Urim Publications Jerusalem · New York

Summer 2015

Publisher and distributor of Jewish interest books innovative | traditional | inspiring Bible Commentary / Jewish Thought

TOPICS Bible Israel Commentary 39–42 2, 14–17, 20, 23, Jewish Law 52–67 6, 23, 25–29, Biography 39–40 3, 33–35, 81 Jewish Children Thought 88–92 2–9, 19–20, 26, 30, 37–38, 44, Contemporary 45, 48, 64–65, Issues 67, 82, 84 11–13 Lifecycle Education 21, 24, 36, 72–73 70–71, 74 Encyclopedia Passover 10–11 Haggadah Fiction 75–79 84–87 Prayer Hebrew 8, 18, 31–32 90–93 Psychology Historical and Judaism Fiction 43 83 Science and History Judaism 8, 30, 46–47, 68 Darosh Darash Yosef 49, 69 Tikkun Olam Discourses of Rav Yosef Dov Halevi Holidays 45 Soloveitchik on the Weekly Parashah 7, 20, 63, 80 Women and Holocaust Judaism by Rabbi Avishai C. David 3, 49–51 21–23, 81–82 “Rabbi Avishai David’s new book, Darosh Darash Yosef, Inspirational Title Index reflects a new genre, recording teachings from the Rav’s 3, 18, 19, 21–22, 94–95 Saturday night drashot on Chumash . . . Darosh Darash 24, 31, 36–37, Yosef is a rich collection of the Rav’s teachings that can be 45, 49, 54, 63, enjoyed by a spectrum of readers, from relative novices 69–72, 74 to seasoned students of Torah, even those who are well acquainted with Rav Soloveitchik’s works.” –Stanley Peerless, Lookstein Digest “The Rav’s Divrei Torah are both profound and inspirational.” –Rabbi Hershel Reichman Urim Publications, OU Press, and Yeshiva Torat Shraga, 2011 Publishing since 1997 Hardcover, 472 pages, $29.95 (120 nis) isbn 978-965-524-046-7 2 www.UrimPublications.com Biography / Holocaust / Jewish Thought / Inspirational

After the Holocaust Lonely But Not Alone the Bells Still Ring A Spiritual Autobiography by Nathan Lopes Cardozo by Joseph Polak foreword by Elie Wiesel Lonely But Not Alone tells the highly unusual story of Dutch-Israeli Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo, “This gem of a book, 70 years in the making, is a child of an intermarriage between a Christian already a classic, riveting in what it reveals, in the woman and Jewish man, who discovers Judaism questions it releases.” –Merle Feld in his teens and subsequently undergoes a ritual conversion. Weaving together his history and “As one of the last witnesses to the Shoah, certainly his novel approach to Judaism borne out of his one of the youngest, Joseph Polak has written a unconventional experiences, Cardozo tackles the memoir that is an essential contribution to the problems of religiosity, doubt, faith, and the holy body of Holocaust literature . . . This is a must land of Israel and offers his vision for an improved read for anyone not afraid of grappling with the Judaism. This volume blends Cardozo’s personal unfathomable.” –Blu Greenberg account, testimony by his mother about con- “. . . Joseph’s voice originates from within Bergen- cealing his father’s family during the Holocaust, Belsen, and perhaps poses the questions and chal- seminal essays on Jewish thought, and an interview lenges to G-d that Anne [Frank] might have posed, with the author. had she survived. His story and her story merge. Urim Publications, 2015 These two youngsters from Holland, Anne forever Hardcover, $25.95 (100 nis) a teenager, Joseph approaching the status of elder, isbn 978-965-524-169-3 provide a perspective of unusual insight from within the Holocaust, and from within survival.” –Robert Krell, MD Urim Publications, 2015 Hardcover, 141 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-162-4

www.UrimPublications.com 3 Jewish Thought

Conversion, Maimonides, Intermarriage, and Between Philosophy Jewish Identity and Halakhah (The Orthodox Forum) Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik’s Lectures on the Guide of the Perplexed edited by Robert S. Hirt, Adam Mintz and Marc Stern edited by Lawrence J. Kaplan Questions of conversion have been amongst the foreword by Dov Schwartz most fraught issues on the internal Jewish agenda in Israel, the United States, and elsewhere. The This is the first and only comprehensive study rifts have grown wider given increasing rates of of the philosophy of Maimonides by the noted intermarriage in the United States and the collapse 20th-century rabbinic scholar and thinker, Rabbi of opposition to intermarriage almost everywhere Joseph B. Soloveitchik. but the Orthodox community and some sections Based on a complete set of notes, taken by Rabbi of Conservative Judaism. The spectacular success Gerald (Yaakov) Homnick, on R. Soloveitchik’s of the Soviet Jewry movement, and the critically lectures on Maimonides’ Guide of the Perplexed at important aliyah of roughly a million Soviet Jews, the Bernard Revel Graduate School, and edited brought a new urgency to the problem. by the noted scholar Lawrence Kaplan, this work This monograph represents the first collection constitutes a major contribution to our knowledge of essays and articles by leading scholars and rabbis of both Maimonides and Soloveitchik. Over the on the topics of intermarriage, conversion, and course of these lectures, he develops a profound Jewish identity. These issues stand at the forefront and challenging overall approach to and interpre- of the Jewish world in the 21st century. tation of the Guide’s central and critical issue: the relationship between philosophy and divine law. Yeshiva University Press, KTAV Publishing, and Urim Publications, 2015 Urim Publications and KTAV, 2015 Hardcover, $36.95 (150 nis) Hardcover, $28.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-197-6 isbn 978-965-524-203-4 4 www.UrimPublications.com Jewish Thought

Nefesh HaTzimtzum, Nefesh HaTzimtzum, Volume 1 Volume 2 Rabbi Chaim Volozhin’s Understanding Nefesh HaChaim Nefesh HaChaim through the Key Concept of Tzimtzum with Translation and Commentary and Related Writings by Avinoam Fraenkel “Rav Fraenkel’s . . . translation and elucidation of the Nefesh HaChaim is outstanding.” –Rabbi Dovid Cohen “There is much pseudo-depth in this generation and it is a true pleasure and comfort to encounter a writer who invests maximal effort towards reaching the truth of the Torah and of wisdom.” –Professor Jonathan Garb “R. Avinoam Fraenkel . . . has proven at length . . . that everyone agrees that the concept of Tzimtzum is not to be understood literally . . . .” –Rabbi Yitzchok Meir Morgenstern “We owe Avinoam Fraenkel an immense debt of gratitude for a monumental labour of scholarship. Truly this is a work by which, at every level, we are enriched.” –Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks

“Many will now begin to properly study this holy book [Nefesh HaChaim].” –Rabbi Hershel Schachter

“Nefesh HaTzimtzum is a monumental work which truly explains the teachings and worldview of Rabbi Chaim Volozhin. . . . Avinoam amazingly dispels the confusion [about Tzimtzum] by explaining the historical factors and providing scholarly proof.” –Rabbi Moshe Schatz

Volume 1 Volume 2 Urim Publications, 2015 Urim Publications, 2015 Hardcover, $34.95 (120 nis) Hardcover, $34.95 (120 nis) isbn 978-965-524-165-5 isbn 978-965-524-177-8 www.UrimPublications.com 5 Jewish Thought / Jewish Law

