Judaism life and practice Books

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Book SynopsisOver the last several hundred years, the recitation of Havineinu, an abridged version of the daily prayer usually recited in pressing situations, has functionally ceased. This study addressed the legal analysis used to explain that change. Though the shift in perspective has been gradual, the book argues that the resulting profound change in the interpretation of halachic texts has had a direct influence on the understanding and the practice of Jewish law. It examines the sources and processes that have shaped the contours of Havineinu over time, exemplifying the subtle changes that occur in the development of halacha as a result of chiddush, or innovation.Trade Review"It is precisely Broyde's aim to observe and anatomize the process when the ideological stakes are lower. His case study is a tour de force, though it will leave those large disputes about the relationship between Jewish law and contemporary morals unaltered." -- Jewish Review of Books"[This] case study is a tour de force." -- Jewish Review of Books

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Book SynopsisFinalist:2014 National Jewish Book Award, Modern Jewish Thought and ExperienceThis study seeks to examine the relationship between the two major categories of commandments (mitzvot): ritual commands (between man and his Maker) and social interpersonal commands (between man and his neighbor). It is argued here that when there is a clash between these two categories, and one cannot carry out both, the interpersonal mitzvot almost always override those of a ritual nature. Different scenarios from a broad spectrum of Jewish law are cited to prove this contention, and the conclusion is underscored through the examination of the behavior and rulings of several leading Jewish legal authorities. Finally, the implications of this conclusion and their impact on religious educational direction and rationale are also discussed.

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Book SynopsisThis book is a collection of intriguing insights relating to Jewish law and tradition. Thomas Furst articulates an original approach to fundamental questions and teachings in Judaism, including the hidden essence of Shabbat, the striking significance of the Seder night, marital harmony, the immense importance of the mitzvah of inviting guests, the overriding importance of Israel, as well as other topics of contemporary relevance. The author provides clear and profound insights into crucial issues of Jewish law and life in ways that animate the Torah’s wise teachings.Trade Review"Impressively well written, exceptionally well organized, and deftly presented . . . . Simply stated, Torah Mysteries Illuminated is very highly recommended for scholars and non-specialist readers alike." Michael Dunford, Midwest Book Review

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Book SynopsisThis book is the first Haggadah that brings together the teachings of three of the most influential and brilliant Rabbinic personalities of the 20th century: Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. The Night That Unites also offers a special section of contemporary readings and stories related to the Land of Israel and the Holocaust. Suggested questions are offered as a way of encouraging and guiding discussion at the Seder that will enhance the Passover night experience, and illustrations depicting all 15 steps of the Seder are featured throughout.Trade Review"Envelops into one volume some of the best teachings that each of these Torah luminaries brought forward in the last century. The choice of teachings, stories, and questions contained in this collective work represents some of the finest Torah learning for presentment at your Seder table." Alan Jay Gerber, Jewish Star"The Haggadah's layout makes it easy to follow the order of the seder, and Perlmutter's drawings at the start of each section are spectacular. The book is comprehensive. . . . a collector's item." Steve Lipman, Jewish Week"So this is, at least in my opinion, the best new haggadah of the year, and I recommend that you bring it to your table on seder night. It is the next best thing to having three of the giants of Jewish life sitting there with you." Rabbi Jack Riemer, South Florida Jewish Journal"Hands down the best new entry of the year. . . . I learned a lot, and considering that I've reviewed a dozen Haggadot in each of the last six years, that's saying something." Jay Michaelson, Jewish Daily Forward"Offering a fresh and original look at the Seder night, this Passover Haggadah is a unique compilation of the teachings of Rav Kook, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and Reb Carlebach. Together with discussion questions and contemporary insights, this Haggadah powerfully engages the reader on the most compelling and memorable night of the year -- The Night That Unites ." Dov Peretz Elkins, Jewish Media Review

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Book SynopsisVolume 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.

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Book SynopsisIn 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.

