Date & Time
Wednesday, 12/03/2025
8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST
8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST
Add to Calendar
12/03/2025 08:00:00 PM
12/03/2025 09:00:00 PM
America/New_York
IJS Book Talk with Rodger Kamenetz
Poet, Author, and Teacher Rodger Kamenetz in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson
Celebrated poet, author, and teacher Rodger Kamenetz brings his lyrical insight and contemplative depth to his new book, Seeing into the Life of Things. In this powerful exploration, Kamenetz reveals how imagination can open the door to sacred encounter—inviting us to perceive the divine within and around us.
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Kamenetz will reflect on the creative and spiritual processes that shape his work, illuminating how poetry, dreams, and deep attention can awaken our sense of wonder and connection to the sacred. They will explore what it means to slow down and find a deeper dimension to the ordinary world.
Rodger Kamenetz is an award-winning poet, author, and teacher. Of his 13 books, his best known is The Jew in the Lotus, the story of rabbis making a holy pilgrimage through India to meet with the Dalai Lama. His account of their historic dialogue became an international bestseller, prompting a reevaluation of Judaism in the light of Buddhist thought. Now in its 37th printing overall, The Jew in the Lotus is a staple of college religion courses. The New York Times called it a “revered text.” A PBS documentary followed, and a sequel, Stalking Elijah, was awarded the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Thought.
Kamenetz’s many books of poetry include The Lowercase Jew, Yonder and Dream Logic. He has been called “the most formidable of the Jewish-American poets.” His memoir, Terra Infirma was described as “one of the most beautiful books ever written about a mother and a son.”
His upcoming book Seeing into the Life of Things shows how imagination brings us to sacred encounter.
Born in Baltimore, Rodger Kamenetz has degrees from Yale, Johns Hopkins and Stanford. At Louisiana State University, he held a dual appointment as a Professor of English and Professor of Religious Studies and founded the MFA program in creative writing and the Jewish Studies minor. He retired as LSU Distinguished Professor and Sternberg Honors Chair Professor. He lives in New Orleans where he devotes himself now to his work with clients who seek spiritual direction through dreams.
Zoom information will be included in your event purchase receipt.
About This Event
Poet, Author, and Teacher Rodger Kamenetz in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson
Celebrated poet, author, and teacher Rodger Kamenetz brings his lyrical insight and contemplative depth to his new book, Seeing into the Life of Things. In this powerful exploration, Kamenetz reveals how imagination can open the door to sacred encounter—inviting us to perceive the divine within and around us.
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Kamenetz will reflect on the creative and spiritual processes that shape his work, illuminating how poetry, dreams, and deep attention can awaken our sense of wonder and connection to the sacred. They will explore what it means to slow down and find a deeper dimension to the ordinary world.
Rodger Kamenetz is an award-winning poet, author, and teacher. Of his 13 books, his best known is The Jew in the Lotus, the story of rabbis making a holy pilgrimage through India to meet with the Dalai Lama. His account of their historic dialogue became an international bestseller, prompting a reevaluation of Judaism in the light of Buddhist thought. Now in its 37th printing overall, The Jew in the Lotus is a staple of college religion courses. The New York Times called it a “revered text.” A PBS documentary followed, and a sequel, Stalking Elijah, was awarded the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Thought.
Kamenetz’s many books of poetry include The Lowercase Jew, Yonder and Dream Logic. He has been called “the most formidable of the Jewish-American poets.” His memoir, Terra Infirma was described as “one of the most beautiful books ever written about a mother and a son.”
His upcoming book Seeing into the Life of Things shows how imagination brings us to sacred encounter.
His upcoming book Seeing into the Life of Things shows how imagination brings us to sacred encounter.
Born in Baltimore, Rodger Kamenetz has degrees from Yale, Johns Hopkins and Stanford. At Louisiana State University, he held a dual appointment as a Professor of English and Professor of Religious Studies and founded the MFA program in creative writing and the Jewish Studies minor. He retired as LSU Distinguished Professor and Sternberg Honors Chair Professor. He lives in New Orleans where he devotes himself now to his work with clients who seek spiritual direction through dreams.