,rtp, ktrah Tiferet Yisrael Translation and Commentary

volume 1 Introduction and Chapters 1–9

The maharal of prague {harav Yehuda loew}

Tiferet Yisrael: Torah Mysteries Translation and Illuminated Commentary Intriguing Insights into the Essence of Major Torah Topics Introduction and Chapters 1–9 of Contemporary Relevance by The Maharal of Prague by Thomas Furst translated by Rabbi Ramon Widmonte “With probing analysis, profound wisdom and an The famed Maharal of Prague is known for the unusually gifted question-and-answer style, the legend of the Golem, but his Torah has remained author takes on a host of crucial and fundamental a closed book to English speakers for far too long. issues of Jewish life and law, and embellishes them While several attempts have been made to translate with meaning we had never suspected.” or abridge the Maharal’s Torah, the complexity of –Rabbi Benjamin Blech his thought has defied standard translation meth- odologies. This edition of theTiferet Yisrael (the “Tom Furst has invested many years, and his con- Splendor of Israel) seeks to present the Maharal’s siderable intelligence and insight, into delving into thought in all its majesty and to enable beginners matters of Jewish law and life in ways that animate and scholars alike to grasp the overall structure the Torah’s wise teachings.” –Dr. Erica Brown of the Maharal’s concepts through the addition “I am very pleased to recommend this work.” of innovative summaries and graphical aids. The –Rabbi Shmuel Goldin translation is lucid and faithful, with in-line comments to guide the reader in exploring the “Any Jewish library will be enhanced by the inclu- Maharal’s depths. sion of this work in it.” –Rabbi Berel Wein Urim Publications, 2015 Urim Publications, 2015 Hardcover, $39.95 (130 nis) Hardcover, 272 pages, $26.95 (90 nis) isbn 978-965-524-147-1 isbn 978-965-524-194-5

6 www.UrimPublications.com Holidays / Jewish Thought

Moadei Harav Silver from the Public Lectures on the Festivals by Land of Israel Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik A New Light on the Sabbath and by Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Pick Holidays from the Writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook Through a collection of essays and lectures, Rabbi Dr. Shlomo H. Pick provides insight on Rabbi Jo- by Rabbi Chanan Morrison seph B. Soloveitchik’s thoughts on Jewish festivals with focus on examples of Talmudic study. Rav National Jewish Book Award 2010 Finalist Joseph B. Soloveitchik was not only one of the Winner in the category of Modern Jewish outstanding Talmudists of the 20th century, but Thought & Experience was also one of its most creative and seminal Jewish “Talk about uplifting. When it comes to the Jews thinkers. Moadei HaRav provides lectures by the and the Jewish people, it’s hard to imagine anyone Rav on the major Jewish holidays, such as Passover more upbeat than Rav Kook.” and Sukkot, as well as Hanukah and Purim. An –Douglas Wertheimer, Chicago Jewish Star introductory essay analyzes the Rav’s works and interests in Judaism as well as his methodology of Praise for Gold from the Land of Israel: Talmud analysis. “Rabbi Morrison has done a remarkable job in Urim Publications, KTAV Publishing, presenting the teachings of Rav Kook – a giant of and Bar Ilan University, 2015 twentieth century Jewish thought – in a clear and Hardcover, $34.95 (120 nis) approachable fashion. I highly recommend this isbn 978-965-524-219-5 book for anyone seeking a good introduction to the inspiring wisdom of this preeminent scholar.” –Rabbi David Samson, Author of the “Lights on Orot” series Urim Publications, 2010 Hardcover, 269 pages, $27.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-042-9 www.UrimPublications.com 7 Jewish Thought / History / Prayer

On Changes in On the Relationship of Jewish Liturgy Mitzvot Between Man Options and Limitations and his Neighbor and by Daniel Sperber Man and his Maker “Most of the book is devoted to demonstrating that by Daniel Sperber liturgy is far from static. Sperber does not find it difficult to prove his point, and the discussion National Jewish Book Award 2014 Finalist is fascinating. The author concludes with some Winner in the category of Modern Jewish examples of changes to the liturgy that have been Thought and Experience introduced for women. His intention is not to This volume examines the relationship between recommend changes, but to demonstrate that the the two major categories of mitzvot: ritual mitz- (בין אדם למקום – liturgy can be changed and to emphasize what is vot (between man and his Maker consonant with halakhah and what is not. A very and social-interpersonal mitzvot (between man It is argued that .(בין אדם לחברו – stimulating book!” and his neighbor –Chaim Seymour, AJL Newsletter when there is a clash between mitzvot of these two “The tension between the need to breath new life categories, and one cannot carry out both of them, into Jewish prayer and the danger of recklessly the interpersonal mitzvot almost always override undermining traditional forms lies at the heart of those of a ritual nature. a new book, On Changes in Jewish Liturgy: Options “Rabbi Dr. Sperber has just added another out- and Limitations.” standing volume to his always-interesting and –Aryeh Tepper, Jewish Ideas Daily thought-provoking collection of books . . . On the Urim Publications, 2010 Relationship is a book that is significant, enjoyable Hardcover, 221 pages (including index) and a pleasure to read.” $25.95 (100 nis) –Rabbi Dr. Nachum Amsel, The Jewish Press isbn 978-965-524-040-5 Urim Publications, 2013 Hardcover, 221 pp. (incl. index) $28.95 (100 nis) 8 www.UrimPublications.com isbn 978-965-524-145-7 Jewish Thought

