Jewish Life Books

My Grandfather's Blessings: Stories of Strength, Refuge, and Belonging

Rachel Naomi Remen

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 59 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

When doctor and author Rachel Naomi Remen (Kitchen Table Wisdom) was young, she was caught between two different views of life: that of her rabbi grandfather and that of her highly academic, research-oriented parents, who believed religion was the opiate of the masses. As Remen gravitated toward academics and serving the world as a medical doctor, her grandfather became an "island of mysticism in a vast sea of science." But over time, Remen discovered that two seemingly divergent paths could lead to the same destination, especially as she learned to blend her spiritual beliefs with her medical treatment.

Remen uses the heart-rending stories of her patients to teach readers how to follow in her example, that is, combining a life of service with a life of receiving and giving blessings (a combination that avoids common problems such as burnout, self-sacrifice, and navel gazing). Remen also includes personal stories of her grandfather, who showered the world with his mystical beliefs and wizened blessings. While this story-by-story structure is similar to the bestselling Kitchen Table Wisdom, it is still a tearful and satisfying formula. --Gail Hudson

The Sabbath

Abraham Joshua Heschel

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

the Sabbath 5 out of 5 stars.
10 of 11 people found this review helpful.

This is a thoughtfully written reflection on the meaning of the Sabbath that is appropriate for both Christians and Jews. The book is wonderful for spiritual reading and reflection. It adds depth and meaning to our worship and praise of God. Written by a deeply spiritual man the Sabbath is a great resouce for anyone who wants to deepen and expand their relationship with God.

Editorial Review:

Elegant, passionate, and filled with the love of God's creation, Abraham Joshua Heschel's The Sabbath has been hailed as a classic of Jewish spirituality ever since its original publication-and has been read by thousands of people seeking meaning in modern life. In this brief yet profound meditation on the meaning of the Seventh Day, Heschel introduced the idea of an "architecture of holiness" that appears not in space but in time Judaism, he argues, is a religion of time: it finds meaning not in space and the material things that fill it but in time and the eternity that imbues it, so that "the Sabbaths are our great cathedrals."

Jewish Literacy Revised Ed: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People, and Its History

Joseph Telushkin

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Total reviews: 1 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

What does it mean to be a Jew? How does one begin to answer so extensive a question?

In this insightful and completely updated tome, esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin helps answer the question of what it means to be a Jew, in the largest sense. Widely recognized as one of the most respected and indispensable reference books on Jewish life, culture, tradition, and religion, Jewish Literacy covers every essential aspect of the Jewish people and Judaism. In 352 short and engaging chapters, Rabbi Telushkin discusses everything from the Jewish Bible and Talmud to Jewish notions of ethics to antisemitism and the Holocaust; from the history of Jews around the world to Zionism and the politics of a Jewish state; from the significance of religious traditions and holidays to how they are practiced in daily life. Whether you want to know more about Judaism in general or have specific questions you'd like answered, Jewish Literacy is sure to contain the information you need.

Rabbi Telushkin's expert knowledge of Judaism makes the updated and revised edition of Jewish Literacy an invaluable reference. A comprehensive yet thoroughly accessible resource for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of Judaism, Jewish Literacy is a must for every Jewish home.

The New Jewish Wedding, Revised

Anita Diamant

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Total reviews: 21 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

The Definitive, Completely Up-to-Date Guide to Planning a Jewish Wedding

Since its original publication in 1986, The New Jewish Wedding has become required reading, assigned to engaged couples by Conservative, Reform, and Reconstruc-tionist rabbis alike. In this new revision, Anita Diamant, one of the most respected writers of guides to Jewish life, continues to offer step-by-step guidance to planning the ceremony and the party that follows -- from hiring a rabbi and wording the invitation to organizing a processional and hiring a caterer. She also includes:

• A new chapter focusing on converts, non-Jews, and same-sex couples
• Essential Web sites
• All new art, with examples of ketubot, invitations, and other wedding paraphernalia
• New poems and new translations of the seven wedding blessings

Complete, authoritative, and indispensable, The New Jewish Wedding is a must-have resource for anyone who wants a wedding that combines spiritual meaning and joyous celebration.

