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Nefesh HaTzimtzum, Volume 1: Rabbi Chaim Volozhin’s Nefesh HaChaim with Translation and Commentary
by Avinoam FraenkelNefesh HaTzimtzum provides the single most comprehensive and accessible presentation of the teachings and worldview of the Vilna Gaon's primary student, Rabbi Chaim Volozhin. It is focused on Rabbi Chaim's magnum opus, Nefesh HaChaim, a work that has lain in almost total obscurity for nearly two centuries due to its deep Kabbalistic subject matter. Nefesh HaTzimtzum opens up the real depth of the ideas presented in Nefesh HaChaim together with all of Rabbi Chaim's related writings, making them accessible to the public for the first time in any language. In addition to the complete English translation of Nefesh HaChaim, Nefesh HaTzimtzum includes the full Hebrew text of Nefesh HaChaim and many other writings by Rabbi Chaim (with correspondingly hyperlinked English and Hebrew texts), along with in-depth explanations, an informative historical overview, an easily consumable innovative presentation layout and a full index.After centuries of confusion, extensive clarification is provided of the central Kabbalistic concept of Tzimtzum, or the secret of how an infinite God occupies a finite world. Most importantly, it unequivocally demonstrates that the key Kabbalists, including the Vilna Gaon, Rabbi Chaim Volozhin and the Baal HaTanya, all unanimously agreed on the underlying principles of the concept of Tzimtzum and that contrary to widespread historical misunderstanding, there was no fundamental dispute about the philosophical principles of Judaism between the Hasidim and the Mitnagdim. Based on this Nefesh HaTzimtzum shows that both Nefesh HaChaim and Sefer HaTanya present the same methodology for serving God which is rooted in their identical understanding of the concept of Tzimtzum.Nefesh HaTzimtzum is published in two volumes which are sold separately.This volume contains the complete Hebrew text of Nefesh HaChaim which is brought to life by an illuminating translation and incisive commentary. It additionally provides extensive translated source material necessary to properly understand the basic text. The text is further complemented by an informative introduction which includes a historical overview.
Kosher Movies: A Film Critic Discovers Life Lessons at the Cinema
by Rabbi Herbert J. CohenFilm critic Herbert Cohen views films as potential life lessons, and defines a "kosher movie" as one that has something valuable to say about the human condition. In this survey spanning many genres, Cohen presents films as tools for self-discovery and for navigating challenges of life. What do romantic comedies really say about love? What can Cast Away teach us about the value of time? What parenting lessons can we learn from Dead Poets Society? Exploring 120 stand-out movies from the past 30 years, Cohen shares inspiring personal anecdotes about self-growth, relationships, parenting, aging, dealing with adversity, and more.
The Emoji Haggadah
by Martin BodekEmojis are the hieroglyphics of the 21st century, so have a blastdeciphering the traditional Haggadah text written in a mostuntraditional format – entirely in emojis! Tips for decoding areincluded at the end of The Emoji Haggadah, along with the fulltraditional Hebrew and English Haggadah text.
Memoirs of a Hopeful Pessimist: A Life of Activism through Dialogue
by Debbie WeissmanFor many people, "observant Jew," "feminist," and "interfaith pioneer" are not necessarily words they would put together in the same sentence. And yet, in this book by Dr. Debbie Weissman, each is a vitally important aspect of a dynamic and passionate life. Between 2008 and 2014, Weissman broke new ground by serving two terms as the first Jewish woman president of the International Council of Christians and Jews (ICCJ). On her quest to do interfaith work, she tells about meeting people from other religions and the unique friendships that ensue. Weissman does not have a ringside seat to history; she is in the ring itself, having created institutions and movements in areas such as interfaith relations, women's education, Israeli peace initiatives, a new prayer community, and much more. Her engaging journey - related with humor, grace, and style - discovers meaning and hope in the life of a pessimist.
Dybbuks and Jewish Women in Social History, Mysticism and Folklore
by Rachel EliorHow and why a person comes to be possessed by a dybbuk—the possession of a living body by the soul of a deceased person—and what consequences ensue from such possession, form the subject of this book. Though possession by a dybbuk has traditionally been understood as punishment for a terrible sin, it can also be seen as a mechanism used by desperate individuals—often women—who had no other means of escape from the demands and expectations of an all-encompassing patriarchal social order. Dybbuks and Jewish Women examines these and other aspects of dybbuk possession from historical and phenomenological perspectives, with particular attention to the gender significance of the subject.
