We published a book!
It's here! It's here! Our book, Judaism Unbound: Bound is published and in stores now!
When Dan and Lex first started Judaism Unbound, it was in hopes of writing a book, which first required research. The research was public, a series of interviews with the greatest living thinkers and doers in the innovative sphere of Jewish life. The podcast took off, and the book was put on hold. Nine years after the start of the podcast, we finally brought the book across the finish line (and hopefully, into your hands!).
Wait! There's more. There's always more at Judaism Unbound! In addition to the book, Judaism Unbound: Bound, we also are releasing a companion book, Beyond the Bindings, with creative activities and resources to help embody the complex theories in Judaism Unbound: Bound.
What People Are Saying
“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.)” - Publisher’s Weekly
The Experience Guide
Looking for a creative, body-mind engaged, intellectual joyful group experience?
Us too. So, we created a resource for chevrutah (sacred partnered study) and small group learning.
Beyond the Bindings: For those that learn by doing
Beyond the Bindings is our experience guide serving as a companion to the Judaism Unbound: Bound book. It is intended for use in chevrutah or in small groups. Perfect for a board meeting, a dinner date, or a book group, Beyond the Bindings uses creative tools to help embody the works in Judaism Unbound: Bound and translate complex theories into everyday practices. You can order your own copy of Beyond the Bindings for $9 or download a printable version of Beyond the Bindings here for $18. Want more than 10 copies and interested in a group rate? Look no further! Just email hello@judaismunbound.com and we will help set you up.
BOOK CIRCLES
It is our hope that Judaism Unbound: Bound and Beyond the Bindings, infuses your life with Jewish wisdom, creative methods of belonging and a sense of possibility. There are six chapters to work through in Beyond the Bindings, specifically designed for in-person small groups. We ask that your group meet six times (minimum) over the course of the year.
What’s a small group? Thanks for asking. A small group is either a group of friends or neighbors or fellow seekers, a Jewish board or committee, or any grouping of 3-30 humans who want to engage in meaningful and joyful dialogue around Jewish wisdom and innovation.
There seems to be a lot of content for these circles. Oh yeah. There are study questions in the Judaism Unbound: Bound book and communal activities in the Beyond the Bindings book, and there are resources for leaders to hold space. AND we ask that you attend an initial training on the book, and then there are optional gatherings for Guides to learn and connect together around the book. Also, and this is important… this is a pilot initiative so anyone joining or leading a group will be asked to participate in a low barrier evaluative process so we can keep learning and making relevant resources.
How much does it cost to be part of this pilot program?
From you: We ask that you agree to meet six times with your Book Circle, attend a training and contribute $20 a month per person plus the cost of the materials (roughly $40) to Judaism Unbound.
There are group rate discounts (for groups larger than 10 people). Also, finances should never stop you from being part of something at Judaism Unbound. We mean it. So, if you’d like to be part of a group, but require financial assistances, please let us know.
From us: Judaism Unbound will provide trainings to support Book Circle Guides, lesson plans, downloadable Beyond the Bindings, group meet-ups for Guides, and in some cities (with more than six active groups) we will bring a live Judaism Unbound event to you!
You will be part of a sacred experiment in empowered belonging, sourced in inclusive Jewish wisdom, designed to spark creativity and connection. We plan on following the path of these pilot groups for years into the future. Each one of you a scout into a new land.
How it works:
Gather 5-30 people (or grab 3 friends and let us know if you are open to others in your area joining your group)
Sign up! Fill out this form to let us know your plans and get plugged into resources
Learn with the Judaism Unbound team and other guides how to share these Unbound materials in ways that are heart opening.
Convene your Book Circle and Dig in!
Book Circle Guides:
We are looking for Guides to help hold space, convene gatherings in their local neighborhoods, and help be part of this pilot initiative to engage deeply in Jewish wisdom.
A Guide is…
Patient. Compassionate. Loves to listen as part of leading. Understands how to hold space and lift up sparks of hope, truth, and challenge. A seeker for greater knowledge. An intellect who aims to embody ancient wisdom for the purpose of igniting possibility in their own lives and lives of others. Considers themselves an Unbounder, someone open to exploring beyond what they’ve been told and pursue their own sense of meaning making.
Sound familiar? Great. We need your gifts. Sign up to serve as a Book Circle Guide here.
Looking for a Book Circle to join in your area? We’re on it.