Bücher veröffentlicht von Jewish Lights Publishing

N¿ilah, ¿the closing of the gates¿ is, in many ways, the most anticipated worship service in the entire Jewish calendar. Coming at the end of the 24-hour fast that characterizes Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), it symbolizes the days of old when the gates of the ancient Temple closed at last, and with them, the last chance for prayers of atonement and reconciliation with God and with others. Nowadays, the synagogue service that replaced the Temple cult marks the occasion with heightened fervor: the only time all year when the gates of the ark that houses the Torah scroll remain open throughout the service; telltale melodies accompany the occasion; a final blast of the shofar (the ram¿s horn) symbolizes the end of the fast and the new beginning that follows; special prayers celebrate the human capacity to create a life that matters beyond our own mortality -- and the presence of God who ¿reaches out a hand¿ to invite us into the new Jewish year that N¿ilah¿s final shofar blast inaugurates.All of this is the topic for volume eight in ¿Prayers of Awe,¿ the series devoted to exploring the depth of the Jewish High Holy Days. As with prior volumes, this one too comes with introductory essays on the history, theology, and deeper meaning behind the prayer experience. It then assembles some 40 short and accessible essays designed to unlock the mystery and depth of the occasion. Authors come from all walks of life ¿ clergy and laypeople, scholars and artists, men and women across the generations ¿ and from seven countries (Canada, Australia, Germany, France, Israel, the UK and USA).What music appreciation is to classical music, this series on prayer is to Jewish worship. This volume, in particular, explores Judaism¿s timeless message of divine purpose and the ongoing search for meaning in a world of human frailty but also promise.

Part professional handbook, part scholarly resource and part source of practical information, with contributions from over twenty-five leading Jewish professionals. A comprehensive, up-to-date resource on Jewish life and healing, medicine and healthcare.

In this intimate rethinking of his own theological journey, noted theologian Rabbi Neil Gillman explores the changing nature of belief and the complexities of reconciling the intellectual, emotional and moral questions of his own searching mind and soul.

This groundbreaking book¿written specifically for community rabbis and religious counselors¿reflects the wisdom of seasoned professionals, who provide clear guidelines and sensible strategies for effective rabbinic counseling.

Dr. David Hartman, leading modern Orthodox theologian, presents his own painful spiritual evolution. His creates space for questioning and critique that can allow traditionally religious Jews to act out a moral life in tune with modern experience.

This is a groundbreaking, accessible look at the implications of cognitive science for religion and theology, intended for laypeople. Avoiding neurological jargon and respectful to all faiths, it examines: ┬╗ Current theory on how our brains construct our world in order to guide us safely through life, creating and appreciating meaning as we go. ┬╗ What religious experience is as it plays out in our brains. ┬╗ How modern science challenges historic ideas about free will and undermines the religious concept of the soul as a meta-physical entity separable from the body. ┬╗ What cognitive science reveals about our need for community. ┬╗ Why we should be loyal to one faith if, in fact, all major religious traditions deal effectively with universal human needs.

A life-long student of Jewish wisdom texts, Dr. Abraham J. Twerski draws from his extensive professional experience as a psychiatrist and spiritual counselor to give us practical lessons for daily life, whatever our faith tradition.

With poignant and probing reflections on the weekly Torah portions, this collection focuses on important issues like relationships, sexuality, ambition, work and career, aging and body image to show modern men how Torah intersects with their lives today.

This practical and inspiring book provides real-life anecdotes, interactive exercises and questions for reflection to help you develop your leadership skills and dialogue with others about issues like conflict resolution and effective succession planning.

For the first time, and in time for the 2008 election season, the voices of leading progressive Jewish activists are gathered together in one groundbreaking volume as they seek meaningful intellectual and spiritual foundations upon which to base their social justice work. This important collection features broad discussions of the historical, political and theological dimensions of Jewish justice work. It, also, includes commentary on specific contemporary issues such as poverty, genocide, gay rights, stem cell research, and the environment. Informed by spirited activists, intellectuals and religious leaders, this provocative book will: ┬╖Articulate progressive Jewish positions on key contemporary issues that draw on traditional and modern thinking ┬╖Motivate Jewish communities to take action by demonstrating to readers the importance of activism and community organising in Jewish life ┬╖Help reorient the contemporary discourse on religion and politics in the world today

Essential reading for people interested in the Jewish healing, spirituality and spiritual direction movements, this groundbreaking volume explores the Jewish tradition for comfort in times of illness and Judaism''s perspectives on the inevitable suffering with which we live. Pushing the boundaries of Jewish knowledge, scholars, teachers, artists and activists examine the aspects of our mortality and the important distinctions between curing and healing. Topics discussed include: ┬╖The Importance of the Individual┬╖Health and Healing among the Mystics ┬╖Hope and the Hebrew Bible ┬╖From Disability to Enablement ┬╖Overcoming Stigma ┬╖Jewish Bioethics Drawing from literature, personal experience and the foundational texts of Judaism, these celebrated thinkers show us that healing is an idea that can both soften us so that we are open to inspiration as well as toughen us - like good scar tissue - in order to live with the consequences of being human.

