"A deeply relatable, comforting guide for anyone who ever feels overwhelmed by parenthood . . . does not shy away from matters like the author's postpartum depression, loneliness, and financial strain. This authenticity sets Even God Had Bad Parenting Days apart from other parenting books."—Leah Grisham, The Jewish Book Council"Heartfelt, funny, and poignant" —The Jewish Review"A multidimensional work of meditation and love" —Mikhal Wiener, LilithNew parents get overwhelmed, regularly pushed to their limits and confused by contradictory feelings of elation and near-despair.To soothe the frazzled and lift their spirits, writer and Bible scholar Alicia Jo Rabins has created Even God Had Bad Parenting Days: ancient Jewish wisdom for new parents. Humorous, self-reflective, and comforting, Rabins' musings on both heartening and cringe-worthy biblical examples of parenting can help any caregiver see beyond the detritus of day-to-day living with young children and recapture a sense of wonder at the process of raising small humans.Parents do worry about their failed attempts to be perfect, and these short, personal essays can lead them to new perspectives and even to embrace a vital concept that English psychologist and pediatrician D.W. Winnicott called "the good enough parent." The supportive and inspirational writings of this gentle parenting book can help any soul embarked upon this wild, sacred work recognize the wisdom of poet Norman Fischer’s advice that "the only transcendence is fully embracing the ups and downs.”This collection draws on Alicia Jo Rabins' years of experience as a writer, Bible scholar, and feminist Jewish educator, and is based on her popular series of articles on parenting for Kveller.

Leonard Cohen created his masterpiece Hallelujah through continued persistence, belief, and dedication.Leonard Cohen was surrounded by music. His mother would sing folk songs in Yiddish and Russian. The synagogue where his grandfather was rabbi sounded like the gates of Heaven opening. And Leonard's heart turned the beauty of the world into music only he could hear.But there was also sadness. How could life contain so much joy and also so much sorrow? Leonard wondered if there was a way to capture all those feelings at once.He learned to play the guitar. He wrote songs. As a musician, people would come to see him perform. But there was still something missing. A song, hidden inside of him. One that he believed in, even when he struggled to write it or when others didn't understand it. And now, "Hallelujah" lives in all our hearts.An author's note asks readers to consider what their "Hallelujah" is, and encourages them to share their talents and joys with the world.

"A deeply relatable, comforting guide for anyone who ever feels overwhelmed by parenthood . . . does not shy away from matters like the author's postpartum depression, loneliness, and financial strain. This authenticity sets Even God Had Bad Parenting Days apart from other parenting books."—Leah Grisham, The Jewish Book Council"Heartfelt, funny, and poignant" —The Jewish Review"A multidimensional work of meditation and love" —Mikhal Wiener, LilithNew parents get overwhelmed, regularly pushed to their limits and confused by contradictory feelings of elation and near-despair.To soothe the frazzled and lift their spirits, writer and Bible scholar Alicia Jo Rabins has created Even God Had Bad Parenting Days: ancient Jewish wisdom for new parents. Humorous, self-reflective, and comforting, Rabins' musings on both heartening and cringe-worthy biblical examples of parenting can help any caregiver see beyond the detritus of day-to-day living with young children and recapture a sense of wonder at the process of raising small humans.Parents do worry about their failed attempts to be perfect, and these short, personal essays can lead them to new perspectives and even to embrace a vital concept that English psychologist and pediatrician D.W. Winnicott called "the good enough parent." The supportive and inspirational writings of this gentle parenting book can help any soul embarked upon this wild, sacred work recognize the wisdom of poet Norman Fischer’s advice that "the only transcendence is fully embracing the ups and downs.”This collection draws on Alicia Jo Rabins' years of experience as a writer, Bible scholar, and feminist Jewish educator, and is based on her popular series of articles on parenting for Kveller.

Leonard Cohen created his masterpiece Hallelujah through continued persistence, belief, and dedication.Leonard Cohen was surrounded by music. His mother would sing folk songs in Yiddish and Russian. The synagogue where his grandfather was rabbi sounded like the gates of Heaven opening. And Leonard's heart turned the beauty of the world into music only he could hear.But there was also sadness. How could life contain so much joy and also so much sorrow? Leonard wondered if there was a way to capture all those feelings at once.He learned to play the guitar. He wrote songs. As a musician, people would come to see him perform. But there was still something missing. A song, hidden inside of him. One that he believed in, even when he struggled to write it or when others didn't understand it. And now, "Hallelujah" lives in all our hearts.An author's note asks readers to consider what their "Hallelujah" is, and encourages them to share their talents and joys with the world.