Finding God in the Garden: Backyard Reflections on Life, Love, and Compost

Grieving after the death of a beloved daughter, Rabbi Balfour Brickner struggled with his faith while preparing a flowerbed. One day the rabbi found himself writing down the thoughts that came to him as he turned the soil, and observing nature's abundant examples of order and renewal, miracles and beauty, Rabbi Brickner found his faith returning like a garden in spring.

Using the garden as a sanctuary and springboard, Rabbi Brickner considers the lessons to be learned from the tasks of caring for the land, the wonder of a garden in full bloom, and the connections between Biblical teachings and botanical life. Finding God In The Garden is a passionate, witty, and provocative celebration of mature religious faith derived through nature, reason, and the joys of everyday work.

Explores rational spirituality, reconciling faith with enlightened thought.

Balfour Brickner, a well-known rabbi long associated with the Stephen Wise Free Synagogue, is a dedicated political and social activist. He lives in New York City and tends his garden in Stockbridge, Massachusetts.