Life in a Jewish Family is the autobiography of Edith Stein—a deeply moving and compelling work that reads like an engaging novel, never dull or tiresome. Knowing how her life ended and how unwavering her faith remained, we come to appreciate the profound magnitude of the sacrifice she made out of love for Christ.
She was born on Oc.12 October 1891 at Breslaw, Germany(now Wroclaw, Poland).Gassed on Aug.9,1942 at Auschwitz, Poland.Canonized on Oc.11,1998 by Pope John Paul ll.
Born and raised in a large Jewish family under the care of a wise, talented, and loving mother, Edith made the courageous decision to convert to Catholicism after completing her studies. Deeply inspired by the life of St. Teresa of Avila, she chose to enter the Carmelite convent, where she took the religious name Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
The autobiography offers insight into her intellectual nature—her dedication to learning, mastery of various subjects, and rigorous preparation for demanding examinations. She eventually pursued a career in philosophy, becoming a phenomenologist and one of the most brilliant disciples of Edmund Husserl. At a time when few women pursued doctoral studies in philosophy, she stood out as a pioneer. Despite her qualifications, it was difficult for her to secure a university position, so she went on lecture circuits and was frequently invited to speak at Catholic organizations.
As she completed her doctoral studies, Hitler rose to power, and Jews were systematically excluded from professional life. Edith entered the Carmelite convent in Cologne, later transferring to a convent in the Netherlands. Plans were made to send her to Switzerland, and she hoped to take her sister Rosa with her. However, when accommodations for both were not available, the trip was delayed. Tragically, around that time, the Dutch bishops issued a pastoral letter denouncing Hitler’s regime. In retaliation, the Nazis began targeting Jews who had converted to Christianity. As a result, Edith Stein was seized from the convent.
Her autobiography also paints a tender and respectful portrait of her mother, who, after the early death of her husband, raised eight children with strength, dignity, and discipline. Edith, the youngest, was her favorite. Edith’s decision to convert to Catholicism broke her mother’s heart, as it meant turning away from the Jewish faith that had shaped their lives so deeply.
Some of the famous quotes from Edith Stein are the following:
And when night comes and you look back over thev day and see how fragmentary everything has been...just take everything exactly as it is,put it in God's hands and leave it with Him.
When you seek truth,you seek God whether you know it or not.
Let go of your plans.The first hour of your morning belongs to God.Tackle the day's work that He charges you with, and he will give you the promise to accomplish it.Just take everything exactly as it is,put in God's hands and leave it with Him.
The deeper one is drawn into God, the more one must go out of oneself; that is,one must go to the world in order to carry the divine life into it.
One cannot desire freedom from the cross when one is especially chosen for thr cross.
The entire educational process must be carried out with love...most effective educational method is the living example without which all words remain useless.
The prayer of Edith Stein:
"O my God,fill my soul with holy joy, courage and strength to serve You. Enkindle Your love in me and then walk with me along the next stretch of the road before me.I do not see very far ahead, but when I have arrived where the horizon now closes down , a new prospect will open before me, and I shall meet it with peace."
Learn from St. Therese to depend on God alone and serve Him with a wholly pure and detached heart.then, like her, you will be able to say. "I do not regret that I have given myself up to Love."
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