Majesty and Humility Memories of a Giant The Thought of Rabbi Reflections on Joseph B. Soloveitchik Rabbi Dr. Joseph B. Soloveitchik zt”l by Reuven Ziegler edited by Michael A. Bierman Series Editor: Jacob J. Schacter Series Editor: Jacob J. Schacter “Writing in comprehensible language, Rabbi Memories of a Giant is a work about Rabbi Jo- Ziegler takes the reader through the major tenets seph B. Soloveitchik. In addition to being a man of the Rav’s thought and his significant writings of deep learning and powerful intellect, Rabbi and integrates the Rav’s life with his thought. Soloveitchik is presented here as a man of great Suitable for both the experienced student of the chesed, profound personal piety and impeccable Rav and one looking for an introduction to his integrity. The eulogies (hespedim) collected in approach, Majesty and Humility offers the perfect this volume, delivered by leaders of the Orthodox introduction to the extensive corpus of the Rav’s community, chronicle the impact of not only a works and philosophy.” –Jewish Action brilliant philosopher and master pedagogue, but a caring, thoughtful and awe-inspiring teacher “Still, in the vast writings that are constantly being and role model. published about Rabbi Soloveitchik, Ziegler’s book stands out for its user-friendliness, acces- “All of these colorful strands of the grand tapestry sibility, and subtlety. Rabbi Ziegler has offered that was the Rav’s life are captured in these moving beginning students and more advanced readers and thought provoking eulogies . . . This beautiful an intelligent, readable, and thorough companion volume is a fitting tribute to a rare Torah giant as that will make reading the Rav’s writings in the well as a giant among men.” original easier and more effective. –Stephen H. Garrin, Jewish Book World –Yoel Finkelman, Bookjed Lookstein Digest Urim Publications and Maimonides School, 2013 Urim Publications, Maimonides School, The Rabbi Soloveitchik Library – Volume 1 and OU Press, 2012 Softcover, 362 pages, $25.95 (90 nis) The Rabbi Soloveitchik Library – Volume 3 isbn 13: 978-965-524-141-9 Hardcover, 432 pages, $34.95 (130 nis) isbn 978-965-524-076-4 www.UrimPublications.com 9 Encyclopedia photo Paul by Elkouss Mordechai “English-speaking students of rabbinic Judovits Judovits literature will be grateful for this is a long-time student comprehensive, easy-to-use guide, of the Talmud, a SAGES retired businessman Sages of the Talmud. Mordechai OF THE and a Holocaust Judovits, student of the Talmud, SAGES OF THE TALMUD survivor. He is the has produced an eminently useful grandson of Rabbi reference tool for anyone interested in Moshe Paneth, the rabbi of Dej, and a TALMUD great-grandson of Yechezkel Paneth, the biographies, maxims and historical the author of Sefer Mareh Yechezkel and context of the ancient rabbis whose former Chief Rabbi of Transylvania. SAGES Sages of the Talmud is a collection of teachings shaped Rabbinic Judaism.” biographical information about the Mordechai Judovits attended the yeshivot – Jonathan D. Sarna, Joseph H. & OF THE authors of the Talmud. It contains about headed by his cousins, first at the yeshiva Belle R. Braun Professor of American four hundred entries and hundreds of of Rabbi Elisha Horowitz and later at the Jewish History, Brandeis University, anecdotes about the sages, all as recorded yeshiva of Rabbi Yaakov Meilach Paneth, in the Talmud itself. An indispensable who was also the Chief Rabbi of Dej. author of American Judaism: A History book for the student of the Talmud, it is not only an excellent practical reference The author, along with his parents, guide, but also a text of general interest brothers and sister were carried away to “Sages of the Talmud is a necessary that may be read for enjoyment. Auschwitz in 1944. He was liberated Kiddush Levana scene in front of the Synagogue TALMUD book for every person, lay and scholar in 1945 and in 1947 he immigrated to in Dej, Transylvania, painted by the author. This reference work cites the source of each the USA, where he married and raised a alike, who is interested in Talmud Mordechai Judovits quotation in the Talmud. The fascinating family. He and his wife Helen have two and Jewish history because it presents important data about the Talmudic sages anecdotes and stories give readers an idea sons, one daughter, seven grandchildren in both an informative and enjoyable manner. Since the Talmud contains the of the kind of social environment in which and one great-grandchild. Since retiring views of rabbis who lived over a period of many centuries and since the Talmud the sage lived. The work also includes an he has devoted his time to studying and The Lives, Sayings and Stories appendix with the corresponding general writing and has been active in Jewish mentions the teachings of these rabbis in its text in close proximity, many readers history of the time so that the reader can organizations, in particular the Boca might mistakenly imagine that the sages knew one another. Judovits places the of 400 Rabbinic Masters understand the contemporary political Raton Synagogue. sages in the century in which they lived and describes the unique historical and climate. social environments that prevailed in the days of each one. In addition, readers In the Talmud, several sages share the will find interesting revelations about the character traits of each sage and their same name. This can be confusing to accomplishments.” students, who wonder which rabbi made a particular statement. The author removes Urim PUblications – Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin, author of Maimonides: The Exceptional Mind and this confusion by linking each story and lambda Publishers co-author of Onkelos on the Torah citation to the correct talmudic sage. Jerusalem New York Although the names of the sages www.UrimPublications.com sometimes appear close to one another $29.95 US in the Talmud, they did not necessarily live in the same time period – some lived hundreds of years apart. The book clarifies important questions, including the period Urim PUblications of time in which the sages lived, who their www.UrimPublications.com teachers or significant colleagues were, Cover image “Birkat HaLevana” by Mordechai Judovits and the house of study or city associated Cover design by the Virtual Paintbrush Urim with them.

Sages of the Talmud Find It in the Talmud The Lives, Sayings and Stories An Encyclopedia of Jewish Ethics of 400 Rabbinic Masters and Conduct Thousands of Talmudic Subjects, by Mordechai Judovits Stores and Expressions “Sages of the Talmud is a necessary book for every person, lay and scholar alike, who is interested in by Mordechai Judovits Talmud and Jewish history because it presents important data about the Talmudic sages in both “Unlike other Talmudic dictionaries, Find It in an informative and enjoyable manner . . . Judovits the Talmud is written especially for the English places the sages in the century in which they lived speaker not fluent in the original Hebrew and and describes the unique historical and social envi- Aramaic. Calling itself ‘an encyclopedia of Jewish ronments that prevailed in the days of each one. In ethics and conduct,’ it is also a concordance, using addition, readers will find interesting revelations the traditional citation system of tractate and page about the character traits of each sage and their number. More than 6,000 concepts and terms are accomplishments.” –Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin listed alphabetically in English with the location, and (usually) the original translation . . . . The in- “. . . an eminently useful reference tool for anyone troduction and later sections provide overviews of interested in the biographies, maxims and histori- the order and development of the Talmud and its cal context of the ancient rabbis whose teachings major personalities, expressions, and abbreviations shaped Rabbinic Judaism.” . . . Recommended.” –Professor Jonathan D. Sarna –D. Mizrachi, CHOICE Urim Publications, 2009 Urim Publications, 2014 Hardcover, 345 pages, $29.95 (110 nis) Hardcover, 525 pages, $34.95 (120 nis) isbn 978-965-524-035-1 isbn 978-965-524-146-4

10 www.UrimPublications.com Contemporary Issues / Encyclopedia

Kosher Movies The Encyclopedia A Film Critic Discovers Life of Jewish Values Lessons at the Cinema by Rabbi Herbert J. Cohen, Ph.D. By Rabbi Dr. Nachum Amsel Film critic Herbert Cohen views films as potential life lessons, and defines a “kosher movie” as A follow-up to his widely acclaimed The Jewish one that has something valuable to say about Encyclopedia of Moral and Ethical Issues, this is a the human condition. In this survey spanning comprehensive reference book on Jewish ethics for many genres, Cohen presents films as tools for contemporary times. The topics addressed in this self-discovery and for navigating challenges of life. work include Jewish attitudes toward homosexual- Exploring 120 standout movies from the past 30 ity, stem cell medical procedures, the environment, years, Cohen shares inspiring personal anecdotes Internet piracy, and more. Gleaning from the Bible about self-growth, relationships, parenting, aging, and classic Jewish texts, as well as later authorities dealing with adversity, and more. such as Maimonides, Nachmanides, Rashi, and the Code of Jewish Law, this work is accessible to “It’s like Chicken Soup for the Soul meets Roger readers of all backgrounds. Ebert.” –Vincent Coppola Urim Publications, 2015 “Rabbi Cohen’s insightful essays on a wide array of Hardcover, $29.95 (120 nis) movies create a harmonious convergence of faith isbn 978-965-524-163-1 and art.” – Senator Joseph Lieberman “Rabbi Cohen’s insightful work mines popular movies for spiritual themes and values, creating a treasure trove for those who combine a love for values with an enjoyment of film.” –Dr. Emmy Zitter Urim Publications, 2015, Hardcover, 256 pages, $25.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-185-3 www.UrimPublications.com 11 Contemporary Issues

