“In this important book, Ariel Glucklich depicts, with novelistic sharpness, a hardworking community in Israel with little traditional creed or cultus. Instead, Neot Smadar presents itself as "a school for self-inquiry." Its largely post-religious residents strive to know life better by looking within while living with others.”—Robert Ellwood, University of Southern California
~Robert Ellwood
“Glucklich’s sympathetic, immersive approach to the intentional community Neot Smadar and what it calls “Self-inquiry” is utterly fascinating. This engrossing study is a must read. As a scholar of Christian mysticism, I have learned so much from this engrossing book.”—Julia Lamm, Georgetown University
~Julia Lamm
“The Neot Smadar community has baffled observers for decades, but Glucklich has lived inside it and gotten to know its members intimately, taking “participant observation” to a new level. This remarkable book will provide knowledge about the modern search for psychological liberation.”—Benny Beit-Hallahmi, University of Haifa, Israel
~Benny Beit-Hallahmi
“Glucklich's intimate narrative and compelling analysis of an encounter with the people of Neot Smadar demonstrate how mystics can communally and corporally embody contemplation. Spiritual practice is intertwined with everyday social and even economic routines.”—Andrea R. Jain, author of Selling Yoga: From Counterculture to Pop Culture
~Andrea R. Jain