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Book SynopsisRabbi 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.Trade Review"This very accessible volume makes a large and much-needed contribution to the Jewish community. It re-introduces to the modern reader many of the elements of Jewish traditional practice around death and mourning that have proven -- over centuries -- to provide great wisdom, insight and comfort to the bereaved. Today, when people are searching deeply for meaning in their lives and some shiva homes can more resemble cocktail parties than houses of mourning, this very clear "how to" manual for making a shiva call has never been more timely and needed. It is a useful and sensitive book for mourner and comforter, alike. I hope every synagogue office and Rabbi's study everywhere is stocked with multiple copies for distribution to those in need of its guidance." - Jacob Solomon, President and CEO, Greater Miami Jewish Federation"Just as we will all die, so too we will all mourn the death of loved ones. Life prepares us for neither. Rabbi Schreiber's brilliantly insightful guide to mourning is an essential read for every human being who will someday grieve. From Mourning to Morning is an indispensable guided tour through the valley of the shadow of death -- a place we will all visit. Rabbi Schreiber works in that valley every day, helping those in need of practical and spiritual advice -- advice he generously shares in this invaluable book." Alan Dershowitz, author, Abraham: The World's First (But Certainly Not Last) Jewish Lawyer"Rabbi Simeon Schreiber's clearly written guide will greatly help all who find themselves confronted by the imminence of death and its aftermath. It will also significantly benefit those who want to offer support and comfort. Full of thoughtful sensitivity and deep Jewish wisdom, this work by a highly respected and beloved hospital chaplain offers practical guidance and advice gained from decades of experience with these issues." Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter, professor, Jewish History and Jewish Thought, Yeshiva University"Rabbi Schreiber's very clear 'how to' manual discusses the need to grieve and mourn, and offers clear guidelines for making a shiva call. It has never been more timely and needed than today, when people are searching for meaning in their lives and some shiva homes resemble cocktail parties rather than houses of mourning. It is a useful and sensitive book for mourner and comforter alike." Jacob Solomon, President and CEO, Greater Miami Jewish Federation"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." James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review"Simeon Schreiber has written an invaluable modern day guide to the perplexed, all those well-meaning friends and relatives who come to bring a measure of consolation to those suffering the loss of a loved one." Rabbi Benjamin Blech, jewishbookreview.wordpress.com

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Book SynopsisJewish Law as Rebellion is unconventional and controversial in its approach to the world of Jewish Law and its response to religious crises. The book delves into the contemporary application and development of halacha and pointedly protests many accepted methods and ideals, offering new solutions to existing halachic dilemmas. Rabbi Cardozo discusses hot topics such as same-sex marriage, conversion, and religion in the State of Israel and presents a critical analysis and explanation of the application of halacha. Trade Review"No reader can doubt the brilliance, courage, and deep concern that Rabbi Lopez Cardozo displays in these pages for authentic halachic living." Yehuda Gellman, Emeritus Professor Ben-Gurion University"Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo is a unique intellectual presence in the rabbinical world today. His new book raises profound questions that disturb our complacency and demand the attention of our hearts and minds. To think with him and the challenges he raises is one of the great experiences of modern Jewish thought." Professor Susannah Heschel"Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo is that rare entity, a seeker who is unafraid to challenge accepted ideas and norms. His Jewish Law as Rebellion perfectly embodies his own engagement with tradition. It will inspire any who struggle with Judaism's most basic principles." Professor James Kugel"Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo has written a challenging, even provocative book, inviting us to restore the iconoclasm with which Judaism was born as a religion of protest against the status quo. Agree or disagree, you will find yourself thinking hard and deep about the current state of Jewish law and life, and that makes it a work well worth reading -- a new chapter in one of the great Jewish traditions: the dignity of dissent." Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks"Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo is a rebel fighting for a most worthy cause -- to reinvigorate Judaism and infuse it with real spiritual context. He inveighs against the over-codification of Halachah, a sort of pietistic OCD syndrome, which stifles the true spirit of Judaism. He calls for a return to the Talmud and its sources, with its openness, its bewildering variety of opinions, its multifaceted character, its liberality, and its halachic flexibility. This book is the powerful plea of a genuinely pious Jew deeply concerned for our Jewish future. The problems and challenges he presents are real and urgent, requiring creative rethinking on the part of our religious authorities. He is to be admired and congratulated for his courage and the clarity of his vision." Rabbi Professor Daniel Sperber"What this exceptional book offers is a rationale for halakhic practice as a discipline of resistance -- resistance to the corrupting effect of the ordinary, to the hollowing-out of human behaviour and human awareness that a fast-paced and feverish culture produces. It is full of insights that will challenge and inspire Jews and non-Jews alike: a reminder that Orthodoxy of whatever kind is empty if it does not arise from the deep, radical awareness of the divine imperative to be amazed and thankful in the face of every thing and every experience. Immensely enriching." Dr. Rowan Williams"In this masterful work, Rav Cardozo not only critiques the great challenges that Jews face in the world but also lays out an inspirational and comprehensive vision of contemporary Judaism.... Rabbi Cardozo's fascinating new book inspires us to roll up our sleeves and to become pioneers as we reorient tradition as the vanguard of an inspired Jewish future." Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz, http://jewishjournal.com/"In his review of Rabbi Cardozo's, work Rabbi Jonathan Sacks writes: 'Agree or disagree, you will find yourself thinking hard and deep about the current state of Jewish law and life, and that makes it a well worth readinga new chapter in one of the great Jewish traditions: dignity and dissent.' To this observation I say, I agree. Go and enjoy the challenge." Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star

