THE BAAL TESHUVA PROCESS INVOLVES TREMENDOUS GROWTH AND CHANGE…
…as well as constant obstacles. Baal teshuvas often wish there was a guidebook that would support them along their way as they grow and make decisions that may alienate them from their families, friends, and their past way of life.
The Baal Teshuva Survival Guide by Dr. Lisa Aiken is this guidebook. Aiken is a world-renowned author and psychologist, and a baal teshuva herself. She addresses all of the thorny issues that baal teshuvas face, giving psychological insights, compassions and sound, practical advice. Every baal teshuva will see themselves in some of the anecdotes that she presents. She helps baal teshuvas understand how their changes, and the ways that they present them to others, impact others and gives examples of how a baal teshuva can prevent many interpersonal frictions by taking others’ emotions into account. Aiken takes baal teshuvas through the myriad challenges they face, such as choosing a career (or not); accepting the loss of a career that conflicts with Judaism; deciding if, or for how long to study in a yeshiva; dealing with parents who can’t accept that their child has become observant; choosing an appropriate expression of religious observance, along with a rabbi, synagogue, and community; and relating to a spouse or children who are not observant.
This important book will ease the path for Jews who are becoming observant, revolutionize how baal teshuvas integrate their hearts and souls into becoming observant, and improve how those who bring them close to Judaism guide them in their journeys.
Title: The Baal Teshuva Survival Guide
Author: Dr. Lisa Aiken
Retail Price: $21.99
ISBN: 0-9779629-3-8
ISBN-13: 978-0-9779629-3-8
Trade Paperback, 6×9, 432 pages; includes footnotes, appendices and glossary of commonly used Jewish words
Lisa Aiken was born in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Loyola University in Chicago. She was the Chief Psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and has had a private psychotherapy practice with individuals and couples for more than 25 years.
Dr. Aiken is listed in thirteen Who's Who books. She has lectured on a wide range of Jewish topics for diverse audiences in more than 150 cities worldwide. She is the acclaimed author of more than ten books on Jewish topics. She is also a licensed Israeli tour guide.