Books

Award-Winning Finalist in the Religion: General category of the 2019 International Book Awards

Prize-winning finalist in both the poetry and spirituality categories

LATEST BOOK – In the Spirit of the Holidays

In this collection of 146 poems designed to be read at home or at synagogue, privately or aloud, Janet Ruth Falon questions, grapples with, and sometimes turns concepts and rituals about the Jewish holidays inside out.  Using down-to-earth language, Falon at times questions long-standing practices and beliefs, and shows how engaging with the particulars of each holiday can lead to new, lively connections and significance.  Just as she searched for meaning by writing this poetry, readers can find their own meaning in her work, or perhaps be inspired to write their own responses to the holidays.  Click here to read more.

How to Buy

“In the Spirit of the Holidays” is available on Amazon.  You can also buy it at Open Book Bookstore in Elkins Park, and by sending me a Contact Message, or by email.

Praise

“To see the Jewish festivals refracted through the eyes and ears of a spiritually drawn Jew who then gives them shape and color in playful, serious verse gives new life to them and to us.”

Rabbi Arthur Waskow, author of “Seasons of Our Joy,” “Down-to-Earth Judaism,” and “Godwrestling — Round 2.”  Arthur Ocean Waskow is an American author, political activist, and rabbi associated
with the Jewish Renewal movement

I came home from yesterday’s morning (Yom Kippur) service and thought I want to do something quiet and reflective. I went to my bookcase and pulled out In the Spirit of the Holidays. I read all of your Yom Kippur poems. It was exactly what I needed and wanted. CAROL

Each poem is a little treasure and each one makes me think about something I didn’t think about before or say to myself, “Yes, I have felt the same way but never had the marvelous language to express it the way Janet does.” SHELLEY

It was very helpful to peruse your book’s Yom Kippur writings yesterday afternoon as I was struggling to stay engaged with the day while at home. MARK

My sister is delighted with the copy of In the Spirit of the Holidays I gave her and told me how she read from it at Pesach at her seder. JONATHAN

Upcoming Events

Sunday, Nov. 10
4:30 – 6 pm
Reading/writing workshop
Adath Jeshurun Sisterhood (for members only)
Elkins Park, PA

Sunday, Nov. 24
9:30 a.m.
Reading/writing workshop
Or Hadash (for members only)
Fort Washington, PA

Wednesday, Dec. 4
7-8 p.m.
Reading/writing workshop
M’kor Shalom, Women and Spirituality Group
Cherry Hill, NJ

Thursday, Dec. 5
1 p.m.
Reading/writing workshop
Oheb Shalom
South Orange, NJ

Wednesday, December 11 – Friday, December 13
URJ Biennial
Selling books
Chicago, IL

The Jewish Journaling Book:  How to use Jewish tradition to write your life & explore your soul

Explore your experiences, relationships, and feelings through this guided tour of journal-keeping in Jewish tradition.