Book Review: Our Jewish Roots

If you're a Catholic woman who wonders where many of our Catholic practices and customs came from, you'll be interested in reading Cheryl Dickow's book, Our Jewish Roots.

This book traces many things that we take for granted as uniquely Catholic back to their Jewish origins. We learn about the beliefs, practices and customs of the Jewish faith and see how many of these were incorporated into our own Catholic lives--always remembering that Jesus, after all, didn't come to make people abandon the Jewish faith but to fulfill its promises.

Part 2 of the book is a fascinating study of women of the Bible, relating their struggles, challenges and achievements to those we face in our own lives and showing us how these women of faith can inspire us today.

Our Jewish Roots ends with a section of questions for reflection, which would work for a group study or individual journaling.

If the mark of a good book is that it leaves you wanting more, then this is a very good book. The book is a fine mixture of information to be learned and ideas to be reflected upon. After reading it, you will know more--and you'll be inspired to keep learning more; you'll want to reread those sections of Scripture that are mentioned in the book to increase your knowledge and deepen your faith.

I have already recommended this book to several of my fellow Secular Franciscans who are interested in faith and history, as well as to a friend with similar interests.

A review copy of this book was provided to me. I was not financially compensated for this review.