Article Discussion: Review of The Choosing by Andrea Myers

Rabbi Myers’ remarkable book offers autobiography, sermon, humor, and spiritual direction. It is rare to read a work of literature that is both poignant and hysterically funny. This well-written memoir speaks to what it means to be a Jew; an LGBT person; an adult child — a daughter, granddaughter and a mother; and perhaps most importantly what it means to be a human struggling to be all of these.

At this moment in our history when doubters and nay-sayers question the possibility of an authentically Jewish experience in the contemporary world — that encompasses the breadth of categories of identity that Rabbi Myers herself inhabits — one must read this book for the tremendous inspiration it offers. We cannot help but be moved by Myers’ depth of commitment to Judaism, despite every possible obstacle (birth, sexual orientation and gender are just a few among them). _The Choosing_ is a testament that truly, am Yisrael chai — most powerfully in the least expected places, where the struggle to be a Jew embodies that yisr-ael, the struggle each of us is called to by our G-d.

The chapters of this extraordinary book offer life-lessons teaching us to discern who we are called to be — making a joyful noise unto God through our laughter (and tears). I wholeheartedly endorse _The Choosing_, a meditation on how we should remember.

Professor Frederick Roden, PhD
Department of English
University of Connecticut