A unique memoir that interweaves poetry, narrative, meditation, and social history, A Spiritual Life explores the complex facets of a Jewish woman's spiritual coming-of-age, capturing the emotional and spiritual reality of contemporary Jews as well as religious seekers of all types. From the experiences of early childhood, to the spiritual awakening of a secular adolescent encountering Jewish tradition, to the alternately funny and searing tales of new-found independence, early married life, young motherhood, and midlife, Feld comments with remarkable honesty and clarity on the many stages of spiritual and artistic exploration and growth. Overarching all these accounts is the picture of how the cycle of the Jewish calendar year comes to provide an ever-renewing source of sustenance for the author's deepening spiritual expression.

Finding Words explores the subtle beauty and stark challenges of family, the complexities of adult friendships, the struggle to center a life on what is meaningful and nourishing, and the holiness to be found in ordinary moments. Moving and accessible, Finding Words is a great gift for friends and family. In addition to being one of those cherished "night table books," it is ideal as a book club selection and also provides thoughtful content for a unique and powerful adult education program. Acclaimed poet and award-winning playwright, Feld is author of the beloved memoir, A Spiritual Life (SUNY Press, revised 2007); her poetry has been featured in numerous anthologies and in several new groundbreaking prayer books. As educator and scholar-in-residence, she has helped clergy and communities across North America use poetry as a powerful means of spiritual expression and has pioneered the field of writing as a spiritual practice.

"In Longing: Poems of a Life, acclaimed poet Merle Feld presents a collection of deeply personal poetry reflecting on the realities of family, trauma, isolation, abuse, coming of age, love, and guarded hope"--