Transforming The Soul of Jewish the World Social Justice The Jewish Impact on Modernity by Rabbi Dr. Shmuly Yanklowitz By Leo Dee National Jewish Book Award 2014 Finalist Winner in the category of Contemporary Jewish In this descriptive and inspirational work Rabbi Life and Practice Leo Dee answers the fundamental question: why “In The Soul of Jewish Justice, Rabbi Shmuly leaves bother being Jewish in a modern world? Using no stone unturned halachically, socially, politi- history and logic, Rabbi Dee explains how Judaism cally, and religiously. This book is set to become enhances daily life to make it more meaningful. the quintessential reference for all social issues in Transforming the World: The Jewish Impact on Judaism and it will be featured prominently among Modernity focuses on the tolerance and equality the bookshelves of those of us who value a Judaism of all mankind that is fundamental in Judaism of social welfare and consciousness.” and affects the world. With a combination of –Mayim Bialik, Emmy-nominated actress commandments, traditions, and history, Rabbi Dee shows how Jewish culture transforms your “Rabbi Shmuly Yanklowitz’s name has become life and the wider world for the better. synonymous with the call for ethical renewal and social justice within the American Jewish com- Urim Publications, 2015 munity. . . . In this much-needed volume, he shares Hardcover, $25.95 (90 nis) with readers his thoughts on central questions of isbn 978-965-524-214-0 our day. Our world will be a better place if his message is widely heeded.” –Professor Jonathan D. Sarna “. . . examines how Judaism’s wisdom can be applied to such contemporary problems as education reform, immigration, and business ethics.” –Publishers Weekly Urim Publications, 2014, Hardcover, 463 pages, 12 www.UrimPublications.com $27.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-156-3 Contemporary Issues

Abuse in the The Shame Borne Jewish Community in Silence Religious and Communal Factors Spouse Abuse in the Jewish Community that Undermine the Apprehension of Offenders and the Treatment of Victims by Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. “It is disturbing yet essential to discuss this tragedy. by Michael J. Salamon, Ph.D. The relationship between husband and wife is one which should invite the Shechina, the Divine “Dr. Michael Salamon combines years of experi- Presence, which radiates joy throughout the home. ence in treating victims of sexual abuse and an How tragic when this joy is replaced with the tears intimate knowledge of Orthodox Judaism. In his of strife and abuse.” valuable new book he clarifies the trauma resulting –Rabbi Avraham Pam from abuse and the particular impact of religious values in creating difficulties in confronting “This book is a major contribution to family stabil- predators and in therapy. Reading this work will ity in our troubled society.” help the community make the changes needed to –Rabbi Berel Wein effectively reduce the present threat to many of “By drawing attention to a most troubling com- our youth.” –Rabbi Yosef Blau munity mental health problem, Dr. Twerski has “[This book] is so important in that it actually done a favor to the Jewish world . . .” sheds light on this issue and identifies how and –Rabbi Tzvi Hersh Weinreb, Ph.D. why abuse in the Jewish community is less re- Urim Publications, 2015 ported and less known than that in the Catholic Softcover, second edition, 144 pages, Church or within other religious groups.” $18.95 (70 nis) –Robin Sax, author of It Happens Every Day isbn 978-965-524-166-2 Urim Publications, 2011 Hardcover, $23.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-064-1

www.UrimPublications.com 13 Bible Commentary

A Journey Through Torah

A Scholarly Critique of the Documentary Hypothesis

Ben Zion Katz

A Journey Tanakh, an Through Torah Owner’s Manual A Critique of the Documentary Authorship, Canonization, Hypothesis Masoretic Text, Exegesis, Modern Scholarship and Pedagogy by Ben Zion Katz by Moshe Sokolow “Ben Katz has written a refreshing new approach to biblical scholarship, one that shows that the differ- afterword by Hayyim Angel ences between classical Jewish Bible commentary and modern critical approaches to the Bible are “Covering a vast range of critical material from not as unbridgeable as many still seem to think.” ancient biblical times to the present, it is written –Professor David Novak in a clear style.” –Professor Mordechai Z. Cohen “This is a well researched and thoughtful book, “Dr. Sokolow has written a wonderful volume which takes an unflinching look at a very serious which serves as introduction, guide and vital matter facing traditional Jews today. Even if one reference book for anyone wishing to appreciate does not agree with the author’s conclusions, it the wonders of our Book of Books.” is necessary to open up a discussion of this issue –Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom, The Jewish Press and endeavor to reach some sort of modus vivendi “Combining quality and clarity, this book could with it for intellectually honest traditional Jews. . . . have been written only by a major Bible scholar This book is heartily recommended, and Urim and a master pedagogue. Dr. Sokolow’s engaging Publications must be commended for publishing work sheds light on how the Tanakh as we know it this unique, daring, and very much needed work.” came to be, how it has been interpreted, and how –Rabbi Dr. Simcha Rosenberg it may best be taught to contemporary audiences. The Jewish Bible Quarterly It is a jewel to be treasured by scholars, teachers, Urim Publications, 2012 students, and the general reader.” Hardcover, 144 pages, $22.95 (80 nis) –Dr. Rachel Friedman isbn 978-965-524-088-7 Urim Publications, 2015, Hardcover, 219 pages 14 www.UrimPublications.com $25.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-176-1 Bible Commentary

Reading the The Haftorah Sacred Text of the Week What the Torah Tells Us An Overview and Elucidation of the Haftorah Portion of the Prophets by Aaron Lichtenstein by Ervin Landau Understanding the sacred text has been a wonderful yet elusive challenge through the ages. This “This book presents an examination of the hafto- book is a reading of the Bible, accessible to readers rah – prophetical writings in the Bible that are of all backgrounds and levels of familiarity with read weekly in synagogue in conjunction with the the biblical text. In contrast to previous works on reading from the Torah. These excerpts and their the subject, Reading the Sacred Text focuses on the ties to the weekly Bible portion, however, have true meaning of the biblical text rather than the been largely unexamined. In this volume, Ervin metaphorical or mystical interpretations. It retells, Landau offers insight into the distinct ways in in a captivating and easy-to-follow narrative, the which the haftorah correlates to the parasha, and story of the Five Books of Moses, the first books how the two texts inform one another to present of the Bible. a broader message. Urim Publications, 2015 This book will be valuable to anyone who wants to Hardcover, $23.95 (80 nis) prepare for the weekly Shabbat reading from the isbn 978-965-524-164-8 prophets.” –Dov Peretz Elkins Urim Publications, 2014 Hardcover, 376 pages, $26.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-168-6

www.UrimPublications.com 15 Bible Commentary

Between the Lines Between the Lines of the Bible of the Bible Recapturing the Full Meaning A Study from the New School of of the Biblical Text Orthodox Torah Commentary genesis exodus by Yitzchak Etshalom by Yitzchak Etshalom In this rich volume, Rabbi Yitzchak Etshalom In this rich volume, Rabbi Etshalom demonstrates presents 26 essays on the book of Genesis that the methodology through which traditional study demonstrate the methodology through which meets academic rigor, and new insights into the traditional study meets academic rigor, and new meaning of the text and its import come to light. insights into the meaning of the text and its import (“The old will become renewed and the new will come to light. become sanctified.” –Rabbi Abraham Isaac Kook) “Between the Lines of the Bible is an extremely “Between the Lines of the Bible: Exodus: A study well-written book on the weekly Torah portion. from the new school of Orthodox Torah Commentary, Embracing the ever-growing, widespread trend by Yitzchak Etshalom, is a thought-provoking of parshanut-style Torah study, the author takes look at the second book of the Torah. One can a superbly sophisticated approach to delving into tell that its author, a Rabbi and Tanakh educator the complexities of the weekly parsha. I am proud in North America, is a dynamic teacher, because that OU Press is a co-publisher of this impressive the book is quite engaging. . . . I recommend it to work and greatly look forward to using this book anyone who wishes to gain a deeper understanding in my own studies and teachings.” of the book of Exodus and look forward to future –Rabbi Dr. Tzvi Hersh Weinreb books in the series.” –Ben Zion Katz, Urim Publications and OU Press, 2015 Seforim Blog Hardcover, second revised edition Urim Publications and OU Press, 2012 $26.95 (90 nis) Hardcover, 220 pages, $26.95 (90 nis) isbn 978-965-524-200-3 isbn 978-965-524-117-4 16 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary – Genesis

