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Foreskin's Lament

A Memoir

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Foreskin's Lament

By: Shalom Auslander
Narrated by: Shalom Auslander
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About this listen

 Shalom Auslander was raised with a terrified respect for God. Even as he grew up and was estranged from his community, his religion, and its traditions, he could not find his way to a life where he didn't struggle against God daily.

Foreskin's Lament reveals Auslander's youth in a strict, socially isolated Orthodox community, and recounts his rebellion and efforts to make a new life apart from it. Auslander remembers his youthful attempt to win the "blessing bee" (the Orthodox version of a spelling bee), his exile to an Orthodox-style reform school in Israel after he's caught shoplifting Union Bay jeans from the mall, and his 14-mile hike to watch the New York Rangers play in Madison Square Garden without violating the Sabbath. Throughout, Auslander struggles to understand God and His complicated, often contradictory laws. He tries to negotiate with God and His representatives: a day of sin-free living for a day of indulgence, a blessing for each profanity. But ultimately, Auslander settles for a peaceful cease-fire, a standoff with God, and accepts the very slim remaining hope that his newborn son might live free of guilt, doubt, and struggle.

Auslander's combination of unrelenting humor and anger renders a rich and fascinating portrait of a man grappling with his faith, family, and community.

©2007 Shalom Auslander (P)2007 Peguin Audio, a member of Penguin Group (USA) Inc. Biographies & Memoirs Judaism Witty
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Critic reviews

“Fierce, funny, and subversively heartfelt...With his middle finger pointed at the heavens and a hand held over his heart, Auslander gives us Foreskin’s Lament. Mazel tov to him. And God? Well, he’ll survive.” (New York Times Book Review)

“A laugh-out-loud quarrel with God.” (Newsweek)

“A terrific book I was sad I read in so few sittings, because I wanted more.” (San Francisco Chronicle)

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Profile Image for michelle tafreshi

Laughed out loud at times!

Really enjoyed this interesting insight into orthodox Judaism. I finished this book in a matter of days, enjoying several laugh out loud moments. would recommend.

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Gets all the stars

So, so beautiful! sensible, moving, funny, sad and happy. Excellent writing! one of the best I've listened to or read this year!

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