The Long Way Around

Robert Dobrusin has spent many years reflecting on Judaism, its theology, and its practice as rabbi of Beth Israel Congregation of Ann Arbor, Michigan. He has now compiled some of his most inspiring sermons and other spiritual and moral lessons in one collection, The Long Way Around.

Dobrusin uses everyday events and pop culture icons to explore larger themes of community, identity, and faith. For example, he explains what Charlie Brown, situational comedies, music, baseball, and our pets can teach us about Judaism.

For both devout Jews and people who are wondering what Judaism can reveal about the world, Dobrusin's words can be both a comfort and a challenge. He includes chapters on loss, tragedy, morals, and identity but keeps his tone light and upbeat. Dobrusin shares memories of growing up, exploring Judaism, and finding his own identity inside and outside of the Jewish community. He also offers loving tributes to his father and mother, his most significant teachers.

Although Dobrusin originally wrote his sermons for a Jewish audience and often focuses on Jewish culture and identity, people of all faiths can learn quite a bit from his warm wisdom.