The Jewish Book of Why

Alfred J. Kolatch

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 12 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Sensible, Readable & Informative 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful.

This book's question-and-answer format makes for easy reading, and should be of equal interest to both Jews and non-Jews alike. Want to know about Jewish marriage, divorce and family life? How about holidays, rituals, differences between orthodox and reform branches, or after affects of the Nazi holocaust? The answers are found here in this slightly dated book, one that was soon followed by a sequel (the Second Book of Jewish Why). This is an informative and nicely readable reference - one can only hope that authors from other religions and traditions will write books with a similar format.

Editorial Review:

Why are there kosher dietary laws, why must the chapter of curses in the Tora be read quickly in a low voice, and what's the point of visiting a body of water to empty pockets of crumbs on Rosh Hashana? Kolatch writes lucidly and knowingly, explaining the biblical, traditional and superstitious sources of thousands of questions pertaining to Judaism; the comprehensive index is expertly organized.

Choosing a Jewish Life: A Handbook for People Converting to Judaism and for Their Family and Friends

Anita Diamant

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Total reviews: 47 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

useful information 4 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This book has a lot of useful information for conversion. The only drawback was that it was written for people converting for a partner who is Jewish. Not all people convert for this reason so it is not a one size fits all conversion book.

Absolutely wonderful book! 5 out of 5 stars.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is a great book. It explained a lot of things for me when I was contemplating conversion. After making my decision, I actually gave the book to my mom to help her understand my decision.
I highly recommend this book for anyone thinking about converting.

Editorial Review:

Married to a convert herself, Anita Diamant provides advice and information that can transform the act of conversion into an extraordinary journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.

Here you will learn how to choose a rabbi, a synagogue, a denomination, a Hebrew name; how to handle the difficulty of putting aside Christmas; what happens at the mikvah (ritual bath) or at a hatafat dam brit (circumcision ritual for those already circumcised); how to find your footing in a new spiritual family that is not always well prepared to receive you; and how not to lose your bonds to your family of origin. Diamant anticipates all the questions, doubts, and concerns, and provides a comprehensive explanation of the rules and rituals of conversion.

To Life: A Celebration of Jewish Being and Thinking

Harold S. Kushner

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

(Almost) Everything You Wanted to Know About Judaism 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I love love love this book. I am Jewish, but this book really helped explain a lot of things to me that I never knew before or never thought of before. Harold Kushner is so articulate (a quality which I envy!), and he knows how to explain things or present them in a simple to understand way. I recommend this easy to read book to everyone who ever asked me about Judaism, and certainly anyone who is interested in conversion (I meet quite a few people in my line of work who approach me about that). If you want to know more (hence, the ALMOST), visit your local synagogue or look for some websites on the internet (I like aish.com, and I am NOT an orthodox Jew).

Down to the point. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I was born to catholic parents, later in my teens became a methodist, about two years now I've been doing a lot of reading about judaism.
During the course of reading this book I learned a lot. Specially the last chapter where he expresses his opinion about both faith.
When I was a catholic I was guided into believing that the jews where not really the good guys. What they did was unforgiving. (read any book about the expulsion of the jews from Spain in 1492 and after, that should give you a very good idea.) Until recently (1962-65) the vatican published the "Nostra Aetate" asking the jewish community for forgiveness for past "mistakes" and for the christian (catholic) community to make peace and be more tolerant with jews.
As a methodist ( and other branches for that matter )that part of history "doesn't" apply. Why? Well protestants started around the 16th c. and much later. That doesn't mean that they are saints either, they have their blemishes too. But what is more troublesome about them (evangelicals) is the insistence of converting you over. No matter what the conversation may be, sooner or later the pitch comes. I know, I've done it.
The only way to get along is like Kushner proposes in his book, is a mutual respect for each others faith. (period) His opinion about the events of the crucifiction (refering to the jews participation) might not coincide with many, after all he is jewish, and indirectly he is expressing two thousand years of pain and suffering, unfortunately some of it is still with us today. So think about it, what would your opinion be if you where in his place.
I highly recommend this book to all non-jews and jews alike.

