On The Jew in the Lotus Rodger Kamenetz gives an engaging account of a historic rendezvous in 1990 between the Dalai Lama, the Tibetan Buddhist spiritual leader, and eight Jewish spokespersons. The author, a professor of English at Louisiana State University, comes to a new appreciation of Judaism as he listens to representatives of his faith speak about buddhism, suffering, evil, and group survival.

Throughout the dialogue, these Jews and Buddhists honor their mutual devotion to spiritual practice and ethical discipline. Kamenetz comes away from the conference with a respect for the Dalai Lama's humility, generosity of spirit, and openness to interfaith dialogue. He also senses fresh hope for Jewish renewal. Michael Tucker reads The Jew in the Lotus.