Longing

"Justin David's probing reflections on longing are about humility and the limits of reason. With an erudition that is at once generous and insightful, he shows us that absence is presence, darkness is light, and emptiness is fullness. No matter where we find ourselves in life, the quest is always a work in progress."

--Ilan Stavans, Author of On Borrowed Words; Lewis-Sebring Professor of Humanities and Latin American and Latino Culture, Amherst College



"With unusual candor and an expansive heart, Justin David takes us on a personal journey of loss, searching, and longing. And beyond his eloquent exploration of loss in our lives and our longing for closeness with the divine, he gives us a map enabling us to travel to the very depths of our feelings and emerge stronger, clearer, and spiritually renewed."

--Andrea Ayvazian, Pastor, United Church of Christ; Founder of the Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership



"An unblinking exploration of heartbreaking personal narrative and a broad selection of classic Jewish texts and thought as creatively read each through the lens of the other. A sustained, synthetic reflection that tells a deep story of healing and Jewish meaning-making."

-- Nancy Flam, Rabbi, Senior Program Director, Institute for Jewish Spirituality



"Justin David is a true sage, as he demonstrates in this heartbreaking and luminous meditation. . . . By absorbing so much wisdom and teaching his lessons to us, Justin challenges us to be as searching as his own mind and spirit are. Those who learn along with Justin in this book will be challenged to explore the stories of their own lives."

--Jeremy Kalmanosfky, Rabbi, Ansche Chesed, New York City