Judaism Unbound (Bound): Provocative Conversations About the Jewish Future with the Most Visionary Thinkers and Practitioners

Debut authors Libenson and Rofeberg, who cohost the Judaism Unbound podcast, collect 200 conversations from their show for this thought-provoking look at how Jews today are “re-thinking, re-imagining, and experimenting” with their faith. Guests discuss projects that reimagine “Jewish futures,” often by challenging the status quo. For example, Shira Stutman explains how the Washington, D.C., synagogue where she was a head rabbi served as a way station for Jews in their 20s and 30s to learn “what it means to live a full... Jewish life” before moving on to other congregations or finding a place in the wider Jewish community. Artist Eileen Levenson frames her website, Haggadot.com, which enables the creation of custom-made haggadahs, as a reflection of a DIY Judaism that sees every viewpoint about the faith “relevant in some way,” while Sarah Lefton’s BimBam, a website dedicated to short animated videos of the weekly Torah portion, highlights the importance of accessibility in Jewish learning. While not every innovation will resonate with readers, all prompt meaningful conversations about how Judaism can evolve in ways that maintain its relevance without sacrificing its core principles. Those concerned about Judaism’s future will find plenty to chew on in these creative and expansive dialogues. (Sept.)