Editorial Review:

The author of When Bad Things Happen to Good People explores how modern Judaism provides guidance for times of joy and tragedy, describes the relationship between Christianity and Judaism, and advises on living a holy life. Reprint.

The Wisdom in the Hebrew Alphabet (Artscroll (Mesorah Series))

Michael L. Munk, Micheal L. Munk

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Total reviews: 17 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Life Renewed 5 out of 5 stars.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful.

What if you had the chance for all of your dreams, as easy as A-B-C, or should I say A-B-D, to come true? Read above the pages - this book is worth it. If you want to learn Hebrew, this book will give you such a closeness to the letters, the hard parts of learning this language will remove the blockage. If you want greater insight into the secrets of life, and how to make life doable - PURCHASE THIS BOOK! If you are a serious scholar related to this area, read and make this book a part of your library.

Editorial Review:

From the very first Kabbalistic work, through the Talmud, through an impressive array of rabbinic literature, great minds have found the Aleph-Beis to be a gold mine of wisdom and guidance. This fascinating best-seller weaves these golden threads into a glorious tapestry, presenting hundreds of ideas and comments on the Aleph-Beis, including: the Aleph-Beis as the force of Creation, as a primer for Jewish living, and as a fountainhead of Torah insight and mystical meaning. The product of decades of learning, thinking, and teaching by the revered educator, lecturer, and community activist Rabbi Michael L. Munk. A treat not to be missed.

The Blessing Of A Skinned Knee: Using Jewish Teachings to Raise Self-Reliant Children

Wendy Mogel

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Total reviews: 71 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Editorial Review:

In the trenches of a typical day, every parent encounters a child afflicted with ingratitude and entitlement. In a world where material abundance abounds, parents want so badly to raise self-disciplined, appreciative, and resourceful children who are not spoiled by the plentitude around them. But how to accomplish this feat? The answer has eluded the best-intentioned mothers and fathers who overprotect, overindulge, and overschedule their children's lives.

Dr. Mogel helps parents learn how to turn their children's worst traits into their greatest attributes. Starting with stories of everyday parenting problems and examining them through the lens of the Torah, the Talmud, and important Jewish teachings, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee shows parents how to teach children to honor their parents and to respect others, escape the danger of overvaluing children's need for self-expression so that their kids don't become "little attorneys," accept that their children are both ordinary and unique, and treasure the power and holiness of the present moment.

It is Mogel's singular achievement that she makes these teachings relevant for any era and any household of any faith. A unique parenting book, designed for use both in the home and in parenting classes, with an on-line teaching guide to help facilitate its use, The Blessing of a Skinned Knee is both inspiring and effective in the day-to-day challenge of raising self-reliant children.

Everyday Holiness: The Jewish Spiritual Path of Mussar

Alan Morinis

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Total reviews: 5 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Here is an accessible and inspiring introduction to the Jewish spiritual tradition known as Mussar. Well known in the Orthodox Jewish world, Mussar is an illuminating, approachable, and highly practical set of teachings for cultivating personal growth and spiritual realization in the midst of day-to-day life. The ultimate goal of Mussar is to become a more whole and holy person. The path is simple: learn to be a mensch, a deeply good and decent human being, or what has been called an "extraordinary ordinary person."

The core teaching of Mussar is that our deepest essence is inherently pure and holy, but this inner radiance is obscured by extremes of emotion, desire, and bad habits. Our work in life is to uncover the brilliant light of the soul. The Mussar masters developed transformative teachings and practices—some of which are contemplative, some of which focus on how we relate to others in daily life—to help us to heal and refine ourselves. 

Alan Morinis, founder of the Mussar Institute, presents these teachings in terms that anyone can understand and put to use. Everyday Holiness  features short chapters on eighteen key character traits that the Mussar masters emphasize, including humility, generosity, gratitude, trust, patience, and enthusiasm. Morinis also explains how to make Mussar practice part of our daily lives. Here is a welcome resource for all those who are interested in reinvigorating their religious lives, exploring contemplative spirituality, and making spirituality part of everyday life.

For more information on Mussar and the author, Alan Morinis, visit www.mussarinstitute.org.