From the Heart Meditations at of a Lion Twilight on Genesis Insightful Discourses on the Weekly Parsha Crowned by By Rabbi Melvin Granatstein Inspirational Personal Stories Meditations at Twilight on Genesis exposes readers to the striking insights of the great classical by Rabbi Aryeh Cohen commentators on the Five Books of Moses, with acknowledgement of critical scholarship and From the Heart of a Lion is a unique combination modern philosophical thought. This book dem- of in-depth essays on the weekly Torah portion onstrates the surprising moral and philosophical on the book of Genesis coupled with inspiring notions embedded in the plain meaning of the personal stories. The focus upon truth and emo- Scriptures, which are vital to Judaism. Readers tion can be felt in every essay and story. familiar with the Bible will come away with a fresh “One of the most charismatic young rabbis in perspective, while those less learned in biblical education today is Rabbi Aryeh Cohen, the studies will discover a compelling introduction Mashgiach Ruchani at the DRS High School in to the topic. Woodmere. Recently Rabbi Cohen assembled in “When the Sages advised turning the Torah ‘over book form a series of eloquent and timely essays and over again’ to reveal new facets, they had themed to each parasha in Bereshis, the book of Meditations at Twilight on Genesis in mind. Rabbi Genesis. The content of each chapter fully lives Granatstein’s studies of the weekly parashah com- up to the rabbi’s reputation of combining his bine philosophical and literary insights, written analytic learning style with anecdotes relating to in a lucid style that make them a pleasure to read.” life’s experiences.” –Professor Moshe Sokolow –Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star Urim Publications, 2015 Penina Press, 2015 Hardcover, 250 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) Hardcover, 105 pages, $21.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-167-9 isbn 978-965-524-196-9

www.UrimPublications.com 17 Prayer / Inspirational

Siddur Nehalel Ohr HaShachar Beshabbat Torah, Kabbalah and Consciousness in the Daily Morning Blessings Shabbat Siddur Hebrew/English by David Bar-Cohn Prayerbook – Ashkenaz Ohr HaShachar takes us on a journey through the The Nehalel Siddur is modeled on the Nevarech morning blessings in search of greater clarity and bencher, which in 1999 pioneered the idea of depth, opening up the worlds that lie within the juxtaposing prayers with photographs portraying words. What do we mean by the word modeh? their meanings. Nehalel Siddur now brings this What does the term baruch really imply? What coming-to-life effect to the full orthodox liturgy. is the elusive kedusha to which the phrase asher The photos are partly contemporary and partly kideshanu refers? Ohr HaShachar offers fresh in- historical; partly of the natural order, partly of sights along with traditional commentary, analysis human reality; partly from Eretz Yisrael, partly of larger concepts as well as linguistic nuances from a much wider panorama. Many are drawn within the text, plus dozens of visual diagrams and from various archives – some documenting the hundreds of notes. dark times in Europe, others showing the triumphs of modern Zionism. “David Bar-Cohn has artfully retained fidelity to 649 pages (plus 30 pages of front matter), traditional meanings and commentaries, while at includes full color photographs throughout. In- the same time advancing novel explanations and cludes all the traditional prayers for Shabbat in new dimensions of meaning. . . .” Hebrew with full vowelization and corresponding –Rabbi Nathan Lopes Cardozo English translation. “I unreservedly recommend Ohr HaShachar . . . Nevarech, 2013 [for] any and all who would like to explore a fresh Hardcover: isbn 978-965-555-657-5 path for reinvigorating this so central element of $29.95 (140 nis) our spiritual lives.” –Rabbi Joel Zeff Softcover: isbn 978-965-92180-0-4 Urim Publications, 2014 $19.95 (99 nis) Hardcover, 256 pages, $26.95 (80 nis) isbn: 978-965-524-151-8 18 www.UrimPublications.com Jewish Thought / Inspirational

Song of Teshuvah A Commentary on Rav Avraham Yitzchak HaKohen Kook’s Oros HaTeshuvah by Rav Moshe Weinberger adapted by Yaacov Dovid Shulman Rav Moshe Weinberger, Mara D’Asra of Congregation Aish Kodesh in Woodmere, New York, has composed a commentary that reveals the treasures embedded within Oros HaTeshuvah. Based on an extensive knowledge of Jewish philosophical and inspirational literature, Rav Weinberger’s commentary is profound, moving and fresh, richly explicating Oros HaTeshuvah’s ideas in a clear and accessible but not superficial manner. His masterful expositions on a variety of topics (such as the difference between depression and a broken heart) are both lucid and invigorating. “I was impressed by the English translation, for example: ‘Teshuvah is the elixir that brings us back to Hashem.’ I have studied Rav Kook’s work in the past and found it difficult. Rabbi Weinberger helps the reader understand the text; however, a reader will still be required to make a real effort to understand this work.” –Chaim Seymour, AJL Reviews

Volume 1, I–VII Volume 2, VIII–X Penina Press, 2011 Penina Press, 2012 Hardcover, 351 pages, $34.95 (120 nis) Hardcover, 432 pages, $38.95 (130 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-24-1 isbn 978-965-524-125-9

Volume 3, XI–XIII Volume 4, XIV–XVII Penina Press, 2014 Penina Press, 2015 Hardcover, 366 pages, $36.95 (120 nis) Hardcover, 366 pages, $36.95 (120 nis) isbn 978-965-524-161-7 isbn 978-965-524-215-7

www.UrimPublications.com 19 Jewish Thought / Bible Commentary / Holidays

Prophecies and Rejoice in Your Providence Festivals A Biblical Approach to Penetrating Insights into Modern Jewish History Pesach, Shavuot and Sukkot by Rabbi Yehoshua Pfeffer by Rabbi Zvi Dov Kanotopsky

Prophecies and Providence traces the contemporary “What makes this book so special is how the rabbi history of the Jewish People through the prism blends the religious content of the drosho with of the Bible and centuries-old writings of Jewish the events of the day. Given the tense tenor of our sages. It is little wonder that the remarkable events own times, this work helps us to better appreciate the world has recently witnessed are well repre- the task rabbis face weekly in attempting to apply sented in Scripture. The book exposes this rep- our Torah to contemporary events and personali- resentation, putting together a puzzle of modern ties. It does so in a manner that brings dignity to history with pieces that are thousands of years old. our religious teachings, and helps to comfort us in difficult times.” “In his groundbreaking book Prophecies and –Alan Jay Gerber, Providence, Rabbi Pfeffer, begins to turn the key The Jewish Star of Torah that can unlock the deeper meaning and “This book contains thirty-eight derashot in total, significance in the events and experiences of the each one a gem in its wisdom as well as in its abil- Jewish people over time.” –Rabbi Dovid Castle ity to depict life in America during the formative years of American Orthodox Jewry. I strongly “The book is most outstanding, and there is a great recommend it to anyone who enjoys probing the need for it today, in . . . illustrating the constant inner meaning of the holidays.” providence of God over His world.” –Stephen J. Savitsky, –Rabbi Asher Weiss Jewish Action Urim Publications, 2007 Devora Publishing, 2015 Hardcover, 231 pages, $23.95 (90 nis) Softcover, 216 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-99-4 isbn 978-193-444-059-9 isbn 10: 965-7108-99-3 20 www.UrimPublications.com Women and Judaism / Lifecycle / Inspirational

