About This Book’s Theme:

Daniel Gordis’ memoir Coming Together, Coming Apart depicts a vivid portrait of life in Israel. Having made aliyah in 1998, with then small children, Gordis shares aspects of Israeli life with family, friends and colleagues that might be considered, by others, anything but normal. Through his eyes, Israel is set apart from other places; to quote him: “Israel is a place where life goes through you.”

Through his reflections and introspection, we get a clearer understanding of the dilemmas facing the typical Israeli and the country as a whole, mirrored against the backdrop of the 2005 pullout from Gaza. It’s through Gordis’ personal experiences and observations that we afford ourselves the opportunity to become more familiar with, and possibly more empathetic with, the struggles, sacrifices and scars life in Israel leaves on those who choose to call it home. In selecting Gordis’ book during this, Israel’s 60th year, we pave the way for continuing dialogue and deepening explorations into the role Israel plays in the formation of Jewish identity, both for Israelis and for North American Jews. Daniel Gordis searches his soul, and his country, for certainty in an uncertain time, conviction where conviction erodes, hope where despair can strike at a moment’s notice, and Jewish values that stem so deep they help erase, or at least ease, the current wounds.

A Review by Aaron Howard – CLICK HERE for Aaron’s review.

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