousands of years of Jewish wisdom. Whether recalling a memorable walk along the beach with Dad, teaching a child the commandment of tzedakah, or stepping into the shoes of an anxious father-to-be as he paces the halls of the maternity ward, these stories reveal Judaism's power to illuminate our lives. On Eleven Suggestions for Raising a Mensch On the paradox of modern You can't put one tuchus in two chairs. On The miraculous is the common and the birth, teaching, our breath. Discover The Extraordinary Nature of Ordinary Things.

Genres: Nonfiction, Philosophy

136 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1999

Reviews

[Jennifer Cannady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sometimes I crave a fast paced modern story, sometimes a nonfiction book that teaches deeply about a topic I know little about. And then.. sometimes I crave a read that focuses on the transcendent.

While I am not a Jew, I have always been fascinated by the culture, theology and traditions of Judaism. Rabbi Leder writes a monthly column in a popular women’s magazine that I have really enjoyed. This work was his first book and is a series of musings on a variety of universal human experiences explained through Jewish teachings.

While not every entry resonates for me (the reference in his letter to his mom where he recounts her welcoming relatives fleeing the “Communist” takeover in Chile floors me as this seems a super reactionary political view), most entries are lovely and both illuminate the unique perspective of Judaism and universal lessons for humanity.

Of particular note was learning about a marvelous minor Jewish holiday that is devoted to celebrating trees, Rabbi Leder’s comforting words on death, grief and loss in general and the perspective on marriage.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful book.