Judaism Books

Book SynopsisUsing insights gleaned from the Bible and psychology, this book is for anyone who is interested in helping the children deal with traumatic issues The inner world of a healthy child is filled with wonder, awe, and faith in a fair and just world. But for some children, a belief in the benevolence of the world and its people is often too hard to claim. In this unique guidebook, Dr. Norman Fried gives valuable insights into the lives of children who have been victimized by chaos and disease, and teaches how to help them grow within the context of a loving, accepting, and ethical bond. Using these examples, along with writings of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik on religion and psychology and the wisdom of trauma specialists, Dr. Fried shows how divine connections can serve as an inspiration, as well as a template, for other healthy interactions in a world that needs repair. Through directed action, biblical citations, and psychotherapeutic techniques that provide empowerment and hope, Dr. Fried takes the reader on a journey toward healthier functioning.Trade Review"Impressively written for the benefit of non-specialist general readers, Reclaiming Humanity: A Guide to Maintaining the Inner World of the Child Facing Ongoing Trauma is an extraordinary and 'real world practical' instructional guide and reference that is unreservedly recommended for personal, community, and academic library collections that will be of special and particular interest to parents of traumatized children and their caregivers." Julie Summers, http://www.midwestbookreview.com

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Book Synopsis The contemporary rabbi is influenced by the modern rabbinic establishments throughout the world, including the rabbinate in Israel. The rabbinate's monopoly on opinions and interpretations prevents rabbis from expressing their individual positions out of fear of delegitimization. The current structure gives the public a negative impression of the rabbinic establishment. The Importance of the Community Rabbi strives to describe and delineate key requirements for a good rabbi, i.e., one who can provide socially acceptable halachic solutions within the parameters of Orthodox thinking. Rabbi Sperber elucidates the halachic techniques and mechanisms that may be used toward this goal. These are further illustrated with stories from rabbinic literature and examples from various responsa.

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Book SynopsisRabba, Maharat, Rabbanit, Rebbetzin: Women with Leadership Authority According to Halachah examines in detail the legitimacy for feminine leadership in Jewish law. Exploring the various manifestations of female leadership, whether as women clergy or other forms of female halachic adjudication, Rabba, Maharat, Rabbanit, Rebbetzin responds to the standard criticisms leveled at the recent phenomenon of female authority within the Orthodox community. In this groundbreaking book, Rabbi Professor Daniel Sperber argues the halachic, political, and sociological levels of female leadership in Judaism.

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Book SynopsisAlthough mainly known as the chief rabbi of Haifa, Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen, born in the year 1927, has lived an intriguing life, playing an important role in the establishment of the state of Israel. As the son of Rabbi David Cohen (1887-1972), the legendary Nazirite of Jerusalem, Rabbi Cohen grew up among some of Israel’s greatest rabbis. Destined to become a Nazirite until the age of sixteen, Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen studied under the influence of Rav Kook. During the 1948 War of Independence, Rabbi Cohen fought to defend the Old City of Jerusalem, until he was severely wounded and taken to Jordan as a prisoner of war. After his return he became Chief Rabbi of the Israel Air Force, and then governed as the Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem with Teddy Kollek. Rabbi Cohen served as the Chief Rabbi of Haifa and President of their rabbinical courts for 36 years. The details of his achievements and captivating life in this biography are further encapsulated in excerpts of his diary, which include vivid details of the battles he fought in and his imprisonment in Jordan.Trade Review"Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen was a great and wise man who always strove for the unity of the Jewish People, just as he worked to bring together various sectors of the population in Haifa, where he served as Chief Rabbi for over thirty years. In his life he combined "the book and the sword".... He left behind him many students, disciples, and friends for whom he was a spiritual leader and authority in Jewish law, as well as many profound and fascinating stories that will continue to remind us of his legacy for generations to come. May his memory be blessed." - Benjamin Netanyahu"This is an interesting book that introduces Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen to a new audience even though he died less than 2 years ago. The book is highly recommended for academic, synagogue, school, and personal collections." -Daniel D. Stuhlman, AJL Reviews"Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen is a great Torah scholar and a man of deep thought and philosophy. He encapsulates in his person the combination of two similar-sounding words, halakhot and halikhot, Jewish law and day-to-day behavior. Unfortunately, for many, these two aspects are distinct and even contradictory, but in Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen there is no conflict at all between the two." - Rabbi Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, ztz""He exemplifies a real possibility and a real hope for the world in which we live . . . the rabbi will be remembered in Israel, as a leading figure in and after the State's foundation." James Macintyre, christiantoday.com" Rabbi Shear Yashuv Cohen: Between War and Peace is an informed, comprehensive, and ultimately inspiring read from beginning to end and very highly recommended for personal reading lists, as well as community and academic library collections." Midwest Book Review"In sum, this is not your 'average' rabbinical biography, but rather a very comprehensive treatment of one of Israel's greatest personalities with a lot of interesting Israeli history thrown in for good measure. Highly recommended." Professor Sam Lehman-Wilzig, jewishlinknj.com

