The Complete Artscroll Siddur

The Complete Artscroll Siddur . 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.

Includes: The complete Hebrew text completely reset in crisp, modern type Scriptural sources Clear, concise instructions Hebrew subheads New, highly readable English translation of the entire prayer services A clear, inspirational commentary on every prayer, and an introductory overview providing perspective and insight Attractive, clear page layouts Lightweight, easy-to-handle opaque paper Special sections explaining in detail the laws of the prayer service and all special customs and observances Prayer services that are easy for everyone to follow. See details

Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred of Life

Yearnings: Embracing the Sacred of Life . Winner of the Books for a Better Life Award Chosen as one of “The 10 Best Spiritual Books of 2006″ by Spirituality and Health magazineRabbi Irwin Kula explores desire in spiritual life. Rather than leading us astray, our longings are gateways to self discovery. Our yearnings, once understood, can lead us to discover an expansive vision of God or a wider reality. And when we embrace even our most painful or taboo desires, we can love more deeply and live more fully. The Biblical authors wrote about characters who, rather than leading perfect lives, actually struggled with their longings for success, love, sex, and happiness. Through interpreting those stories and other spiritual traditions, as well as exploring his own desires and those of regular people, Rabbi Kula shows that “The more we allow ourselves to unfold, the less likely we are to unravel. The more we dive into our desires, the more exquisite life becomes.” See details

My People’s Prayer Book, Vol. 5 : ‘Birkhot Hashachar’ (Morning Blessings)

This stunning work, an empowering entryway to the spiritual revival of our times, enables all of us to claim our connection to the heritage of the traditional Jewish prayer book. It helps rejuvenate Jewish worship in today’s world, and makes its power accessible to all.

Framed with beautifully designed Talmud-style pages, commentaries from many of today’s most respected Jewish scholars from all movements of Judaism examine Birkhot Hashachar from the perspectives of ancient Rabbis and modern theologians, as well as feminist, halakhic, Talmudic, linguistic, biblical, Chasidic, mystical, and historical perspectives.

This fifth volume in the series examines the complexities of personal and public prayer in Birkhot Hashachar, the blessings and readings surrounding each act of awakening. The Morning Blessings begin the daily service by establishing our right to stand before God in all our imperfect humanity. Vol. 5 helps us to understand how this collection of short prayers and a call to study recognizes each new day: we awaken as individuals but quickly affirm our role in the covenant with God.

Vol. 5–Birkhot Hashachar (Morning Blessings) 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 prayer service, and how to truly use the commentaries to find meaning in the prayer book. Commentaries from eminent scholars and teachers from all movements of Judaism examine Birkhot Hashachar from the viewpoints of ancient Rabbis and modern theologians, as well as a myriad of other perspectives.

Even those not yet familiar with the prayer book can appreciate the spiritual richness of Birkhot Hashachar. My People’s Prayer Book enables all worshipers, of any denomination, to create their own connection to 3,000 years of Jewish experience with the world and with God. See details

Be Still and Get Going: A Jewish Meditation Practice for Real Life

Once again Rabbi Lew (One God Clapping; This Is Real and You Are Completely Unprepared) beautifully marries the ancient traditions, history and lore of the Torah and Talmud with the serene meditative practices of Zen Buddhism. His singular distinction of founding and leading a meditation center, Makor Or (in San Francisco), the first of its kind connected to a Conservative synagogue, gives him a unique perspective. He says that Jews have had the written treasures, rich discussions and the sacred Sabbath right in front of them for 3,000 years, but have often overlooked them. Using selected Torah passages, Talmudic musings and contemporary stories of friends and congregants, Lew illustrates the intrinsic spiritual path within Judaism and suggests ways to incorporate that path into an everyday spiritual practice. Like any good teacher unafraid to address big, broad issues—suffering, fear, conflict—and agile enough to make sense of the more elusive ones—listening for and finding God, connecting to and appreciating sacred emptiness—Lew follows each lesson with a summation of “practice points.” Seekers need not be Jewish to engage the ancient wisdom of these meditations that offer a rich, multileveled path to everyday spirituality. See details