Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Alumni Spotlight on Dr. Lisa Aiken
Lisa Aiken was born in Baltimore, Maryland. As a teenager, she attended NCSY Seaboard Region events that inspired her to become fully observant, and to want to give to other Jews what she had received.
After getting her Ph.D. in clinical psychology from Loyola University of Chicago, became the Chief Psychologist at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, and had teaching appointments with New York Medical College, St. John’s University, and Long Island University. She has had a private psychotherapy practice in New York City with individuals and couples since 1982.
Hot Off the Press--The book we’ve all been waiting for!
The Baal Teshuva Survival Guide, by Dr. Lisa Aiken, noted author, psychologist and public speaker, has just been published! With a foreword by R. Dr. Abraham Twerski and haskama by R. Zev Leff, this ground-breaking, 430-page book has been recommended by R. Lowenbraun of AJOP and many other experts in outreach. It is an invaluable tool for kiruv workers and baalei teshuva alike, covering practical and emotional aspects of becoming (and helping others to become) baalei teshuva. Topics include deciding what flavor of observance to embrace; how BTs can best deal with parents, siblings, spouses and children who are not yet observant or who may be antagonistic;finding an appropriate Jewish community, rabbi, classes, and synagogu! e; coping with career modification or loss; adapting to changes of a religious lifestyle, and more. Books cost only $22 plus shipping. For more information and to order copies, visithttp://www.rossipublications.com" title=” http://www.rossipublications.com"> http://www.rossipublications.com{{PERIOD}}
During the late 1970s, Dr. Aiken began lecturing for the outreach organization, The Flame, and in the 1980s began speaking for OU Synagogues as a scholar-in-residence. Today, she is known throughout the Jewish world as an inspiring speaker who has lectured in 200 cities world-wide and who has authored the best-selling To Be A Jewish Woman, and eight other Judaica books on a variety of topics. Her most recent book, The Baal Teshuva Survival Guide, combines her knowledge as an outreach professional and psychologist, and is sure to make the path easier for both veteran baalei teshuva and those who are new to observance. Her other books include Guide for the Romantically Perplexed, The Art of Jewish Prayer, The Hidden Beauty of the Shema, Why Me, God? A Jewish Guide to Coping with Suffering, Tuning In, and Genesis—The Untold Story.
Dr. Aiken is also a licensed Israeli tour guide. To otder her books, or to book her for speaking or tour guiding, contact her at
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