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Book SynopsisA personal exploration of one Jew's journey to find meaning in the Torah, Personal Midrash is a unique collection of commentary and insights on the Torah. The search for meaning as religious and spiritual beings is anchored to a common written document: the Torah. But, if the Torah were inaccessible, or inscrutable, or beyond the grasp of the ordinary person, we would lose our way. This book is a personal journey through Torah by a curious Jew without rabbinic training. While a scholar may learn something new from this book, the hope is that any Jew may be inspired to likewise seek his or her own voice in interpreting Torah.Trade Review"A true modern midrash - not in the all-too-frequently misused sense of this term, but in a manner that genuinely recreates the intertextual and pious approach of the midrashim of yore." Benjamin D. Sommer, Professor, Bible and Ancient Semitic Languages, Jewish Theological Seminary"This book is instantly readable, teachable, and something every clergy and educator should have on hand." Rabbi Ari Averbach, Assistant Rabbi, Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, Illinois"These pages open portals of thought for the reader which stimulate the imagination. Trusting in Shulman's treatment of Midrash to be respectful more so than fanciful, one can take a creative leap into the Torah's clandestine layers and journey along with him." Steven Stoehr, Cantor, Congregation Beth Shalom, Northbrook, Illinois

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Book SynopsisDiscover the breadth of wisdom provided by this generation’s giant of Torah: Rabbi Irving “Yitz" Greenberg. Rabbi Yitz is one of the most renowned leaders in contemporary Jewish communal life. His dedication to foster a more interconnected and vibrant Judaism has been felt across the academic and broader world. In this new work, the legacy of Rabbi Yitz is discussed at length by those who have been affected by his inclusive model of contemporary Judaism, his approachable erudition, commitment to fostering meaningful interfaith dialogue, and constant striving to make the world a more just place. These intellectual progenies divulge the lasting impact Rabbi Yitz has had on their lives and the lives of people around the globe.Trade Review"Exceptionally well organized and presented, A Torah Giant is unreservedly recommended for personal, synagogue, community, and academic library Judaic Theology collections and supplemental studies reading lists." James A. Cox, Midwest Book Review"Discover the breadth of wisdom provided by this generation's giant of Torah: Rabbi Irving "Yitz" Greenberg. Rabbi Greenberg is one of the most renowned leaders in contemporary Jewish communal life. His dedication to a more interconnected and vibrant Judaism has been felt across the academic and broader world. In this new work, the legacy of Rabbi Greenberg is discussed at length by those who have been affected by his inclusive model of contemporary Judaism, his approachable erudition, commitment to fostering meaningful interfaith dialogue, and constant striving to make the world a more just place." Phil Jacobs, www.jewishlinknj.com