Kaddish Hide and Seek Women’s Voices Jewish Women and Hair Covering edited by Michal Smart and by Lynne Schreiber Barbara Ashkenas “These essays are remarkably candid and engaging NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD 2013 . . . With the hundreds of books that arrive for WINNER review consideration, it’s refreshing to encounter in the category of a work that charts new territory.” Contemporary Jewish Life and Practice –Sandee Brawarsky, The Jewish Week “Kaddish, Women’s Voices is a deeply moving anthol- “The book is impressive . . .” ogy of women who have loved and lost and prayed. –Rabbi Jack Riemer, Moment Magazine The essays it contains are short in length but long “Lynne Schreiber has contributed a monumental in wisdom, consolation, and comfort.” tome to Jewish thought. Jewish Women and Cover- –Erica Brown ing the Hair should become required reading in “The 52 essays in this book give women a voice and every adult curriculum.” a place. Each one is a prize. We are all enriched by –Herschel Finman, The Jewish Hour this volume.” –Ari L. Goldman “A unique addition to Judaic Studies reading “A tribute to the ability of contemporary women to lists, Hide & Seek is highly recommended for its find meaning in an age-old custom and strengthen thought-provoking and fascinating account.” it further in our time.” –Hadassah Lieberman –Midwest Book Review Urim Publications, 2013 Urim Publications, 2006 Hardcover, 258 pages, $27.95 (100 nis) Softcover, 224 pages, $15.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-150-1 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-75-8 isbn 10: 965-7108-75-6

www.UrimPublications.com 21 Women and Judaism / Inspirational

Total Immersion Bread and Fire A Mikvah Anthology Jewish Women Find God in the Everyday by Rivkah Slonim edited by Rivkah Slonim

In this best-selling collection of almost fifty essays Bread and Fire is about the everyday lives of Jewish and stories about the mikvah (the Jewish ritual women and the struggles and aspirations, failings bath), women and men contribute their thoughts and triumphs of their spiritual endeavors. on this ancient Jewish tradition. This book asks: What does it mean to be a Jewish woman today? What does Jewish tradition offer to “If you’re intersted in mikvah, and even if you’re modern women who are looking for practical ways not, you must dip into this unique testimony to to bring spirituality and meaning to their lives and Jewish women’s experience and thought.” the lives of their loved ones? –Tamar Frankiel The women whose writings appear in this book “There can be few areas of religious life more in span a wide range of ages, backgrounds, perspec- need of rediscovery, and I know of no more infor- tives and professions. In her own way, each one mative and moving introduction than the essays reveals God as an anchoring force in her life: from contained in this book.” the birthing room to the boardroom, cleaning in –Rabbi Dr. Jonathan Sacks the kitchen or scrubbing up for surgery. “This is a well-written, sophisticated, and often “This is an anthology for anyone interested in reli- humorous collection; an engaging book for the gion, in the religious experience, in a community initiated and uninitiated reader.” of women who have chosen to live differently –Dr. Avivah Zornberg from the norm.” –Amy Klein, Urim Publications, 2006 LA Jewish Journal Softcover, second revised edition Urim Publications, 2006, Hardcover, 455 pages, 319 pages, $18.95 (80 nis) $32.95 (130 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-68-0 isbn 13: 978-965-524-002-3 isbn 10: 965-7108-68-3 isbn 10: 965-524-002-9

22 www.UrimPublications.com Women and Judaism / Bible Commentary / Jewish Law

Torah of the Mothers A Lifetime Contemporary Jewish Women Companion to Read Classical Jewish Texts the Laws of Jewish edited by Ora Wiskind Elper and Susan Handelman Family Life “It is a very fine work of serious scholarship, and a by Deena R. Zimmerman, pleasure to read.” –Rabbi Chaim Brovender md mph ibclc “This interesting and important book brings foreword by Rabbi Yehuda Henkin together writings by 23 Orthodox Jewish women, Torah scholars all, but none of them rabbis or “This outstanding volume deserves to be on every feminists, as in more liberal divisions of Judaism. Jewish couple’s bookshelf.” In certain ways, these essays do not differ much –Rabbanit Chana Henkin from other contemporary Torah commentaries “This is a remarkable volume by a remarkable – here, as in similar works, are close readings of woman. The author, a highly regarded pediatri- Torah and applications of its meaning to modern cian and a scholar of Talmud, here offers a com- life. Yet these women are aware of the complexity prehensive volume on Jewish “family purity,” the and irony of their situation. . . . This collection conventional euphemism for the laws governing should prove thought-provoking for thoughtful menstruation. It is an authoritative treatment of Jewish readers of all persuasions. the subject and should prove invaluable to all who Highly recommended.” –Library Journal cherish the wholeness of the bond between hus- Urim Publications, 2006 band and wife and the holiness of Torah Judaism.” Softcover, 502 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) –Rabbi Norman Lamm isbn 13: 978-965-7108-70-3 Urim Publications, 2011 isbn 10: 965-7108-70-5 Third Revised Edition Softcover, 231 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-063-4

www.UrimPublications.com 23 Lifecycle / Inspirational

Expecting Miracles One Baby Step Finding Meaning and Spirituality at a Time in Pregnancy Through Judaism Seven Secrets of Jewish Motherhood by Chana Weisberg by Chana (Jenny) Weisberg “I have many books on the topic of birth, but none like this. The lovely Expecting Miracles, with its One Baby Step at a Time is a collection of eye- graceful cover design and focus on the spiritual opening personal essays, inspirational readings, aspects of pregnancy and birth, is unique . . . and and refreshingly honest interviews that will uplift, I have already given it to some of my friends. . . .” validate, and provide practical suggestions to im- –Rishe Deitsch, N’shei Chabad Newsletter prove the life of every Jewish mother. In this sequel to her critically-acclaimed book Expecting Miracles, “Chana Weisberg’s beautifully written book ex- author Chana (Jenny) Weisberg describes seven plores the little known world of Orthodox Jewish ancient Jewish secrets that have enabled Jewish women in various stages of pregnancy: their hopes, women throughout the millennia to infuse their their dreams, their fears, their beliefs as they inte- mothering lives with more happiness, fulfillment, grate the marvels, the mysteries, the magic, and ul- and spirituality. timately, the miracle of childbirth and mothering.” –Yitta Halberstam “It is truly an inspiring, honest, heart-warming and thought provoking book compiled of essays, “I bought the book . . . and loved it! I ‘devoured it’ helpful hints and tidbits and interviews with many over Shabbos. It filled the great thirst I had to gain Jewish women from varying backgrounds.” an understanding of the deeper meaning of this –A Simple Jew blog unique experience . . . it is definitely sitting in my office waiting room.” –Dr. Hava-Yael Schreiber “One Baby Step at a Time is one of the most amaz- OB/GYN, The Jewish Press ing books I’ve read.” –Chana Billet Urim Publications, 2004 Urim Publications, 2007 Hardcover, 352 pages, $27.95 (110 nis) Hardcover, 302 pages, $25.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-7108-51-2 isbn 13: 978-965-524-001-6 isbn 10: 965-524-001-0 24 www.UrimPublications.com Jewish Law

Rabbinic Authority Rabbinic Authority 2 The Vision and the Reality The Vision and the Reality Beit Din Decisions in English Beit Din Decisions in English by Rabbi A. Yehuda Warburg by Rabbi A. Yehuda Warburg

