Mussar
Path of the Soul #7: Loving Kindness
6 min read
7 min read
They don't call us the People of the Book for nothing!
Understanding Judaism by: Benjamin Blech
This work presents an excellent overview of Jewish philosophy. It deals with all the major issues such as belief, free will, mitzvot, intellect and faith, etc.
Idiot's Guide to Understand Jewish Religion by: Benjamin Blech, Richard M. Joel
Permission to Believe by: Lawrence Kelemen
Four rational approaches to G-d's existence, particularly important for anyone involved in outreach.
To Be a Jewish Women by: Lisa Aiken
Genesis & the Big Bang by: Gerald L. Schroeder
A ground-breaking work that confronts the cosmological debate head-on. The author, a former M.I.T. professor of nuclear physics and member of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission, is now a Discovery lecturer in Jerusalem.
The Aryeh Kaplan Anthology on Judaism by: Aryeh Kaplan
Listed in "Who's Who" as an accomplished physicist, Aryeh Kaplan applied his brilliant mind first and foremost to Torah study - mastering all the works of Jewish philosophy, law and kabbalah. He shared his encyclopedic knowledge in a series of masterful works that blends the mystical and the practical. Topics include: The Messiah, Jerusalem, Christianity, Shabbat, Mikveh, Soul and Afterlife, and the nature of God.
Jewish Matters by: Doron Kornbluth
In this lightweight, pocketsize book, twenty-three Jewish leaders, thinkers, and educators offer their insights and knowledge on topics as varied as relationships, prayer, mysticism and happiness. These are twenty-three essays worth reading--because being Jewish matters.
Shmooze Compiled by: Nechemia Coopersmith
A Guide to Thought-Provoking Discussions on Essential Jewish Issues
Israel: Life in the Shadow of Terror by: Rabbi Nechemia Coopersmith and Shraga Simmons
"Israel: Life in the Shadow of Terror" is an anthology of 60 personal accounts and perspectives on the tumultuous violence in Israel from 2000-2004. This book portrays the perseverance of ordinary Israelis, explores the pivotal issues underlying the Middle East conflict, and features poignant accounts from people who survived and witnessed terror attacks.
Recommended books on Spirituality:
World Mask by: Akiva Tatz
This book traces some of the Torah themes which express the duality of the world: the physical, outer layer, and its inner root.
The Art of Jewish Prayer by: Yitzchok Kirzner, Lisa Aiken
The Powers of the Soul by: Rabbi Tom Meyer
How to Get Your Prayers Answered by: Irwin Katsof
Remember My Soul by: Lori Palatnik
Gateway to Happiness by: Zelig Pliskin
Your attitude controls your mood. Learn the Torah's techniques for ridding yourself of anxiety, fear and stress - while increasing your joy, appreciation and energy. A noted psychologist and Talmudic scholar, Rabbi Pliskin heads the counselling center at Aish HaTorah in Jerusalem.
Endless Light by: David Aaron
Heaven on Earth by: Nechemia Coopersmith and Shraga Simmons
"Heaven on Earth" is an anthology of 54 inspiring essays, and chronicles a wide range of spiritual journeys that demonstrate how to bring spirituality into everyday life. "Heaven on Earth" takes you from an ashram in India, to Ground Zero in Manhattan, from the Golden Gate Bridge, to the Western Wall, and beyond.
The Death of Cupid by: Nachum Braverman, Shimon Apisdorf (Contributor)
Talking Tachlis by: Rosie Einhorn & Sherry Zimmerman
Finding one's match has been described in the Talmud as a process as difficult as was the splitting of the Red Sea. With that in mind, Talking Tachlis was written to help single, Orthodox men and women learn more about themselves, formulate lasting goals based on their unique needs, and use this new understanding to determine what it is they are looking for in a spouse. Written by a psychotherapist and a family law lattorney, both specializing in working with singles, this book contains valuable advice to aid, and hopefully hasten, the process of finding one's mate.
The Magic Touch by: Gila Manolson
There's more to touching than most of us realize. In this frank, eye-opening book, an experienced teacher from the Discovery Seminar offers the thought-provoking Jewish perspective on this subject. Entertaining and enlightening, this work clarifies one of the least understood areas of Jewish law.
