Review for Leaving Home ... on Amazon.com

5.0 out of 5 stars Becoming A Citizen of the World in Israel, the United States and Europe, July 15, 2010


By Christopher Meade - See all my reviews



This review is from: Leaving Home, Going Home, Returning Home: A Hebrew American's Sojourn in the Land of Israel (Paperback)

In 1996 I traveled to Israel on a pilgrimage with about twenty Catholics. I left with a sense of gratitude for the dynamic culture of modern day Israel with its diverse population of Jews, Palestinians and Arabs. Without fail, when I share with others that I spent a few weeks in Israel, most respond that they would love to visit but are afraid that the region is too dangerous and volatile to venture into.

Jason Alster's book offers to would be travelers an enjoyable account of one man's decision to make a life in Israel over a twenty-year period. He captures the joy and thrill of an American Jew learning about a new culture with its distinctive cuisine, economy and historical narrative. Living through the anxiety produced by the Gulf War and periodic episodes of terrorism he manages to fall in love, marry, raise two daughters and embrace with open arms the joy of reconnecting with his Jewish heritage.

The book's charm revolves around its personal and funny anecdotes. I especially enjoyed the story of the couple who sought out Mr. Alster's biofeedback services to reduce stress and blood-pressure issues. As the husband sat down to begin his session his chair gave way and he harmlessly fell to the ground. Laughter can be a great stress reducer.

For those interested in getting beyond the often ominous headlines in the news about Israel and the Middle East, for those who would like to understand what it's really like to live in that nation and, perhaps, one day visit Mr. Alster's book is a great place to start.

Author of Icons & Iconoclasts

Icons & Iconoclasts: How Secrecy and Denial Shattered the Catholic Church's Prestige - And How It Can Recover