Title: Matzah Balls to Communion Wafers
How a Not-So-Kosher Jewish Girl Fell in Love with Jesus
By:
Gail Baker
A
CBM Christian Book Review
10.0
out 10.0 stars
Matzah
Balls to Communion Wafers is an excellent and intriguing memoir peering into
the depths of a woman’s soul torn by worldly and religious culture, family
heritage, and anti-semitism, thus revealing a steady quest for knowledge and
truth in the light of the love of God. ~ CBM Christian Book Reviews
Gail
Baker pens a delightful and life-enriching memoir. Filled with memorable
familial insights and battles, Gail Baker relates her common Jewish family,
bridging the gap between tradition and faith as a Jewish woman.
Raised
as a Jewish girl amongst many Christians, Gail Baker grew up in Columbia, South
Carolina. Blending a tenacious personality, humor, and candor, her intelligence
and analytical abilities shine throughout the book. A timeline of poignant
moments from childhood to adulthood defined and shaped her family, her life and
some of her outcomes. Lovingly speaking of her family roots and history, her
story unfolds as a young girl coming of age. Insights and highlights shed light
into the beliefs of her Jewish family, the era they lived in and Jewish resolve
and unity from her family’s effortless support of humanitarian efforts, to
include the establishment of Israel as a nation in 1967.
I
found myself not able to put down her memoir. As I read of the turbulent 60’s
during her days in college, she reflects back on her upbringing that relates
dysfunction on many levels. Despite, Judaism (which played a nominal role in
Gail’s young life), she describes a young girl cloistered by the knowledge of
anti-semitism and shallow Christianity. This led to a voracious pursuit of
philosophical and theological dictum that bring about understanding of the ideals
she has come to know. She shares these perspectives, quotes, scripture verses
and insight that gives her book texture and depth. She relates a deep spiritual
journey that led to a splendid concession of simply coming to the only One that
could bring peace to her soul, Jesus Christ.
With
such harmony, she summarizes misconceptions, anxiety, fear, faith and the
issues with raising a child that came into difficulty. She also fervently
describes her loving pursuit in helping her son, in which her mother’s heart is
revealed in such a tender way.
What
readers will find is that woven within the tapestry of her book springs forth a
deep spiritual conviction to find Truth. This book will move readers
deep within their soul, build faith and inspire admiration for God’s chosen
people. Her sculpted memoir relates grace and intensity simultaneously. Her
story culminates in a wonderful and beautiful love story from a “not-so Kosher
Jewish girl that fell in love with Jesus.”
This
is an incredibly touching memoir that all will not want to miss!
Matzah Balls to Communion Wafers comes
as a highly recommended read for all Christians and Jewish individuals,
especially to those that perhaps may be grappling with faith, tradition and
religion. Purely enjoyable!
Thank
you Gail for sharing your life with us!
You
may get your copy of Matzah Balls to Communion Wafers at Amazon or at Barnes and Noble.