To Become One by: Rabbi Ezriel Tauber
The secret to a successful marriage is contained in Bereshith 2:24, and those who know the secret can improve their relationship with their spouse immediately. For over three decades, Rabbi Ezriel Tauber has been counseling and helping couples overcome their difficulties and work towards a beautiful, harmonious marriage.
Jewish Marriage-A Halachic Ethic
The Jewish Way in Love and Marriage by: Maurice Lamm
My Child, My Disciple by: Rabbi Noah Orlowek
A practical Torah-based guide to effective discipline in the home, preventing and solving disciplinary problems and establishing warm, loving relationships with children.
More Effective Jewish Parenting by: Miriam Levi
"I love them so much. How can they get me so angry?"
Make Me Don't Break Me by: Moshe Gans
To Raise a Jewish Child by: Hayim Halevy Donin
Yaffa Ganz's Holiday Series Artscroll
A Treasury of Jewish Bedtime Stories by: Blitz
Recommended books on Literacy:
Stone Chumash by: Rabbi Nosson Scherman
The Torah, Haftaros, and Five Megillos with a commentary from Rabbinic writings
The Jewish Way in Death and Mourning by: Maurice Lamm
Becoming a Jew by: Maurice Lamm
Artscroll Siddur by: Rabbi Nosson Scherman & Rabbi Meir Zlotowitz
A Prayer book for our times, it speaks to today's Jew, relating the thoughts and words of our heritage to the mind and heart of modern, sophisticated Jews.
Bible for the Clueless but Curious by: Nachum Braverman
A guide to Jewish wisdom in one volume. This storehouse of ancient wisdom is now available in everyday language. From spirituality to relationships and personal potential, Jewish wisdom has been tackling life's ultimate issues for 3,000 years--and it all flows from the Torah, the Jewish Bible.
Recommended books on Holocaust
The Pictoral History of the Holocaust Arad, Yad Vashem
Atlas of the Holocaust, Gilbert, Michael Joseph ltd by: Martin Gilbert
The Holocaust - A history of the Jews of Europe WWII Gilbert, OWL books by: Martin Gilbert
Sparks of Glory by: Moshe Prager
Inspiring episodes of Jewish spiritual resistance by Israel's leading chronicles of Holocaust courage.
Abandonment of the Jews by: David S. Wyman (Afterword), Elie Wiesel (Introduction)
Recommended books on Sabbath and Holidays:
Sabbath: Day of Eternity by: Aryeh Kaplan
Why is the Sabbath the only religious observance mentioned in the Ten Commandments? Why does the Talmud call the Sabbath "a taste of the world to come?" Why is the Sabbath gaining adherents in an age of rapidly expanding technology? How can we explain the mysterious hold of the Sabbath over the Jew? What is the connection between the Sabbath, belief in G-d, affirmation of G-d as the Creator of all things, the Exodus from Egypt and the coming of the Messiah? Sabbath-Day of Eternity, by Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan, answers these and many more questions about the day that is the heart of Jewish existence, offering explanations, philosophy and a concise guide to Sabbath observance.
Friday Night and Beyond by: Lori Palatnik
Friday Night and Beyond: The Shabbat Experience: Step-by-Step is a practical guide to Jewish Sabbath observance. walks us through the celebration with an easy-to-follow, "how-to" approach, allowing us to experience a traditional Shabbat
Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur Survival Kit by: Shimon Apisdorf
A fantastic book that blends wisdom, humor and down-to-earth spirituality and transforms the holidays into an inspiring, and meaningful experience. The Chief Rabbi of England says of the book, "It will open the gates of prayer for a new generation".
The Survival Kit Family Haggadah by: Shimon Apisdorf
The "Survival Kit Family Haggadah" is ideal for people leading a seder for anyone seeking deeper insights into Passover. This is the only Haggadah in the world that features: The Matzahbrei family, Ira, Miriam, Rebecca and Sammy. They will guide you and your guests through a delightful seder, and will clearly explain the flow of the Haggadah so no one feels lost and confused
The Book of Our Heritage by: Eliyahu Ki Tov, Dovid Landesman, Nachman Bulman (Translator)
Now available in pocket size, the Book of Our Heritage, three-volume set is the perfect companion to take with you anywhere you go. This beloved classic explores the special days, Festivals and fasts of the Jewish calendar in all their depth and importance, for the contemporary reader, with its inimicable, heart-warming style.