The JGirls Guide: The Young Jewish Woman's Handbook for Coming of Age

by Penina Adelman, Ali Feldman, Shulamit Reinharz

Overview

The Essential Survival Manual for Growing Up Jewish!

What does it mean to become a Jewish woman?

Did you ever think that Judaism had any advice on how to deal with pressure from your friends? Arguing with your parents? Feeling stressed out? Well, this book shows you that Judaism can help you deal with all these things—and a whole lot more.

The JGirl's Guide is a first-of-its-kind book of practical, real-world advice using Judaism as a compass for the journey through adolescence. A fun survival guide for coming of age, it explores the wisdom and experiences of rabbis, athletes, writers, scholars, musicians and great Jewish thinkers, as well as lots of girls just like you—girls who share your worries and concerns, and your joys.

Here’s a place to turn to for honest, helpful discussion about the things that really matter to you:

• Friendship • Eating • Health • Sexuality • Getting involved • Dealing with authority • Coping with stress • Self-esteem • Communication • Jewish Identity

Now’s the time when you are thinking: Who am I? What do I believe in? Who will I become? The JGirl’s Guide provides Jewish writings, traditions and advice that can help.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781580234993
Publisher:	Turner Publishing Company
Publication date:	03/01/2005
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	240
File size:	2 MB

About the Author

Penina Adelman is the author of Miriam's Well: Rituals for Jewish Women Around the Year and The Bible from Alef to Tav, which was a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. Her most recent book is Praise Her Works: Conversations with Biblical Women. She is a social worker specializing in group work and she leads pre-bat mitzvah and mother/daughter groups.

Ali Feldman, a marriage and family therapist and Jewish educator, gives workshops on a myriad of psychological topics through a Jewish lens. She maintains a private practice in Miami Beach, where she counsels couples, families and individuals.

Dr. Shulamit Reinharz is the Potofsky Professor of Sociology at Brandeis University, where she serves as founding director of both the Hadassah-Brandeis Institute and the Women's Studies Research Center. She is coauthor of The JGuy's Guide: The GPS for Jewish Teen Guys and The JGirl’s Guide: The Young Jewish Women's Handbook for Coming of Age (both Jewish Lights).

Table of Contents

PREFACE
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

INTRODUCTION: I'm a Jewish girl and so I’ll become a Jewish woman—is there any more to it than that?

1. BEING A FRIEND: I love my friends, but it’s hard to be a really good friend.
2. BEING A DAUGHTER: I love my parents, but do I need to honor them, too?
3. EATING: I like to eat, but I think about food a lot.
4. RESTING: I like to be active, but I am really stressed!
5. FEELING GOOD ABOUT MY BODY: I feel healthy most of the time, but sometimes I don’t take care of myself.
6. LIKING MYSELF: I want to fit in, but I want to be true to myself.
7. BECOMING A WOMAN: I am curious about sexuality, but I am scared about it, too. 8. THINKING BEFORE I SPEAK: I need to say what I feel and think, but I may be hurting people when I do.
9. GETTING INVOLVED: I want to make the world a better place, but there are just too many problems.
10. BECOMING MYSELF: I am Jewish, but is this how I want to identify myself?

GLOSSARY
ABOUT THE JEWISH RELIGIOUS MOVEMENTS
FOR MORE INFORMATION ...
NOTES

Editorial Reviews

Kol k'vodah bat melekh p'nimah: The true majesty of a royal daughter is inside her. Psalm 45 provides a strong foundation for a wonderful book that, though written for the tween/teen set, has something to offer Jewish women of any age or denomination. The authors emphasize that "in modern terms, this means that to feel great about yourself-to feel majestic even-you need to listen to your inner self." Using a combination of Jewish resources, secular psychology and a wealth of input from Jewish girls and women, this guide covers the waterfront-from teenage issues of self-image, gossip, friendship and sex to more singularly Jewish issues such as the Sabbath, religious studies and the tradition of tikkun olam (repairing the world). Each chapter includes a lesson on a particular mitzvah; a variety of activities, from journal questions to suggested plans of action; introductions to famous Jewish women; and observations from everyday Jewish girls. Perfect for a young woman about to embark on preparation for a bas mitzvah, this manual also lends itself to strengthening mother/ daughter relationships, solidifying the bonds between Jewish girls coming of age, and reminding Jewish women of any age of the special people they are, both as individuals and as Jews. (June) Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.

Publishers Weekly

"The JGirl's Guide is cool. You should check it out."
—Anita Diamant, author, The Red Tent and The New Jewish Baby Book: Names, Ceremonies & Customs—A Guide for Today's Families

"Fills a void in the Jewish world—and it does so with creativity and joy. We will be using it with our mother/daughter group at The Temple in Atlanta; it’s what we’ve needed for a long time."
—Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin and Nina Salkin, authors, The Bar/Bat Mitzvah Memory Book: An Album for Treasuring the Spiritual Celebration

“An invaluable tool for anyone working with Jewish girls. It incorporates important Jewish history and values into the issues Jewish girls face today. I recommend it highly.”
—Rosalind Wiseman, author, Queen Bees and Wannabes and cofounder of the Empower Program

“The arrival of The JGirl’s Guide couldn’t be more timely.... It captures the essence of a unique coming of age and skillfully provides tools to help young girls grow up with a confident sense of self and proud to be Jewish.”
—Donnie Kanter Winokur, founding executive director, The Body and Soul National Institute

“Unlocks the inner beauty and wisdom of Jewish tradition. Chock full of Jewish values, it will be a trusted friend and wise teacher to a whole new generation of sisters and daughters, our people’s next leaders.”
—Yosef I. Abramowitz, publisher, JVibe.com and Sh’ma; cofounder, BabagaNewz.com; and winner of the Covenant Award for Excellence in Jewish Education

“A tour de force! For Jgirls of all ages … the perfect gift, for it candidly and clearly offers profound wisdom to help Jewish girls grow into healthy, Judaically knowledgeable, involved and caring human beings. I can’t wait for my own daughter to read it.”
—Rabbi Joshua Elkin, executive director, The Partnership for Excellence in Jewish Education

From the Publisher