Bettina L. Knapp has written a seminal book concerned with seminal matters whose form is taken from a Jewish experience of life, lore and law over a period of several centuries. Written in a crisp, clear, conscientious style the contents cover a basic text for extending our consciousness as practitioners and persons. Through six examples taken from different period-situations of Jewish existence the author explores, exhibits and explains for and with the reader the workings of the Jewish creative dimension that expresses itself in every age, helping it to cope with its soul needs and urges. Archetypal in its content it opens for others new vistas that help to reach further