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Today there are more than seven million Jews in the United States. As with Americans of all ethnicities and religious persuasions, Jews can identify with and embrace their heritage in any number of ways. Alternatively, they can choose to distance themselves from anything distinctively Jewish. For millennia, the Torah – literally, instruction – the first five books of the Hebrew Bible, has been a centerpiece of Jewish study, thought, and action. Throughout the years, the Torah has been interpreted and applied to life in varying times and places. It has long been customary for Jews to read chapters of the Torah each week as part of an annual cycle of study and synagogue ritual. In the third decade of the twenty-first century, there are Jews who question or doubt the continuing relevance of Jewish texts to their lives. Yet, the search for meaning is enduring, and most American Jews are interested in engaging with a heritage in which they take pride. It is, primarily, for such readers that this book is designed. At the same time, there are people who are not Jewish for whom a book unpacking a Jewish understanding of the Torah might be of interest. The aim of this work is to share ideas, themes, values, and practices that are all part of the living Torah, with full awareness that personal meaning is, by definition, unique to each individual. “Living Torah” describes both Torah as a vibrant text and those who lead Torah-informed lives. “Torah-informed” by no means implies uniformity of life-style. There are a number of books that explore the meaning that Judaism can hold for contemporary Jews and others interested in the wisdom expressed in its classical texts. While these books draw upon classical sources and offer interesting perspectives, none undertakes to systematically introduce the reader to the richness of the Torah text. The uniqueness of this very accessible volume is that it identifies a central theme in each of the five books of the Torah, and, following exploration of the substance of each book, looks at implications of the book’s key theme for the lives of contemporary readers The book is comprised of ten chapters, organized as follows: a chapter synopsizing a book of the Torah and identifying its central theme, followed by a chapter applying that theme to the lived experience of Jews in the twenty-first century. The themes explored are: (a) the Jews’ relationship to the land of Israel; (b) purpose in history; (c) the pursuit of holiness; (d) living in community; (e) Jewish learning.
In each devotional, Lanier reflects on the biblical text, relates the text to the struggles facing faithful readers of the Bible, and concludes with a prayer for the day.
The present book, the second of a six-volume series, is an adaptation into readily accessible English of 11 fundamental discourses--one for each weekly Torah portion in the book of Exodus--from Rabbi Schneur Zalman's classic work, Torah Or. It is thus an unprecedented presentation of chassidic philosophy and mysticism as explained in detail in their original source. Rabbi Schneur Zalman of Liadi (1745-1812), founder of the intellectual branch of Chassidism--Chabad--is credited with bringing the deepest secrets of Jewish mysticism and Kabbalah "down to earth," so they could be read and understood by even the average person. He broke the paradigm: it was no longer, "first perfect yourself spiritually, then you will be fit to study this"; now it was, "study this and it will help you to perfect yourself spiritually." The worldwide spread of Chabad-appealing to people of all backgrounds, and in every conceivable culture-in the centuries since bears elegant testimony to the power of these ideas to tap the very Jewish soul. And yet, written in scholarly Hebrew, these keys to the essential core of Judaism were locked away, untranslated, for almost 200 years. In this series, Rabbi Yitzchok Wagshul, a master teacher, does not merely translate the original material, he clearly explains it in friendly, articulate English for scholar and lay person alike. No background in Jewish knowledge is required; just a willingness to think. If Rabbi Schneur Zalman were teaching today, this book is what he might well say. Book jacket.
Those who devote their early adult years to full-time Torah learning know they are living in a different reality. Their world is pure and idealistic, and their goals are spiritual. Their success is measured in the thrill of a new insight and the glimpses of Hashem's wisdom that only the Talmud can reveal. For some, the early years are only the beginning of a life-long ascent in the world of Torah. For most, however, a return trip to the material world is inevitable. This is one of the most difficult transitions a Ben Torah ever will make. It calls his entire identity and purpose into question. And yet little time is devoted to preparing for this transition in the years during which all energy is focused on Torah learning. Some get lost, and some feel misled; most are confused about how to proceed with their self-esteem and values intact. Rabbi Aaron Lopiansky has written a book that will serve as a guiding light to the many young men who are making this transition.--Back cover.
Extraordinary wisdom to help you understand yourself, lead your life, and deal with other people. As human beings, we have instincts for both good and evil, conscious and unconscious. To rectify ourselvesto live spiritually and properlyinvolves getting a handle on these impulses. from the Introduction In this special book of practical wisdom, Dr. Abraham J. Twerski draws from his extensive professional experience as a psychiatrist and spiritual counselor, a life-long student of Jewish wisdom texts, and his personal experience as a son of a wise Chassidic rabbi to give us practical lessons for life that we can put to day-to-day use in dealing with ourselves and others. In a presentation as warm and witty as it is profound, Dr. Twerski combines lively anecdotes, personal musings, and insights and wisdom from sources ranging from Freud to the great Talmudic and Torah scholars throughout the ages. And with deep compassion and refreshing candor, he shows how these wisdom teachings can guide us in all moments of our lives, whatever our faith tradition.
Brought down in fire and set in stone, the commandments are inscribed, too, in the soul of every Jew. This fascinating work reveals the magnificence of Jewish living as experienced through mitzvah observance. The author presents profound insights into many of the commandments that define and enrich Jewish life. Topics include: tzitzis, mikveh, arbah minim, kashrus, and lashon hara.
A concise and illuminating narrative provides glimpses of the true stature of this modest woman. Far more than a passive observer, the Rebbetzin was often an active participant in the events that shook the very foundations of Jewish life. Her biography is an account of the trials and triumphs of the Lubavitcher movement during those tumultuous times. The first of a series, this elegantly presented booklet is enhanced by 18 illustrations, charts and maps including to rare photographs of the Rebbetzin in her youth.
From the Penteteuch and Nevi'im to the Ketuvim and the oral Torah, this straightforward reference walks you through God's instructions to His people and explains how these teachings are incorporated into Jewish life. The Everything Torah Book presents the tenets of the Jewish faith in an easy-to-understand reference. Fascinating insights into the history, stories, parables, and personalities that are featured in this sacred scripture will bring teachings to life. Regardless of your faith, The Everything Torah Book offers a wonderful insight into Jewish culture. Learn about: Jewish history and heritage What constitutes the Torah The importance of the Torah in the Jewish community How to expand your learning Incorporating teachings into your life Written by a rabbi, The Everything Torah Book presents the tenets of Jewish faith, tradition, and culture in one all-inclusive resource.