The Lemon Tree by Sandy Tolan

This is a must read for anyone at all interested in understanding something about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The author makes an undeniably complex situation easier to grasp by tracing the stories of two families up to the current time. The writing is beautiful, clear and unbiased. It reads like a historical novel in the best sense, yet is completely factual. Please read the reviews on his website (click on the title above) and then read the book. There are also reading guides for schools, groups and congregations. I can't say enough about how important it to read this book.

With Roots in Heaven by Rabbi Tirzah Firestone

"At age seventeen, Tirzah Firestone left the oppressive home of her Orthodox Jewish parents and set off on a spiritual odyssey. With Roots in Heaven is the story of that journey, a fascinating and moving account of her evolution from rebellious young seeker to renegade rabbi. This is an inspiring, true account of a courageous woman with strong convictions and a passion to know and feel God. It is also a book that goes beyond one person's story of wandering and redemption to explore the dangers of modern religion and the joys and conflicts of intermarriage and raising interfaith children. An unforgettable story of love, sacrifice, and transformation--of grace sought and found--With Roots in Heaven offers hope, wisdom, and encouragement to anyone seeking deeper spiritual meaning in today's world."

I enjoyed this book immensely, in fact I couldn't put it down. The lessons she learns from the school of hard knocks about spiritual paths, teachings, and her own innate wisdom and feminine knowing would be helpful to women from many diverse backgrounds. Her wisdom and experiences are particularly timely as women and the qualities of the feminine come forward in the world in new and much needed ways.