In her first book, "Life on the Fringes," Haviva Ner-David
described her quest to become an Orthodox rabbi, to serve God the
same way men traditionally did. Now, Rabbi Ner-David tunes in to an
aspect of God she hadn't heard before, the voice of Chanah.
Chanah, the Biblical mother of Samuel, was considered by tradition
to have invented prayer. Her name is also an acronym for the three
commandments given to women: Challah, the taking of an offering
from baking dough; Niddah, separation during menstruation followed
by immersion; and Hadlakat HaNer, lighting the Sabbath candles.
In this spiritual memoir, Rabbi Ner-David explores the spirituality
of domestic life while struggling with the strictures of
systematized Jewish law. Combining soul-searching honesty and deep
Jewish knowledge, "Chanah's Voice" is the compelling voice of a new
generation of Jewish feminism.
"A beautiful example of how to wrestle with God, Torah, and one's
self." -Brad Hirschfield, author of "You Don't Have to Be Wrong for
Me to Be Right"
"New challenges, new insights, and, at times, new theological
innovations."
-Jay Michaelson, "author of Everything is God: The Radical Path of
Nondual Judaism"
"This profound meditation on spiritual integrity, vulnerability,
and holiness is a must-read for anyone who values Judaism. Haviva
Ner-David has once again illuminated the way for us, enlivening
ancient concepts and imbuing them with deep spiritual
meaning."
-Rabbi Danya Ruttenberg, author, "Surprised by God: How I Learned
to Stop Worrying and Love Religion"
"Haviva Ner-David is one of the most original thinkers on the
Jewish scene today. In Chanah's Voice she takes what have sadly
become stale rituals and re-envisions them anew. Ner-David's
powerful stories of family, tradition, and love will inspire
readers to find deeper meaning in their Jewish lives."
-Ari L. Goldman, author, "Living a Year of Kaddish: A Memoir "
"I have always admired Haviva. I loved her first book, yet
"Chanah's Voice" is more remarkable. It is not only a unique
contribution to the literature of feminism and Orthodoxy but also a
significant work that better fits the categories of the theology
and social anthropology than autobiography. Perhaps this is how all
theological works should be: written engagingly in the first
person, making accessible to the reader the struggle of an
individual or community trying to make sense of one's relationship
with God."
-Blu Greenberg, author, "On Women and Judaism: A View from
Tradition"