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Andy was a successful small-town lawyer who found respite from the vicissitudes of fighting for the little guy against insurance companies by gardening, hiking, and camping with his family, and by expanding his spirituality through Judaism. Andy’s writing has been directly fueled by his lifetime experiences and influenced by Chassidic philosophy.His Spiritual Garden Series consists of three books that each contain elements of memoir: The Spiritual Gardener, The Spiritual Forest, and “Grandy, Let’s Play!” The series begins with The SpiritualGardner describing the spiritual rewards and just plain fun of digging in the ground to grow vegetables. The Spiritual Forest describes the importance of trees, forests, and environmentalism; in other words, the spiritual value of caring for and growing trees. The series is capped off with the joy and blessings of family and growing grandchildren in “Grandy, Let’s Play!”Andy’s other books include Cracking An Egg, funny, early childhood vignettes that he wrote as a love letter to his mom, and The Kissing Rabbi, an award-winning novel inspired by an actual #MeToo scandal that rocked the Tacoma community. There, the narrator channels his inner Sholem Aleichem to address themes of lust, betrayal, polarization, and viral news with humor and satire.Andy has given multiple presentations in person (and on Zoom) at bookstores, Jewish Community Centers, Synagogues, Senior Centers, Nurseries, Gardening Clubs, and Service Groups. He is an active member of a local non-profit writer’s group.The Spiritual Gardener won the New York City Big Book Award in the Home and Garden category. The Kissing Rabbi won a First Place Chanticleer Mark Twain Award for Humor and Satire. The Spiritual Forest was a Finalist with the National Indie Excellence Awards, Indie Book Awards, and the Best Book Awards in the categories of Spirituality and Nature in 2023.Presently, Andy’s time is devoted to writing, gardening, planting trees, supporting environmentalism, and spending time with his family, and most especially, with his grandchildren. https://www.andybecker.life/the-kissing-rabbi daily 0.75 2026-04-15 https://www.andybecker.life/grandy-lets-play daily 0.75 2026-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/a368d88d-1cb1-48b8-8bd1-9434dc42031d/Grandy-front-green-v6.jpg "Grandy, Let's Play!" “Grandy, Let’s Play!” celebrates the profound blessings of grandparenting, offering a lens into life’s beauty and the bonds of family. Grandparenting opens us up to boundless love, humor, and inspiration—all while creating unforgettable moments of shared joy. From the elation of a newborn’s first smiles to the soul-stirring discoveries of watching grandchildren grow, “Grandy, Let’s Play!” is a reminder of the magic that family relationships offer—a true toast to life, l’chaim! https://www.andybecker.life/spiritual-gardener-1 daily 0.75 2026-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/7baa3cc5-7548-46eb-95fc-4eb854ccae6c/The+Spiritual+Gardener+Cover+Front+Hi-Res+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29.jpg Spiritual Gardener - Spiritual Gardener Spiritual Gardener was one of only twenty books that have advanced to the BookLife Prize for Nonfiction Semifinals! In this charming and elegant guide, quotations from the Torah, the Midrash, and the Chasidic Masters blend seamlessly with tips for growing your garden along with observations about dealing with weeds, lawn envy, "damn wabbits", the bitterness of horseradish, and the sweetness of raspberry jam. The Spiritual Gardener provides many seeds of joy and wisdom, blending together two ancient traditions, Judaism and gardening with the author's successes and failures in the garden over many decades. About the Illustrator: Abigail Drapkin We are proud to announce our illustrator Abigail Drapkin! Abigail Drapkin is a fine artist originally from Midcoast Maine. Her work focuses on human interactions with the natural world and the built environment through dream-like paintings, prints, and videos. Abigail holds an MFA in Painting + Drawing from the University of Washington and a BA in Studio Art and French from Brandeis University. She taught fine art classes at Artworks Fine Art Studio in San Francisco, the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and the University of Washington. Abigail has exhibited in group shows and solo showcases throughout San Francisco, Seattle, and Singapore. Follow her work on Instagram @AbigailDrapkinArt and at www.abigaildrapkin.com. Testimonials for Spiritual Gardener! Dr. Loss Pequeño GlazierProfessor Emeritus, SUNY Buffalo "In The Spiritual Gardener, Becker's prose reads without resistance, plying between the natural present and centuries of wisdom with insightful ease. His words slip into the reader's soul as deftly as pumpkin or squash seeds, or are nested in sentient soil like carrot grains on fertile seed tape. Here flower these meditations nurtured from Jewish roots and insightful horticultural dexterity. The book is divided into sections as natural and rhythmic as planting; its fruit bursts forth, cultivated, verdant, and ripe. As words are seeds themselves, this book offers from its leaves a bounty of horticultural wisdom, practical tips, spiritual inspiration, and a bounteous harvest." Kirk R. BrownAward-Winning Designer, Speaker, and Dramatist "The Spiritual Gardener is the perfect read for anyone who continues to wonder why he or she sticks fingers in the dirt and prays that a seed will grow. This inspirational miracle of horticultural prose is accompanied by evocative water color illustrations and meaningful religious quotations. I will gift this book to others who continue to ask me why I do what I do. It puts words to