Rabbinic Authority, Volume 3: The Vision and the Reality, Beit Din Decisions in English - Halakhic Divorce and the Agunah
by A. Yehuda WarburgIn the third volume of his groundbreaking series on rabbinic authority in English, Rabbi Warburg discusses the ramifications of a Jewish divorce. In this well-composed monograph, Rabbi Warburg primarily focuses on the case of the modern day agunah, a wife who is unable to get divorced due to her husband's recalcitrance. He addresses the various techniques, such as obligating the giving of a get (Jewish divorce document), finding relief for an agunah who signed an exploitative agreement, and listing different avenues to void a marriage (bitul kiddushin) used by the rabbinical court. This issue is of some controversy in the Jewish community, and there is heated debate about it.
Was Yosef on the Spectrum?: Understanding Joseph Through Torah, Midrash, and Classical Jewish Sources
by Samuel J. LevineYosef's behaviors, interpersonal relationships, and personal development are often difficult to understand and seem to defy explanation. This book presents a coherent and cohesive reading of the well known Bible story that offers a plausible account of Yosef's behaviors, specifically those of an individual on the autism spectrum. Viewed through this lens, Yosef emerges as a more familiar and less enigmatic individual, exhibiting both strengths and weaknesses commonly associated with autism spectrum disorder.
Rabbinic Authority, Volume 2: The Vision and the Reality, Beit Din Decisions in English, Volume 2
by A. Yehuda WarburgVolume 2 of the only English books on rabbinic authority In this second volume of Rabbinic Authority, Rabbi Warburg presents new rabbinical court arbitration decisions in English. He is the first rabbinic arbitrator to publish piskei din (decisions) on cases in Jewish civil law. It is important that those who service the institution of a beit din (a Jewish court) know the inner dynamics and reasoning of those who issue rulings. This volume focuses on a number of topics, such as the halakhic identity of an investment broker, the propriety of a civil will, contemporary issues relating to domestic violence, and the role of a rabbinical advocate in the beit din process.
Kaytek the Wizard
by Janusz KorczakKaytek, a mischievous schoolboy who wants to become a wizard, is surprised to discover that he is able to perform magic spells and change reality. He begins to lead a double life: a powerful wizard in the dress of an ordinary boy. It's all great fun using magic to cause strange incidents in his school and neighborhood, but soon Kaytek's increasing powers cause major chaos around the city of Warsaw. Disillusioned, he leaves the country and wanders the world in search of the meaning of his good intentions, his unique abilities, and their consequences. Revolving around the notion that power is not without responsibility, nor without repercussions, this story speaks to every child's dream of freeing themselves from the endless control of adults, and shaping the world to their own designs.
Rabbinic Authority, Volume 5: The Vision and the Reality, Beit Din Decisions in English - A Double Halakhic Doubt in Marriage and Divorce (Rabbinic Authority)
by A. Yehuda WarburgIn this fifth volume of his groundbreaking series on rabbinic authority, Rabbi Warburg discusses the case of the modern-day agunah, a wife who is unable to obtain a divorce due to her husband' s recalcitrance. For the first time in English, this monograph discusses utilizing the technique of the double halakhic doubt (sefek sefeika de'dina) as a vehicle to void a marriage, in order to address the plight of the agunah. This volume is devoted primarily to demonstrate how a beit din or rabbinical authority(ies) can take care of this complicated issue, especially for those decisors who reject the various other options to void a marriage.
The Shame Borne in Silence: Spouse Abuse in the Jewish Community
by Rabbi Abraham J. TwerskiProviding a religious lens on the topic, this book directly addresses the problem of spousal abuse in the Jewish community, in hopes of confronting the truth and taking definitive steps to end this violation of all that Judaism stands for. A leading rabbi and psychiatrist reveals with striking candor, firmness, and compassion what may have been closely kept dark secrets in many Jewish families and offers urgently needed advice and direction. Rabbi Twerski's book was one of the first titles to break open the issue, and this new edition relates the recognition of abuse, the warning signs, and how to respond.
