This valuable reference extensively documents the lives and careers of the most influential leaders of Reform Judaism in America. The editors have assembled concise but informative biographical profiles of approximately 170 people. The work spans the period from the beginning of the Reform movement in 1824 through the 1976 Centenary Perspective. The individuals profiled were selected because of their impact on Reform Judaism at a national level. Included are the principal architects of reform, national organizational leaders, distinguished rabbis and academicians, outstanding cantors,...

This encyclopedia presents historical accounts of Jewish rituals, the meaning behind their development, and descriptions of how the rituals are practiced among different Jewish communities. Entries discuss how the rituals evolved over time and what they are designed to symbolize. Whether practiced in the personal or public realm, the rituals included in this volume are generally acknowledged as such by the Jewish community, even if they are not practiced by large segments of the community. Comparisons are drawn among rituals as they are practiced by Reform, Conservative, Reconstructionist,...

What a wonderful way to start each day.

An inspirational companion of comfort, reassurance, and hope that helps you start each day of the year on a positive note--with a powerful quote from a Jewish source, and a brief, striking reflection on it from an inspiring spiritual leader.

Contributors include:

Judith Z. Abrams - Bradley Shavit Artson - Tsvi Blanchard - Lester Bronstein - Nina Beth Cardin - Michael M. Cohen - William Cutter - Amy Eilberg - Dov Peretz Elkins - Edward Feinstein - Mordecai Finley - Nancy Flam - Elyse Frishman -...

"Why me?" Why do we suffer? How can we heal?

"Spiritual suffering must be differentiated from physical pain, although the two are intertwined in such a way that it is nearly impossible to distinguish one from the other. We suffer spiritually when we do not grow from our illness, when we do not learn from the experience of physical and emotional pain."
--from the Introduction

Too many of us faced with bodily illness, whether our own or that of a loved one, feel lost as to what to do or how to handle it.

Grounded in the spiritual traditions of Judaism, this...

An inspiring how-to guide to help you understand and participate in a Jewish spiritual life.

Across the spectrum of Jewish observance, people are seeking ways to give higher meaning to their spiritual lives--but how do you know where to begin, and what should you do first?

This easy-to-use handbook explains the why, what and how of ten specific areas of Jewish ritual and practice. Each chapter provides you with guidance and background if you are just beginning to explore Jewish ritual and practice, and offers creative ways to deepen the meaning of Judaism in your daily...

Straightforward and nonjudgmental advice for dating couples, partners,
husbands and wives, in-laws, counselors and others.

Interfaith relationships are commonplace; the challenges that go along with them are not. An interfaith couple will have to confront tough questions, yet it's often difficult to find answers, especially when traditional sources of help--family, friends, clergy and counselors--are unable or unwilling to understand the problems.

From a Jewish perspective, this book guides interfaith couples at any stage of their relationship--from dating and...

You can understand your Jewish friends and loved ones more fully. A hands-on guide to the most important questions.

Introducing My Faith and My Community provides an introduction to both the basics and complexities of Judaism and Jewish life through the lens of an interfaith relationship. Rather than providing stock answers to questions about Jewish rituals or values, or giving a broad overview of Jewish history and theology, Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky addresses topics that will encourage understanding and stimulate discussion between you and your Jewish partner, relative...