Flipping Out? Myth or Fact: The Impact of the “Year in Israel”

Flipping Out?: Myth or Fact? The Impact of the “Year in Israel” by Shalom Z. Berger, Daniel Jacobson and Chaim I. Waxman takes a hard look at a phenomenon that has become a major source of both inspiration and consternation in the Jewish community. The Jewish community has changed over the past four decades for many reasons, prominent among them the phenomenon of large numbers of students spending a year after high school studying Torah full time in Israel. The results of this “Year in Israel” can be felt in many synagogues and homes, with a good deal of increased ritual observance and dedication to Torah study – the much discussed “Shift to the Right.” Many questions arise from these changes. Have these students been brainwashed? Has their primary education so failed them that a single year in Israel is more influential than over a decade of American schooling? Have they found an easy way to alleviate some hidden insecurity? Or are they merely inspired by a profoundly rich and spiritual lifestyle? And how long does this newfound religious devotion last? Is it really the start of a radically different life path or is it merely a short-term religious high that becomes more moderate over time? See details

Family Haggadah

Family Haggadah. A RIGHT TO LEFT version Haggadah. In green, red and black text. Includes mostly English readings and translations with some Hebrew for the most well known paragraphs (Avadim Hayeenu, blessings), and English transliterations for blessings. The English in non-sexist (gender neutral) and within the grasp of school age children. Certain passages are tagged with icons to note “songs”, “plan ahead activities”, and “for young children.” It opens with a Seder checklist to make sure you have all the items for a good seder. The seder text follows. The Four Sons are Four CHILDREN. Children are prompted to tell the table how they would explain Passover to each of the four children. Dayenu is abbreviated and in English. Includes English Grace After Meals, Counting of the Omer, and an abbreviated Hallel. Includes Adir Hu, Echad Mi Yodea, Chad Gadya, A Fifth Cup for Israel, and Hatikva. Most of the readings are in English. See details