Recent Book Activity

First of all, I am a passionate lover of books. My work allows me to travel extensively and I make it point to visit any local bookstore of note in the cities to which I travel. It is a pilgrammage of sorts for me. Books are holy, and I don't mean just those we call holy books. There is something magical about an author entering into an intimate relationship with a reader. The mixture of anonomity and intimacy gives it an almost erotic quality. And when the book is one that deals with the deepest human concerns, this eroticism can be elevated to the a holy unity that is all to rare in our lives.

The only thing I love more than words is silence. That is why I am president and senior rabbi of Metivta, a contemplative center for adults interested in the study of Kabbalistic and Hasidic texts and the practice of Jewish meditation and prayer. Our work is done primarily in retreat format. We meet for five or more days at a time to explore the reality of God in, with, and as all things. Silence is our "method" of choice. Sitting together in silent contemplative of God manifest in us, as us, carries that same holy eroticism as reading a great book. The only difference is the Author is right there!

When I read about Book Crossing in Utne Reader I was very impressed and excited. This is a wonderful project, and I am honored to be a part of it.