"What a joy! This book is a treasure trove of rabbinic wisdom, all within the framework of motherhood. This book brings Jewish women’s lives into the dialogue of our tradition in a significant and elegant way. Kol HaKavod to you all for publishing this."
--Beth Lieberman, Principal, Beth Lieberman Editorial Services and editor of 'Rashi's Daughters'
“A wonderful read for anyone who has a child, was a child, or cares about children. Great for the Jewish parent, great for the Presbyterian parent, the Buddhist, and even the skeptic.”
—Dr. Fran Walfish, Child and Family Psychotherapist and author of 'The Self-Aware Parent'
“Now I understand why we need women rabbis. No man could have written this book or taught us the Torah that it contains. Blessings and Baby Steps . . . is jam packed with Torah lessons that Rabbi Grinblat has learned from going through pregnancy and childbirth, and from raising her two small children. The insights into Torah that this book contains are ones that would never have occurred to men rabbis."
—Rabbi Jack Riemer, writing in The South Florida Jewish Journal
“We all understand that becoming a parent changes our lives in so many ways. In this charming memoir,Rabbi Ilana Grinblat opens our eyes to how it can enrich us spiritually as well—a gift we all need.”
—Rabbi Harold Kushner, Author of 'When Bad Things Happen to Good People'
“Most of us who have raised children can relate to the fatigue, the constant cleaning, feeding, bathing, and bedtime – and all the toil that is inevitably part of parenting. But it takes a special soul – and a gifted writer – to show us the mysterious and miraculous just behind the mess, the manifold ways in which our children raise us and teach us no less than we raise and teach them. Rabbi Ilana Grinblat is precisely that sort of woman, mother and writer, and through her eyes and this enchanting book, she treats us to a wondrous glimpse of how a truly sensitive soul like hers can learn, grow and deepen from the moments we least expect to be transformative. We emerge from reading Blessings and Baby Steps moved by her insight, and more importantly, hopeful that her sensitivity and ways of seeing the world could also become ours.”
—Rabbi Daniel Gordis, National Jewish Book Award Winner, Author of 'God Was Not in the Fire' and 'If a Place Can Make You Cry'
As a mother who felt spiritually challenged and transformed by the birth of my son I have been waiting for this book for a long time! Few if any explore birth and parenting at all or with such spiritual depth. As a Christian I resonated and learned from Rabbi Grinblat's scriptural and theological insights. Whatever your spiritual or religious background, whether you adopted or birthed a child or not, you will find this book a blessing on your spiritual journey.
—Rev. Jennifer Butler, Executive Director, Faith in Public Life
“Rabbi Ilana Grinblat has created a spiritual framework for the mysteries, challenges, and wonders of parenthood. Whether you are pregnant, in the early stages of parenting, or nostalgically reflecting on a time gone by, Parenting and Spirituality offers much wisdom. By referring to ancient Jewish teachings, Rabbi Grinblat is able to find the miraculous and holy even in everyday experiences. The reader of this book will discover many life lessons, perspective to face each day in the awe-inspiring journey of parenthood, and a deep appreciation for all that we learn from our children. As Rabbi Grinblat reminds us, ‘Raising children is a sacred experience.’”
—Marcie Greenfield Simons, Director, PJ Library
In this brand-new part parenting handbook, part spiritual diary, Rabbi Grinblat lets us share her struggles and triumphs during the early years of her children's lives. Her understanding and interpretation of Torah delivers a remarkable foundation from which to view parenthood.
— Kathy Bloomfield, CJP Family Connections