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Book SynopsisThis book sets forward a series of interesting and less-explored aspects of Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik's teachings. These essays delve into the Rav's approach toward understanding biblical figures, his views on emotions and intellect, his appreciation of R. Yehudah ha-Levi, his understanding of medieval history, and the implications for modernity.Trade Review"This volume addresses a series of fascinating yet until now less-explored teachings of the Rav. And them are the Rav's take on major personalities in the Tanach, in light of his views on emotion, intellect and the interrelationship of these facets in the Rav's teachings" Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star"'In Scholarly Man of Faith ,' said Dr. Kanarfogel, 'outstanding international scholars examine areas of his intellectual endeavors that have not been fully explored, making the volume valuable to anyone interested in the rav's teaching... I have had the pleasure of investigating with my fellow scholars the forces that have shaped the distinct elements of the Jewish character.'" JLNJ Staff, www.jewishlinknj.com"With essays on topics such as Biblical Hermeneutics in the Thought of R. Soloveitchik: A Preliminary Appraisal of the Influence of R. Yehudah Halevi, Science of Hermeneutics? Rav Soloveitchik's Scientific Method Revisited and more, this is a book by serious scholars and meant for a readership well-versed in western philosophy and at home with Rav Soloveitchik's worldview. For such readers, Scholarly Man of Faith is a reminder just how timeless and relevant Rav Soloveitchik was, and is." Ben Rothke, http://www.jewishpress.comTable of ContentsIntroduction, 7 Shalom Carmy, "In Many Respects God was Closer to Abraham than He was to Moses," Themes in Emergence of Ethical Man, 11 Shira Weiss, Biblical Hermeneutics in the Thought of R. Soloveitchik: A Preliminary Appraisal of the Influence of R. Yehudah Halevi, 27 Alex Sztuden, The Identity of Love and Cognition in the Thought of R. Joseph Soloveitchik, 49 Ephraim Kanarfogel, The History of the Tosafists and their Literary Corpus according to Rav Soloveitchik's Interpretrations of the Qinot for Tishah B'Av, 75 Daniel Rynhold, Science of Hermeneutics? Rav Soloveitchik's Scientific Method Revisited, 109 David Shatz, Contemporary Scholarship on Rabbi Soloveitchik's Thought: Where We Are, Where We Can Go, 135 Contributors, 197

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Book SynopsisRabbi Haim David Halevy was one of the great rabbinic luminaries of his era. A prolific author and a teacher, he was a gifted halakhic scholar, a devotee of kabbala, and a creative thinker who applied Torah wisdom to the dilemmas of modern times. From 1972 until his death, he served as the Sephardic Chief Rabbi of Tel Aviv. Influenced by the profound and compassionate teachings of his mentor Rabbi Benzion Uziel, Rabbi Halevy represented the best in the Sephardic tradition of the Judeo-Spanish Sephardim. His monumental knowledge and keen insight were widely recognized. He won many prizes for his intellectual achievements, and in 1997 was awarded the Israel Prize by the State of Israel in appreciation of his significant contributions to Torah scholarship. In this book, two Rabbis provide an analysis of the teachings of Rabbi Halevy on a wide range of topics: confronting modernity, rabbinic responsibility and authority, metaphysical issues, questions of faith, the role of customs, Jewish education, governing the Jewish State, and more. Rabbi Halevy was a gentle, thoughtful scholar. He was also a courageous thinker who was not afraid to consider old questions in a new light and to break new ground in the field of Torah studies. Rabbi Halevy viewed his books as his yeshiva. By studying this book, readers have the special privilege of being part of Rabbi Halevy's yeshiva and learning Torah from one of the great sages of modern times.Trade Review"Rabbi Haim David Halevy is probably almost unknown in the Diaspora, particularly in the Ashkenazi world. In Israel he was well-known as a posek and his works are know accessible and grounded in modern reality. [...] This book should be of interest to all, but, in particular to populations that find that there are not enough English language biographies of Sephardic Jewish leaders." --Shalom Berger, Lookstein Digest"[Rabbi Halevy] remains to this day unknown to significant segments of the religious and general Jewish community, both in Israel and throughout the world. Hopefully this book will give him further recognition, at least within the English-speaking world." --Morey Schwartz, author, Where's My Miracle?: Exploring Jewish Traditions for Dealing with Tragedy"This book should be of interest to all, but in particular to populations that find that there are not enough English-language biographies of Sephardic Jewish leaders." --Shalom Berger, scholar"As the title indicates, {Rabbi Haim David Halevy] was not just a courageous thinker, but perhaps more importantly, a courageous scholar also. As a sage, he was entirely committed to halacha. But in his pragmatism and deep understanding of the halachic system, he could intuit that there is significant flexibility built into the system. The authors highlight this, and detail his idea that only due to the merit of the flexibility of the halacha has the people of Israel been able, through the power of numerous and useful creative interpretations which were innovated by the sages in each generation, to walk in in the way of observance for millennia." Ben Rothke, jewishpress.com

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Book Synopsis

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Book Synopsis

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