"Having a baby changes everything." This often repeated refrain recognizes that becoming a parent is a big transformation. But parents are frequently left wondering: How does it change everything? And while many books deal with the practical reality of changing diapers and consoling the colicky infant, few address how parenthood changes one's heart and soul. Some volumes cover what we should teach our children; Blessings and Baby Steps: The Spiritual Path of Parenthood, by Rabbi Ilana Grinblat shows what we can learn from them.
Scheduled for release on July 15, 2011, Blessings and Baby Steps charts the spiritual journey of parenthood from pregnancy through preschool. Rabbi Grinblat interweaves personal parenting experiences with tales from the Bible and Jewish tradition along with stories from her friends, family, teachers, colleagues, and congregants. Each chapter offers an insight from a particular moment of parenting and highlights a quality that this stage nourishes.
Blessings and Baby Steps focuses on parenting young children, yet its spiritual lessons can speak to anyone. The book wrestles with the central questions of life, including dealing with painful experiences, appreciating simple moments, and finding meaning in everyday life. Dr. Fran Walfish, Child and Family Psychotherapist and author of The Self-Aware Parent, described Blessings and Baby Steps as: "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."
Blessings and Baby Steps shows how children, indeed, can change everything--including how we view time, work, money, sex, love, family, friendship, nature, humanity, ourselves, and ultimately God. From morning sickness to sleepless nights, from labor pains to temper tantrums, parenthood presents many frustrations. This book grapples honestly with those challenges and reveals spiritual lessons along the way. The stories illustrate how children can offer us new perspectives and strengthen our character. This work shows how, despite the struggles, "having a baby changes everything" for the better.
"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
"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
Rabbi Ilana Berenbaum Grinblat teaches at the American Jewish University's Ziegler School of Rabbinic Studies in Los Angeles. Rabbi Grinblat is a prolific writer on parenting and spirituality. Her parenting columns have been featured in the websites of the Forward, the Jewish Journal, and the Washington Jewish Week.
Blessing and Baby Steps is perfect for new parents, for expectant parents, and for parents of young children. It makes a wonderful gift. You can pre-order Blessings and Baby Steps HERE.