Despite the New Testament''s impact on Jewish history, virtually all Jews avoid knowledge of its underlying dynamics. Jewish families and communities, thus, remain needlessly stymied when responding to a culture deeply Christian. Their Christian friends, meanwhile, are left perplexed as to why Jews are wary of the Gospel''s ''good news''.This long awaited volume offers and unprecedented, solution-oriented introduction to Jesus and Paul, the Gospels and Revelation, leading Jews out of anxieties that plague them and clarifiying for Christians why Jews draw back from Christians sacred writings. Accessible to lay people, scholars and clergy of all faiths, innovative teachings aids make it ideal for rabbis, ministers and other teachers. Topics include:┬╖The Gospels, Romans, and Revelation ┬╖The Key concerns for Jews, Misusing the Talmud in Gospel Study┬╖Jesus'' Trial, the ''Virgin Birth'' and Empty Tomb Enigmas ┬╖Millennialist Scenarios and Missionary Enchroachment┬╖The Last Supper and Church Seders

Helps people find core spiritual values in American Jewry's most misunderstood ceremony-bar and bat mitzvah. In a joining of explanation, instruction and inspiration, Rabbi Salkin helps both parent and child truly be there when the moment of Sinai is recreated in their lives.

In this challenging and inspiring look at the dynamics of religious experience and "seeing God," award-winning author and theologian Neil Gillman helps you develop and refine your own spiritual vision and discern the presence of God in unanticipated ways.

The essential reference for spiritual leaders and all who are called to help others listen for God's voice. Offers insight into the theology and practice of spiritual direction, embodied spirituality and group work, from all contemporary Jewish movements.

A groundbreaking conversation in the voices of Jewish women-rabbis, scholars, activists, artists-about the themes of the Exodus and exile, oppression and liberation, history and memory, as they relate to contemporary women's lives.

In a world often hurt by violence, this retold biblical story gives children and adults a starting point for discussing anger, its effects on those around us and how to express our emotions in positive ways.

Volume eight in this critically acclaimed series (Kabbalat Shabbat) explores the synagogue liturgy for greeting Shabbat, the beloved Friday night ritual that is perhaps most familiar of all synagogue service, and that features "L'kha Dodi" ("Come my Beloved") as part of the most significant mystical addition to all of Jewish liturgy. My People's Prayer Book: Volume 8-Kabbalat Shabbat (Welcoming Shabbat in the Synagogue) features the traditional Hebrew text with a new translation that lets people know exactly what the prayers say. Introductions explain what to look for in the prayers, and how to use the commentaries to find meaning in the prayer book. Commentaries from eminent scholars and teachers from all movements of Judaism examine Shabbat in the synagogue from the viewpoints of ancient Rabbis and modern theologians, including such specialized perspectives as liturgical history, Jewish mysticism, the Bible, and rabbinic law.

Offers a candid, comprehensive discussion of the major paths to spirituality within the framework of Judaism, and the differing way each path can help us on our quest to nourish the soul and enlighten the mind.

This biography of one of the great spiritual thinkers of the early twentieth century, written by one of her closest friends, guides us through her life and spiritual writings, which have brought the Divine into the everyday for countless people.

The Dhammapada-believed to have been spoken by the Buddha himself-contains most of Buddhism's central teachings. Helpful commentary explains references, philosophical terms and the inspiring interpretations of famous spiritual teachers.

Inspiring text and contemplative artwork combine to communicate the three essential qualities of deep listening-silence, reflection and presence. They demonstrate that the key spiritual transformation can be as basic as practicing the art of listening.

Where does God live? How can we "see" God? Using simple, everyday examples that children can relate to, this colorful book helps young readers develop a direct and personal understanding of God.

Tells you everything you need to know to avoid embarrassment, relax and have a good time in the midst of the unfamiliar religious traditions and customs involved in weddings of many different faiths and cultures across North America.