Achieving a sense of self mastery, and inner freedom, demands that we gain a measure of hegemony over our thoughts. We learn to choose our thoughts so that we are not at the mercy of whatever burps up to the mind. Through quieting the mind and conscious breathing, we can slow the onrush of anxious, scattered thinking and come to a deeper awareness of the interconectedness of all of life. Once mastered, these techniques will carry over into every aspect and facet of our lives, improving our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being.

The instinct to pray is as ancient as instinct itself. Our deepest yearnings coalesce and emerge as prayer. Prayer itself has taken on countless forms, from offerings to song, words to whispers, tearful supplication to sublime silence. And so it continues to merge and emerge, at times as primitive and raw as a cry for help, at times, a formulaic equation intended to effect change, - but always, flowing from a place deep within, and forever with a hope for a better future. While attention is paid to the poetry, history, theology and contextual meaning of the prayer text within these pages, the...

The upsherin ceremony is a joyous celebration of a boy's first haircut. In this updated version of Upshernish, Rav Pinson explores the varied aspects of this rite of passage. The deeper significance of hair, and its connection with gender and life stages is thoroughly examined as is the upsherin ceremony itself. In Rav Pinson's trademark style, profound yet accessible, no stone is left unturned in the discovery of meaning and relevance in an age old custom. Upshernish: The First Haircut also includes a practical guide to conducting an Upsherin ceremony.