“Rabbinic Authority: The Vision and the Reality in- In this second volume of Rabbinic Authority, troduces the English-speaking public to the scope Rabbi Warburg presents new rabbinical court arbi- of rabbinic authority in general and the workings tration decisions in English. He is the first rabbinic of the institution of the beit din (Jewish arbitra- arbitrator to publish piskei din (decisions) on cases tion) in particular.” Five Towns Jewish Times in Jewish civil law. These decisions rarely contain reasoned opinions, even though Jewish law and “ is a Rabbinic Authority: The Vision and the Reality arbitration laws mandate that a dayan (judge) issue smart addition to the literature on beit din – how a reasonable judgment. It is important that those they operate in theory and in practice.” who service the institution of a beit din (a Jewish –Shlomo Greenwald court) know the inner dynamics and reasoning of ”Rabbinic Authority: the Vision and the Reality, those who issue rulings. This volume focuses on a by Rabbi A. Yehuda Warburg, is a deeply learned number of topics, such as the halakhic identity of and lucidly written description and analysis of the an investment broker, the propriety of a civil will, inner workings of the beit din.” contemporary issues relating to domestic violence, –Rabbi Professor Ephraim Kanarfogel, E. Billi Ivry and the role of a rabbinical advocate in the beit University Professor of Jewish History, Literature din process. These topics and more are discussed and Law at Yeshiva University in depth in the only English series about rabbinic authority. Urim Publications, 2013 Hardcover, 320 pages, $28.95 (100 nis) Urim Publications, 2015 isbn 978-965-524-144-0 Hardcover, $28.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-213-3

www.UrimPublications.com 25 Jewish Law / Jewish Thought

Understanding Tzniut Equality Lost Modern Controversies in Essays in Torah Commentary, the Jewish Community Halacha, and Jewish Thought by Rabbi Yehuda Henkin by Rabbi Yehuda Henkin In his innovative and magisterial lead essay, Rabbi “It is a pleasure to learn with Henkin, who uses Yehuda Henkin analyzes the pervasive yet little- accessible language and whose arguments and de- understood area of women’s modesty. In Under- ductions are often delightful. The title essay relates standing Tzniut, Rabbi Henkin also examines the to the problems some people have regarding femi- issues of handshaking, aliyot to the Torah, and nism and the needs of learned women. All in all, dancing with a sefer Torah, as well as general topics there are six essays [of fifteen] concerning women’s such as questions of rabbinical misjudgment dur- issues, none of which contains apologetics.” ing the Holocaust and the relationship to Israel’s –Gael Hammer, Australian Jewish News government in the wake of the expulsion from “Unfortunately, R. Henkin and his responsa have Gush Katif. To all topics, Rabbi Henkin brings been largely unknown outside of Israel. His En halachic stature, scholarship and erudition. glish book Equality Lost will, it may be hoped, “R. Henkin’s essay on modest dress analyzes a num- serve as a remedy to this situation. . . . Equal- ber of relevant topics (e.g., women’s haircovering, ity Lost is a book of importance for the Modern necklines) and shows that R. Falk’s positions are Orthodox community, opening a window into extreme. In reaching his conclusions, R. Henkin the thought and rulings of this serious, sensitive displays a mastery of both halakhic views on this poseq. . . . subject and sound reasoning.” It is because of him, and the few others like him, –Rabbi Gil Student, Hirhurim Blog that important issues for the Modern Orthodox commmunity are being addressed in a serious Urim Publications, 2008 halachik manner.” Hardcover, 141 pages, $21.95 (80 nis) –Dov Linzer, isbn 13: 978-965-524-005-4, The Edah Journal isbn 10: 965-524-005-3 Urim Publications, 1999, Hardcover, 190 pages, $20.00 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-7108-01-7 26 www.UrimPublications.com Jewish Law

Jewish Prayer: Shabbat: The The Right Way Right Way Resolving Halachic Dilemmas Resolving Halachic Dilemmas by Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen by Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen From previous books by Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen: How do Rabbis arrive at the answers to questions? Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen provides both the answers “Rabbi Cohen shows courage and genuine original- to questions on Shabbat observance and a look at the ity in analyzing these Shabbat questions and offers process by which the answers are derived. his opinion and even though he is aware that psak According to Rabbi Cohen, “Halachah, the many will disagree with him.” poskim distinctly unique Jewish legal system, crystallizes –Rabbi Meir Kadosh, The Jewish Press the guidelines of Judaism. It makes us into Jews and “Rabbi J. Simcha Cohen has established an out- marks us as Jewish. As such, an understanding of the standing reputation as a scholar and writer, a fine halachic process provides insight into the inner soul halakhist and an original thinker. He is a bold and of Jewish life itself.” distinctive presence in contemporary Orthodoxy.” There are many books that address questions –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks of Shabbat observance. Shabbat: The Right Way differs in that it provides definitive direction as “The 613th Commandment is evidence of the eru- well as openly sharing the analysis. For the person dition, keen mind and ability in pilpulei de’oraita seeking to understand Jewish law, this book offers of its author. . . .” –Solomon J. Sharfman, Tradition the opportunity to learn why Jews do certain things. “I consider your sefer a remarkable achievement. It For those already familiar with halachah, this book presents in the English language the full flavor of will serve as a springboard for deeper study, and all ‘talking in learning.’” –Rabbi Yaakov S. Weinberg readers will come away with a sense of what is at the heart of Judaism. Urim Publications, 2012 Hardcover, 267 pages, $25.95 (90 nis) Urim Publications, 2009 isbn 978-965-524-068-9 Hardcover, 203 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-021-4 www.UrimPublications.com 27 Jewish Law

Amot Shel Halacha Innovation in Halachic Insights Jewish Law by Rabbi Ari N. Enkin A Case Study of Chiddush in Havineinu “Rabbi Ari Enkin has successfully authored another by Michael J. Broyde outstanding sefer of modern day Halachic issues . . . The issues presented are extremely interesting and “This book provides a new framework for future certain to provide every reader with something of researchers who can seek to elucidate other ex- interest.” –Rabbi Michael Broyde amples of incremental shifts in Jewish law. In an era when far too few of us understand the mesorah “I have used excerpts of Rabbi Enkin’s book with that we have received, this book helps to put the my students and we have enjoyed them all. I have often overlooked work of our rabbis in historical found his writings to contain a great deal of valu- and social perspective.” –Daniel P. Aldrich, able material . . . This is a unique sefer by a talented and distinguished Torah scholar.” Shofar Journal of Jewish Studies –Rabbi Ephraim Greenblatt “. . . it is his masterful introduction and conclusion about halachic methodology – focusing on how “I have read a number of Rav Ari Enkin’s writings and under what circumstances halacha changes – and I have enjoyed them immensely. He has a tal- that give the book its importance.” ent for choosing topics of interest and presenting –Rabbi Francis Nataf, the material in an enjoyable and balanced manner. Lookstein Digest I recommend his writings to anyone who desires “Michael J. Broyde, a pulpit rabbi, leading halachic to deepen their knowledge about important Torah decisor in the Modern Orthodox community and topics.” –Rabbi Howard Jachter law professor at Emory, traces the discussion of this prayer and the circumstances under which Urim Publications, 2009 it is permissible to substitute it for the Hardcover, 251 pages, $23.95 (90 nis) shemoneh . . . His case study is a tour de force . . .” isbn 978-965-524-028-3 esrei –Jewish Review of Books Urim Publications, 2010 Hardcover, 163 pages (including index) 28 www.UrimPublications.com $19.95 (70 Nis), isbn 978-965-524-036-8 Jewish Law & Reason

