A Wild Faith: Jewish Ways into Wilderness, Wilderness Ways into Judaism

By Mike Comins and Rabbi Mike Comins

Book Overview

This comprehensive how-to guide to the theory and practice of Jewish wilderness spirituality unravels the mystery of Judaism's connection to the natural world and offers ways for you to enliven and deepen your spiritual life through wilderness experience.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1580233163
• ISBN13: 9781580233163
• Release Date: February 2007
• Publisher: Jewish Lights Publishing
• Length: 238 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Recipes to Explore Spirituality in the Wilds

Essential for those who want to do more than just "walk in the woods", but want to find connection with a larger spiritual dimension in nature, this is a "How To" primer with "recipes" for finding spirituality outdoors. Although written by a rabbi from the approach of Jewish spirituality, it addresses universal themes for blessing, gratitude, experiencing and communication with natural energies, meditation, body movement, and the most basic of all - finding God's presence in wild places. I appreciated his exploration of the differences between animism, paganism and monotheism, particularly Judaism, as well as thoughtful background information for "testing" the validity of a spiritual practice in one of the excellent appendices. I also welcomed that he grounds his practices in solid theology and Jewish tradition with many references to text sources so it doesn't come off as wildly new age-y (at least not to me) though he does synthesize conventional practice with ideas from other traditions including Native American and Eastern religions. At times a little dry, Rabbi Comins, who is not only an ordained rabbi but also worked as a trained Israeli desert wilderness guide for 10 years, peppers the text with autobiographical information on how he came to this journey and how he uses the practices is his own wilderness encounters.

Beautiful, practical guide for nature-loving spiritual seekers

Rabbi Mike Comins' A Wild Faith offers Jews (and other spiritually-minded folk) a thoughtful, intelligent guide to a deeper understanding the Divine (God, Hashem, the universe, etc.) in nature. His book might be particularly welcome by those who feel themselves to be "spiritual-but-not-religious." Rabbi Comins' draws on his comprehensive knowledge of Judiasm & and Jewish practice along with his substantial experience as an outdoorsman. He writes with real humility, humor, and compassion.

a guidebook for spiritual survival

When exploring the wilderness, it is vital to be prepared and carry the proper gear. Rabbi Comin's guide is a full backpack complete with trail maps, a soul directing compass, and just enough guiding to empower us to create and realize an intimate and personal adventure. I particularly appreciate the trek's preparation that conveys in succinct terms relevant Jewish resources that combines moral, spiritual, modern and environmental ideals so that we have the proper tools to traverse the untamed mountaintops (and cityscapes?) and find there nourishment for worn souls. Rabbi Comins is also an exceptional translator who reveals the essential vibrant aroma and intentions of the Hebrew terms for the English reader. This book is a significant addition to our Permaculture, Ecovillage Design and Jewish resource library. Alex Cicelsky, Educator, Center for Creative Ecology, www.kibbutzlotan.com

Helpful on many levels

A Wild Faith is a highly inspiring yet extremely practical guide to connecting with Judaism through the wilderness. My husband and I just returned from a week of hiking in the Rockies and our trip was very much enhanced by practices such as 25-25-50 walking that Rabbi Comins outlines in this timely book. For anyone who is a fan of the outdoors, I highly recommend Rabbi Comins' lucid, good-humored, well-informed, and profound perspective on Judaism.

thoughtful and useful!

Rabbi Comins' book is both theologically stimulating and well grounded (pun intended). It is a great resource for making that essential link between Judaism and the natural world, between our prayer life and our outdoors experiences.