Jewish by birth, though from a secular family, Alan Morinis explored Hinduism and Buddhism as a young man. But in 1997, in the face of personal crisis, he turned to his Jewish heritage for guidance. In his reading he happened upon a Jewish spiritual tradition called Mussar. Gradually he realized that he had stumbled upon an insightful discipline for self-development, complete with meditative, contemplative, and other well-developed transformative practices designed to penetrate the deepest roots...
Shared ritual practices, multi-faith celebrations, and interreligious prayers are becoming increasingly common in the USA and Europe as more people experience religious diversity first hand. While ritual participation can be seen as a powerful expression of interreligious solidarity, it also carries with it challenges of a particularly sensitive nature. Though celebrating and worshiping together can enhance interreligious relations, cross-riting may also lead some believers to question whether i...
The Encyclopedia of Jewish Symbols
by Ellen Frankel and Betsy Patkin Teutsch
Jewish symbols reflect the interaction of word and image within Jewish culture. Jews have always studied, interpreted, and revered sacred texts; they have also adorned the settings and occasions of sacred acts. Calligraphy and ornamentation have transformed Hebrew letters into art; quotation, interpretation, legend, and wordplay have made ceremonial objects into narrative. This book represents just such a collaboration between art and language. Ellen Frankel and Betsy Platkin Teutsch, writer a...
Although the theme of bloodied nuptial sheets seems pervasive in western culture, its association with female virginity is uniquely tied to a brief passage in the book of Deuteronomy detailing the procedure for verifying a young woman's purity and seldom, if ever, appears outside of non-Abrahamic traditions. In Signs of Virginity, Michael Rosenberg examines the history of virginity testing in Judaism and early Christianity, and the relationship of these tests to a culture that encourages male se...
A Time to Mourn, a Time to Comfort (The Art of Jewish Living)
by Ron Wolfson
A Step - by - Step Guide for Honoring the Dead and Empowering the Living When someone dies, there are so many questions - from what to do in the moment of grief, to dealing with the practical details of the funeral, to spiritual concerns about the meaning of life and death. This indispensable guide to Jewish mourning and comfort provides traditional and modern insights into every aspect of loss. In a new, easy - to - use format, this classic resource is full of wise advice to help you cope with...
Studies in Jewish Jurisprudence
Back to School
This is a groundbreaking study on the impact of Jewish day schools in the lives of parents and children.Beyond the walls of their synagogues, Jewish adults are creating religious meaning in new and diverse ways in a range of unconventional sites. In "Back to School", authors Alex Pomson and Randal F. Schnoor argue that the Jewish day school serves as one such site by bringing adults and children together for education, meeting, study, and worship-like ceremonies. Pomson and Schnoor suggest that...
Compiled by a group of distinguished international scholars, including John Pocock, Diana Pinto, Thomas Maissen and Fania Oz-Salzberger, this volume offers a threefold intellectual juncture. Its contributors analyse the liberal-republican tension-field in a novel way, juxtaposing early modern political thought with twenty-first century political concerns. The volume conjoins Israeli political scholarship with its European and American counterparts, mapping differentials and commonalities. Topi...
Awaken your heart and mind to see your own capacity for wisdom, compassion, and kindness. "When we awaken to our own light, it becomes possible to develop real wisdom about our life. As wisdom allows us to see clearly, our hearts break open with compassion for the struggles of our own lives and the lives of all beings. Awakened with wisdom and compassion, we are impelled to live our lives with kindness, and we are led to do whatever we can to repair the brokenness of our world." - from the Intro...
Reflecting its Talmudic ancestry, this illuminated Haggadah contains Jewish stories and traditions, and is also a prayerbook made for use. It tells the story of release from persecution and slavery into freedom and a new life. It is as relevant today as when it was written, over 2000 years ago. The Exodux of the Children of Israel from Egypt is a pivotal event in the Bible, celebrated today in books, plays and films. Each year, during the festival of Passover, Jewish families gather to remember...
Rebbe's Army, The: Inside the World of Chabad-Lubavitch
by Sue Fishkoff
Sabbath World, The: Glimpses of a Different Order of Time
by Judith Shulevitz
With characteristic wit, intellectual sharpness, and passion for authenticity, ground-breaking author of Girl Meets God illuminates eleven spiritual lessons that Judaism taught her.