About This Event
Poet, Author, and Teacher Rodger Kamenetz in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson
Celebrated poet, author, and teacher Rodger Kamenetz brings his lyrical insight and contemplative depth to his new book, Seeing into the Life of Things. In this powerful exploration, Kamenetz reveals how imagination can open the door to sacred encounter—inviting us to perceive the divine within and around us.
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Kamenetz will reflect on the creative and spiritual processes that shape his work, illuminating how poetry, dreams, and deep attention can awaken our sense of wonder and connection to the sacred. They will explore what it means to slow down and find a deeper dimension to the ordinary world.
Rodger Kamenetz is an award-winning poet, author, and teacher. Of his 13 books, his best known is The Jew in the Lotus, the story of rabbis making a holy pilgrimage through India to meet with the Dalai Lama. His account of their historic dialogue became an international bestseller, prompting a reevaluation of Judaism in the light of Buddhist thought. Now in its 37th printing overall, The Jew in the Lotus is a staple of college religion courses. The New York Times called it a “revered text.” A PBS documentary followed, and a sequel, Stalking Elijah, was awarded the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Thought.
Kamenetz’s many books of poetry include The Lowercase Jew, Yonder and Dream Logic. He has been called “the most formidable of the Jewish-American poets.” His memoir, Terra Infirma was described as “one of the most beautiful books ever written about a mother and a son.”
His upcoming book Seeing into the Life of Things shows how imagination brings us to sacred encounter.
His upcoming book Seeing into the Life of Things shows how imagination brings us to sacred encounter.
Born in Baltimore, Rodger Kamenetz has degrees from Yale, Johns Hopkins and Stanford. At Louisiana State University, he held a dual appointment as a Professor of English and Professor of Religious Studies and founded the MFA program in creative writing and the Jewish Studies minor. He retired as LSU Distinguished Professor and Sternberg Honors Chair Professor. He lives in New Orleans where he devotes himself now to his work with clients who seek spiritual direction through dreams.
Event Details
Date: Wednesday, December 3, 8:00 PM ET
Location: Zoom call-in details will be sent upon confirmation
Date & Time
Wednesday, 12/03/2025
8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST
8:00pm EST - 9:00pm EST
Add to Calendar
12/03/2025 08:00:00 PM
12/03/2025 09:00:00 PM
America/New_York
IJS Book Talk with Rodger Kamenetz
Poet, Author, and Teacher Rodger Kamenetz in Conversation with IJS President & CEO, Rabbi Josh Feigelson
Celebrated poet, author, and teacher Rodger Kamenetz brings his lyrical insight and contemplative depth to his new book, Seeing into the Life of Things. In this powerful exploration, Kamenetz reveals how imagination can open the door to sacred encounter—inviting us to perceive the divine within and around us.
In conversation with Rabbi Josh Feigelson, Kamenetz will reflect on the creative and spiritual processes that shape his work, illuminating how poetry, dreams, and deep attention can awaken our sense of wonder and connection to the sacred. They will explore what it means to slow down and find a deeper dimension to the ordinary world.
Rodger Kamenetz is an award-winning poet, author, and teacher. Of his 13 books, his best known is The Jew in the Lotus, the story of rabbis making a holy pilgrimage through India to meet with the Dalai Lama. His account of their historic dialogue became an international bestseller, prompting a reevaluation of Judaism in the light of Buddhist thought. Now in its 37th printing overall, The Jew in the Lotus is a staple of college religion courses. The New York Times called it a “revered text.” A PBS documentary followed, and a sequel, Stalking Elijah, was awarded the National Jewish Book Award for Jewish Thought.
Kamenetz’s many books of poetry include The Lowercase Jew, Yonder and Dream Logic. He has been called “the most formidable of the Jewish-American poets.” His memoir, Terra Infirma was described as “one of the most beautiful books ever written about a mother and a son.”
His upcoming book Seeing into the Life of Things shows how imagination brings us to sacred encounter.
Born in Baltimore, Rodger Kamenetz has degrees from Yale, Johns Hopkins and Stanford. At Louisiana State University, he held a dual appointment as a Professor of English and Professor of Religious Studies and founded the MFA program in creative writing and the Jewish Studies minor. He retired as LSU Distinguished Professor and Sternberg Honors Chair Professor. He lives in New Orleans where he devotes himself now to his work with clients who seek spiritual direction through dreams.
Zoom information will be included in your event purchase receipt.