From Forbidden Fruit to Milk and Honey: A Commentary on Food in the Torah
by Diana LiptonFood is at the heart of Jewish life and culture. It's the subject of many studies, popular and academic, and countless Jewish jokes. From Forbidden Fruit to Milk and Honey spotlights food in the Torah itself, where, as still today, it's used to explore themes including love and desire, compassion and commitment, social justice, memory, belonging and exclusion, control, deception, and life and death. Originally an online project to support the food rescue charity, Leket Israel, From Forbidden Fruit to Milk and Honey comprises short essays on food in the parasha by 52 internationally acclaimed scholars and Jewish educators, and a verse by verse commentary by Diana Lipton on food and eating in the Torah.
To Play With Fire: One Woman's Remarkable Odyssey
by Tova MordechaiHow does Tonica Marlow, an evangelical female minister, find her way to becoming Tova Mordechai, an Orthodox, practicing Jew? Born the daughter of an Egyptian Jewish mother and a British Protestant evangelical father, Mordechai presents the powerful real-life account of her tumultuous journey to Judaism as she grapples with Christianity and her Jewish roots.
From Mourning to Morning: A Comprehensive Guide to Mourning, Grieving, and Bereavement
by Simeon SchreiberRabbi Simeon Schreiber, Senior Staff Chaplain at Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach, translates his many years of experience into a greater understanding of the emotions surrounding death, grieving, mourning, and bereavement in Judaism. From Mourning to Morning presents these principles in a comprehensive format. Focusing on the Shiva, the seven day period of mourning in Judaism, Rabbi Schreiber explains the foundation of visiting a house of mourners, and suggests proper etiquette in conducting a visit. With sensitivity and expertise, Rabbi Schreiber provides unique and practical advise on how to cope with death, mourning, and the related issues that we all will inevitably face.
Majesty and Humility: The Thought of Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik (The Rabbi Soloveitchik Library)
by Reuven ZieglerRabbi Joseph Soloveitchik was not only one of the outstanding Talmudists and religious leaders of the 20th century, but also one of its most creative and seminal Jewish thinkers. This comprehensive study of Rabbi Soloveitchik's religious philosophy offers a broad perspective and balanced understanding of his work. By interpreting and analyzing both individual essays and overarching themes in an accessible and engaging manner, it uncovers the depth, majesty, and fascination of his thought.
Pioneers of Religious Zionism: Rabbis Alkalai, Kalischer, Mohliver, Reines, Kook and Maimon
by Raymond GoldwaterPioneers of Religious Zionism describes the lives and philosophies of the most important rabbinical Zionists of the 19th and early-20th centuries: Yehuda ben Shlomo Alkalai, Zvi Hirsch Kalischer, Samuel Mohliver, Jacob Reines, Abraham Isaac Kook, and Judah Leib (Fishman) Maimon. The book describes how these men joined secular Zionists in the struggle for the reestablishment of a Jewish national home—an unusual act for their time—and had to contend with fierce opposition and condemnations from many rabbis in Eastern Europe, who believed that the return of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland of Israel depended upon the arrival of the Messiah. What emerges from this biographical study is that, in their lives and writings, these rabbis provided the foundation on which modern religious Zionism was built.
Jewish Guide to Practical Medical Decision-Making
by Jason WeinerDue to the rapid advances in the medical field, existing books on Jewish medical ethics are quickly becoming outdated and irrelevant. Jewish Guide to Practical Medical Decision-Making seeks to remedy that by presenting the most contemporary medical information and rabbinic rulings in an accessible, user-friendly manner. Rabbi Weiner addresses a broad range of medical circumstances such as surrogacy and egg donation, assisted suicide, and end of life decision making. Based on his extensive training and practical familiarity inside a major hospital, Rabbi Weiner provides clear and concise guidance to facilitate complex decision-making for the most common medical dilemmas that arise in contemporary society.
After the Holocaust the Bells Still Ring
by Joseph PolakWinner of:2015 National Jewish Book Award; Biography, Autobiography, and MemoirThis memoir is a fascinating portrait of mother and child who miraculously survive two concentration camps, then, after the war, battle demons of the past, societal rejection, disbelief, and invalidation as they struggle to reenter the world of the living. It is the tale of how one newly takes on the world, having lived in the midst of corpses strewn about in the scores of thousands, and how one can possibly resume life in the aftermath of such experiences. It is the story of the child who decides, upon growing up, that the only career that makes sense for him in light of these years of horror is to become someone sensitive to the deepest flaws of humanity, a teacher of God's role in history amidst the traditions that attempt to understand it—and to become a rabbi. Readers will not emerge unscathed from this searing work, written by a distinguished, Boston-based rabbi and academic.
