Diversity Within the Return to Religion

The Baal T’shuvah Phenomenon
in Three Works of Recent Jewish American Fiction

Martin Ras

Faculteit: Faculteit der Letteren
Opleiding: Engelse taal en cultuur
Specialisatie: Amerikanistiek
Vakgebied: Letteren
Soort scriptie: Doctoraal-scriptie
 

Academiejaar: 2004-2005

Universiteit Utrecht

1e studiebegeleider: Dr. Derek Rubin
2e studiebegeleider: Dr. Roselinde Supheert

Acknowledgement

Introduction

1: The Outside World

Introduction

The Reasons for T’shuvah

Transformation and Conflict

Identity and the Outside World

Conclusion

2: Joy Comes in the Morning

Introduction

A First Step in Re-exploring Religion

Reconnecting to the Jewish Tradition

A Renewed Spiritual Link

Conclusion

3: Paradise Park

Introduction

The Outsider’s Search for Identity and Belonging

Personalism and Free Choice

Conclusion

Conclusion

Works Cited