Shechinah at the Art Institute

It has been said that God made people because God loves stories.In which case Irwin is one of God's most beloved. The stories inShechinah at the Art Institute have many sources. Some are from thelife experience of the author. Others have been passed from handto hand for a thousand years. Still others are familiar as they are kinto the stories which shape our own lives. The wisdom, humor, andperspective in them all will enrich you and gently bind you to otherlives both ancient and modern. A good story heals the lonelinesswhich is the hidden wound of our time. Bravo Irwin. What a gift youhave offered to us all.--Rachel Naomi Remen MD, author of Kitchen Table Wisdom andMy Grandfather's BlessingsI am not religious. But this book makes my heart sing. There's musicin Irwin's words. Wisdom, too. He reminds us that in this darkenedworld, there is still light. And there is love. It's what makes this booknot just entertaining, but important.--Linda Ellerbee, journalist and authorQuirky, playful, steeped in classical Jewish learning, Keller unveilslong-suppressed queerness in Jewish tradition and encounters thesacred miraculously appearing in the secular world.--Rabbi Dr. Rachel Adler, author of Engendering Judaism and Tales ofthe Holy MysticatIn these beautifully written meditations, Irwin Keller records his dialoguewith sacred texts of his Jewish tradition. Ay, absolutely wonderful,so refreshing, hopeful in a world so desperate for peace.--Greg Sarris, author of Grand Avenue and the forthcomingcollection, The Forgetters