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Book SynopsisDue 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.Trade Review"I can write in praise of this known Torah scholar, Rabbi Jason Weiner . . . I am certain that this work, which details all of Jewish Law that a patient needs to know, is a very important work and it is certainly a Mitzvah to publish and distribute it." Rav Zalman Nechemia Goldberg, Chief Justice, Rabbinical High Court, Jerusalem"My friend rabbi Jason Weiner has done a great thing by publishing this book . . . this practical guidebook will provide support and assistance to anyone who is concerned about Halakha." Dr. Avraham Steinberg, noted author, Director, Medical Ethics Unit at Shaare Zedek Medical Center, Jerusalem, and co-chairman, the Israeli National Council on Bioethics"Rabbi Weiner sanctifies the Name of God daily in his holy work, and frequently consults with me in complicated Halakhic questions . . . this book is very well organized and I'm certain it will be very useful." Rav Asher Weiss, halakhic authority in Jerusalem, author, head of Minchas Asher institutions"Although Weiner defines this book as an introduction, I found each chapter rich in its content and detail . . . . each topic is handled with care and extreme sensitivity, and it is obvious that a vast amount of research went into producing this substantive work." Devorah Talia Gordon, jewishhomela.com"The book is highly recommended for academic, synagogue, and personal collections." Daniel D. Stuhlman, AJL ReviewsSTARRED REVIEW: "This sterling conclusion to an impressive fantasy epic will leave readers cheering." www.publishersweekly.com"In general, this book is well worth purchasing and perusing for anyone interested in modern health care and Halakhah....It's very likely that the book will be read, appreciated, and used not just by rabbis and poskim, but by healthcare professionals, families, and patients as well." Zackary Sholem Berger, www.thelehrhaus.com/"Rabbi Jason Weiner, a hospital chaplain and synagogue rabbi, combines real-world experience with extensive research to provide an overview of Jewish approaches to a wide range of medical issues. Rabbi Weiner writes for patients, rabbis and medical professionals. He therefore uses sympathetic and non-technical language that respects the patients' experiences and provides easily understood options, supplemented by endnotes with extensive citations... He suggestsrather than try to convince patients and family that their preference is wronglisten to them and empower them by offering options that provide them with the control and independence they desire. In a broader context, this is wise advice for dealing with anyone seeking religious guidance." Rabbi Gil Student, jewishaction.com

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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