Known as baalei teshuvah "those who return," formerly secular and marginally religious Jews are returning to embrace traditional Judaism and reclaiming it as an enriching and viable way of life. Pathways: Jews Who Return is a collection of first-person oral histories that illuminates the journey.

Many of those interviewed came from secular American homes, some had a more informed Jewish background. Whether they were actively searching for spiritual fulfillment or stumbled upon their Jewish heritage, these baalei teshuvah were ultimately all inspired to lead lives infused with Torah regardless of the difficulties or challenges they faced in rearranging their lives to align with Torah values.