Visions of a Compassionate World: Guided Imagery for Spiritual Growth and Social Transformation
by Menachem EksteinFirst printed in 1921, Visions of a Compassionate World is a practical guide for spiritual development that addresses the whole person: mind, body, and soul. In an age of self-discovery and the search for self-awareness, this dynamic work brings clarity through meditation, guided imagery, psychology, and kabbalah. With its uplifting message of universal peace, this book reveals a spiritual path away from ego traps and self-centered consciousness and toward the pursuit of a more compassionate life.
One Baby Step at a Time: Seven Secrets of Jewish Motherhood
by Chana Jenny WeisbergOne Baby Step at a Time is a collection of eye-opening personal essays, inspirational readings, and refreshingly honest interviews that will uplift, validate, and provide practical suggestions to improve the life of every mother. In this sequel to her critically-acclaimed book Expecting Miracles, author Chana (Jenny) Weisberg describes the seven ancient Jewish secrets that have enabled Jewish women throughout the millennia to infuse their mothering lives with more happiness, fulfillment, and spirituality.
Class Lessons: Stories of Vulnerable Youth
by Lucy E. M. BlackToday' s schools are meant to be all things to all people, but can they be? Schools are responsible for socialization, skills development and knowledge acquisition which take place within an institution serving disparate student populations. Unfortunately, school success is not experienced by all students, especially those for whom chaotic home lives are overwhelming. Schools should provide an important safe haven for students, offering advocacy and wraparound care. Fictionalized to protect the identities of those involved, the narratives between these pages shine a spotlight on the vulnerability of youth, and in particular, young people living in heart-breaking circumstances. Upholding the work that takes place in schools and embracing those support systems which are shared between school and community is crucial to enacting lasting and positive change. Drawn from the life experiences of a career educator, this collection seeks to highlight a broad range of needs while also reinforcing the way forward through school-community partnerships.
Living in the Presence: A Jewish Mindfulness Guide for Everyday Life
by Benjamin EpsteinIn our frantic, fast paced society, we need constant guidance to remind us that we can only find the peace of mind we sorely lack by looking inward. Judaism, like many other spiritual traditions, offers a unique path to cultivating fulfillment and presence of mind. In cultivating peace of mind, we do not aim to achieve transcendence. Rather, our goal is to enter fully into whatever is occurring in our lives and meet it with full presence. But being a better Jew and a happier person are not mutually exclusive. On the contrary, they are mutually interdependent. From the moment we wake to the moment we fall asleep, biblical commandments provide us with guidelines that encourage us to be aware of the present moment. A Guide to Jewish Mindfulness provides concise and clear instructions on how to cultivate peace of mind in order to attain a life of greater commitment and inspiration for the present moment.
Dirty Jewess: A Woman's Courageous Journey to Religious and Political Freedom
by Silvia FishbaumDirty Jewess is the personal account of one woman's courageous journey towards religious and political freedom while coming of age in post-Holocaust, communist Czechoslovakia. The narrative recalls the author's experience as a child of Holocaust survivors, living as a refugee in Rome, and finally realizing her dream of becoming a successful American citizen. Silvia Fishbaum's life behind the iron curtain is a universal tale of humanity, resilience, and overcoming adversity. Fishbaum weaves together her mother's testimony of Auschwitz with the testimony of her childhood art tutor, Ludovit Feld—a victim of Mengele's experiments—to create a compelling and layered life narrative.
The Book of Psalms in Plain English: A Contemporary Reading of Tehillim
by Aaron LichtensteinThe ideas and emotions that make the book of Psalms such a powerful text for Judaism and Christianity alike are brilliantly captured in this deft translation by a scholar of Judaism. Aaron Lichtenstein offers the English translation in verse, just as the original Hebrew text is in poetry, in the various poetic modes required by the myriad moods and messages. Readers will be moved by the inspiring words of the Psalms in this essential resource.
Take Control of Sequoia
by Joe KissellmacOS 15 Sequoia is one of Apple's most ambitious updates in years. Along with the usual range of new features, it introduces Apple Intelligence, which will permeate many parts of the system and fundamentally change the sorts of things you can do with your Mac and how you do them. This book is your complete guide to what's new in Sequoia—and what Apple has planned for future updates, too.