Jewish Dharma: A Guide to the Practice of Judaism and Zen

Judaism and Zen Buddhism, two of the world’s oldest and most revered wisdom traditions are increasingly practiced in tandem, particularly but not only by those born Jewish. Dr. Brenda Shoshanna synthesizes a lifetime of experience as a long term student and practitioner of both Judaism and Zen, and as an Interfaith counselor. This book focuses on each tradition’s specific practices and shows how they illuminate, challenge and enrich each other, and how they can guide our lives and help each of us connect to our deepest humanity.

Weaving together personal narrative, teachings from Jewish and Zen scriptures, parables, stories and anecdotes, and specific exercises, Jewish Dharma provides a clear, purposeful path to integrating both practices into your daily life. Every chapter tackles a major aspect of life and provides keys for finding answers. Issues include loneliness, restlessness, hopelessness, compulsions, misunderstandings, love, family relationships, parting and sorrow.

Whether you are seeking a more spiritual approach to Judaism, wish to explore Zen’s relationship to Western religion and traditional or want to learn more about Zen and Judaism in general, Jewish Dharma opens the path to a life of meaning, fulfillment and authentic faith, informed by the deepest insights and offerings of Judaism and Zen.

“Like so many Jewish Buddhists from Brooklyn, including myself, Brenda Shoshanna strives to be both a mensch and a bodhisattva. Her Torah as well as her dharma, her good heart and wisdom mind shine through this delightful, interesting, psychologically astute and practical book. Anyone interested finding deeper understanding and meaningful purpose in life will be rewarded by reading any one of Jewish Dharma’s pages.