The Spiritual Transformation of Jews Who Become Orthodox

<p><b>A psychological study based on extensive interview data of Jewish adults who take on a devout lifestyle.</b></p><p>Spiritual transformation is the process of changing one's beliefs values attitudes and everyday behaviors related to a transcendent experience or higher power. Jewish adults who adopt Orthodoxy provide a clear example of spiritual transformation within a religious context. With little prior exposure to traditional practice these <i>baalei teshuvah</i> (literally masters of return in Hebrew) turn away from their former way of life take on strict religious obligations and intensify their spiritual commitment. This book examines the process of adopting Orthodox Judaism and the extensive life changes that are required. Based on forty-eight individual interviews as well as focus groups and interviews with community outreach leaders it uses psychological developmental theory and the concept of socialization to understand this journey. Roberta G. Sands examines the study participants' family backgrounds initial explorations decisions to make a commitment spiritual struggles and psychological and social integration. The process is at first exciting as baalei teshuvah make new discoveries and learn new practices. Yet after commitment and immersion in an Orthodox community they face challenges furthering their education gaining cultural knowledge and raising a family without parental role models. By showing how baalei teshuvah integrate their new understandings of Judaism into their identities Sands provides fresh insight into a significant aspect of contemporary Orthodoxy.</p>