every gardener's life and experience since Adam graced Eden." Rabbi J. L. MirelAuthor of “Stepping Stones to Jewish Spiritual Living” "When you open this book you will be amazed at the wisdom of its author Andrew Becker who combines profound knowledge of gardening with a deep love of Jewish wisdom and spirituality. The quotations that he shares from the Torah, the Midrash and the Chasidic Masters blend in seamlessly into the pragmatic suggestions on how to improve your horticultural skills. Highly recommended." Use the button below to order your signed copy of Spiritual Gardener! https://www.andybecker.life/spiritual-forest-1 daily 0.75 2026-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/a0c23d69-1868-424d-85e9-95ac9cdda00a/TSF+front+cover+%282%29.jpg Spiritual Forest NIEA Finalist Best Book Award Finalist 5-Star Review Did you ever think that Adam, Judaism’s description of the first human being, might be called the world’s earliest forest ranger? Like many religions that embrace nature within their spiritual philosophies, the Jewish tradition in particular has a deep, rich connection to the natural world. If Adam were alive today, he would be sounding the alarm that our natural world is at risk. Our trees – and our planet – are in extreme danger from deforestation that continues unabated. But there is something else at stake as well. The more we strip the earth of nature’s magnificent trees, the more we harm our spiritual selves. Fortunately, there is a way to protect and restore our earth and our spirituality. By cultivating our trees and forests as a vital source of life, we can connect to the earth – and our spirituality – in a deeply transformational way. Through Jewish scriptures, teachings, and commentary, The Spiritual Forest will help you discover how to: Appreciate the connection we have between the earth, trees, and our spirituality Use Judaic principles related to the environment and apply them to your spiritual life, regardless of your religion, political affiliation, or background Deepen your connection to nature Experience the pleasure that comes from contributing to a higher, divine missio Take simple yet impactful steps to help save our precious earth. We all have the capacity to expand and grow through self-reflection and meaningful actions that contribute to the vitality of our communities and the environment. Let The Spiritual Forest serve as an inspirational resource to guide you on your journey toward a healthier, more sustainable world – and a more fulfilling spiritual life. Winner: National Indie Excellence Awards (NGIBA) Click to read the five-star review! https://www.andybecker.life/cracking-an-egg-2 daily 0.75 2026-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/8c5057f8-b078-4f3a-b5e1-35202179e60f/CrackingCover+-+FINAL+10-16.jpg Cracking An Egg A collection of witty & nostalgic vignettes from childhood... a love letter to Mom. She is the star of these 22 stories with supporting roles by Dad, Sister, and Brother. These funny and universal early memories and experiences make a wonderful bedside companion. Each short story stands on its own and is certain to amuse. Cracking An Egg is my second book. It is a fictional childhood memoir, telling stories of my childhood, my family, and everything in between. Please enjoy the excerpt below as well as the table of contents for the book, and use the contact form to reach out with any questions. Table of Contents PEANUT BUTTER FACE COWBOY’S ICE CREAM DON’T LEAVE YOUR ROOM EVERYONE’S A WINNER BURLINGAME AVENUE GUTTERBALL RELAX GEORGE AND THE WHITE SHORT PANTS THE TIME IT SNOWED CRACKING AN EGG HEARTBREAK REPERTOIRE THANK YOU, MISTER! LITTLE LEAKERS SILVER TEETH JOE CATTIN’ INTERRUPTED FANTASY LESSONS THE PINEWOOD DERBY CROKINOLE THE TEN SPEED BIKE LITTLE RED BERRIES THANKSGIVING https://www.andybecker.life/news daily 0.75 2026-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/1757433878813-LVKXU8UR2RRVYWR8OW4K/imgg-demo-N1g6iaei.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5ec321c2af33de48734cc929/34dc4fd1-2f27-429e-8ea2-67a209313f6a/imgg-demo-SZUz1hfg.png https://www.andybecker.life/the-paralegal-speaks daily 0.75 2026-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/a9334771-06b2-4bb9-a968-b454cf9a6870/paralegal+speaks.jpg https://www.andybecker.life/shop daily 0.75 2026-04-13 https://www.andybecker.life/shop/p/product-3-szb2y-gzh2r-tzhkx-xtsrc monthly 0.5 2026-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/a0c23d69-1868-424d-85e9-95ac9cdda00a/TSF+front+cover+%282%29.jpg Shop - The Spiritual Forest - TSF front cover (2).jpg https://www.andybecker.life/shop/p/product-5-f98ry-4ll53-cageg-f29gx monthly 0.5 2026-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/a368d88d-1cb1-48b8-8bd1-9434dc42031d/Grandy-front-green-v6.jpg Shop - "Grandy, Let's Play!" - Grandy-front-green-v6.jpg https://www.andybecker.life/shop/p/product-6-yrdld-pcpw6-we3sw-sn3w7 monthly 0.5 2026-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/8c5057f8-b078-4f3a-b5e1-35202179e60f/CrackingCover+-+FINAL+10-16.jpg Shop - Cracking An Egg - CrackingCover - FINAL 10-16.jpg https://www.andybecker.life/shop/p/product-4-9e76d-pr6ls-ddx8r-fkmr3 monthly 0.5 2026-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/f3b701c7-eb8f-4b64-a0ee-15f7a1c1f6fc/kissing_rabbi_ebook.jpg Shop - The Kissing Rabbi - kissing_rabbi_ebook.jpg https://www.andybecker.life/shop/p/product-2-5c6mb-j8mng-zsl73-d99sg monthly 0.5 2026-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/69dd5a0d76c7e15bd67d56f7/7baa3cc5-7548-46eb-95fc-4eb854ccae6c/The+Spiritual+Gardener+Cover+Front+Hi-Res+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29+%281%29.jpg Shop - The Spiritual Gardener - The Spiritual Gardener Cover Front Hi-Res (1) (1) (1) (1).jpg