Acts of the Mind in The Mitzvot Jewish Ritual Law The Commandments and Their Rationale An Insight into Rabbinic Psychology by Abraham Chill by Rabbi Dr. Isaac Cohen Recognized as a classic in the field, this book is a “I highly recommend this book as a welcome addi- pioneering study dealing with the traditional ratio- tion to all libraries, public and individual.” nale behind the 613 Commandments (Mitzvot) in –Rabbi Emanuel Quint the Torah. The author draws on the considerable “Rabbi Dr. Isaac Cohen has produced a truly literature to present the interpretation of the great monumental work of Jewish scholarship, majestic rabbinical thinkers on each Commandment. The in scope and riveting in detail . . . What he has book provides easy reference for the systematic provided us with is a systematic exploration of study of the Mitzvot and for anyone interested the role of mental acts, motives and intentions in in additional information on a particular com- virtually every aspect of Jewish law and life . . . A mandment. magnificent achievement, highly recommended.” “The Mitzvot represents a comprehen sive and –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks insightful effort to summarize and clarify the “All who wish to gain a better knowledge of the best thought of the past on this topic of central spiritual and psychological aspects of Jewish law importance.” –Professor Marvin Fox and the Jewish way of life, as well as those com- “This work presents . . . each and every . . . one of pletely unfamiliar with these subjects, will discover the 613 Commandments. Rabbi Chill’s endeavor a wealth of information in Dr. Cohen’s book.” is to be highly commended and recommended.” –Judge Zvi Tal, Justice of the Israel –Professor Sidney B. Hoenig Supreme Court (Retired) Urim Publications Urim Publications, 2008 Hardcover, 508 pages, $30.00 (120 nis) Hardcover, 870 pages (including glossary, isbn 13: 978-965-7108-14-7 bibliography and index), $34.95 (140 nis) isbn 10: 965-7108-14-4 isbn 978-965-7108-83-3 www.UrimPublications.com 29 Jewish Thought / History

Stages of Spiritual Growth Resolving the Tension between Self-expression and Submission to Divine Will by Batya Gallant R. Tzadok Hakohen of Lublin (1823–1900), Chassidic master of Torah, taught that spiritual growth follows a predictable sequence of stages: One’s youth is most conducive to growth in love and kindness, one’s middle years provide the best opportunity for learning submission to Divine authority, and one’s later years are the optimal time for growth in truth-perception. Stages of Spir- itual Growth explores R. Tzadok’s system. “I have perused Stages of Spiritual Growth and was overwhelmed by its pro- fundity and lucidity. In my opinion, this work is destined to leave an imprint in the souls of people who desire to grow spiritually.” –Rabbi Dovid Cohen, Congregation Gvul Ya’avetz Devora Publishing, 2010 Softcover, 179 pages, $19.95 (60 nis), isbn 978-1936-068-01-2

The Wisdom of the Jews Using Rationality and Practicality To Make Sense of Life by Yitzhak Shimon Hurwitz Albert Einstein contrasted science and religion when he said, “Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.” Apparently, a person must have religion, but he needs one that is rational – seemingly a contradic- tion in terms. This book, The Wisdom of the Jews, comes to resolve this di- lemma for the thinking individual. Devora Publishing, 2012 Softcover, 174 pages, $18.95 (60 nis) isbn 978-1-934440-99-5 It Was Evening, It Was Morning Scandinavia in the Aftermath of WWII by Chana Sharfstein In It Was Evening, It Was Morning, Chana Sharfstein describes the vivid memories of meeting Holocaust survivors. From their home in the Swedish capital, Sharfstein’s father, Rabbi Yaakov Yosef Zuber ministered to and cared for the throngs of Jewish refugees who entered the country following the close of World War II and found refuge in its many Displaced Persons camps. The book tells the story of Sharfstein’s search to find those whose self- sacrifice saved many, as well as her own impressions on the rebirth of Judaism in Scandinavia, fueled in large part by Chabad-Lubavitch centers sprouting up throughout the region.” –Dovid Zaklikowski, Chabad.org Devora, 2012 Softcover, 272 pages, $22.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-30-2 30 www.UrimPublications.com Prayer / Inspirational Rand

Tehillim Tehillim A ReAdAble

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Tehillim The Book of Psalms King David’s Psalms, in Plain English From Biblical Hebrew to Modern English rendered into English by Aaron Lichtenstein Translated by Avraham Rand Be moved by the inspiring words of Psalms, trans- Avraham Rand had the ability to open his heart lated into clear and readable language by a profes- to the words of King David and to transcribe the sor of English and scholar of the Bible. gamut of joy, anger, love, pain, and suffering that infuse this great king’s work. His last days were “. . . I cannot imagine anyone seriously interested spent creating a reader-friendly translation of Te- in prayer and in the constant use of Tehillim as a hillim, one that could go beyond the written word, means to express our deepest yearnings who will one that would reach out to the reader and bring not find this translation of great interest. Yeats said, him into King David’s stream of consciousness so ‘Out of the quarrel we have with others we make that he could make this work his own. rhetoric; out of the quarrel we have with ourselves This is not just a translation of Tehillim; it is also we make poetry.’ For some, this translation will a chance to eavesdrop on the constant dialogue produce much rhetoric, but for others it will speak between a lover and his beloved. It is the Song of with the poetry of their selves. As such, it is worth Songs of a modest individual who sought to make serious consideration.” King David’s song heard. –Rabbi Dr. David Ebner, Jewish Action Devora Publishing, 2013 Urim Publications, 2006, English only Softcover, 302 pages, $23.95 (80 Nis) Hardcover, 201 pages, $21.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-132-7 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-86-4 isbn 10: 965-7108-86-1 Urim Publications, 2014, English-Hebrew edition Softcover pocket Oliner edition, 288 pages $7.95 (30 nis) Size: 4.25″ wide × 5.75″ tall isbn 978-965-524-157-0 www.UrimPublications.com 31 Prayer

A Window to Things Overheard the Siddur in the Synagogue An Analysis of the Themes in Jewish Prayer by Ira Bedzow Striving to record observations of things in his own by Rabbi Dr. Walter Orenstein world, and yielding a perspective that is pertinent to others as well, Ira Bedzow’s poetry reveals emo- “The philosophical and halakhic concepts are intro- tions, frustrations and perspectives that the author duced in a dialogue between a husband and wife has encountered in his life. Through poetical . . . What a wonderful way to absorb knowledge.” aphorisms, Bedzow intends to fulfill what Job –Rabbi Meir Bilitsky unwittingly advises, “I will forget my complaint, “Walter Orenstein has hit on an ingenious idea I will put off my sad face and wear a smile.” which makes his book palatable to the layperson. “Ira Bedzow’s wise and sensitive poetry is a ‘life It is in dialogue format telling the story of a hus- story’ of introspections and self-evaluations on the band and wife who are learning the themes of the backdrop of Jewish traditions and beliefs. Some Siddur together.” of the poems are confessional, addressed to the –Shoshana Horowitz, AJL Review Almighty, and some to humankind.” “. . . the dialogue style of discussion makes it –Edith Covensky dramatic and fascinating . . . a very worthwhile “Several of the poems retell Biblical stories, and in contribution.” a section of personal reflections, there are many –Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins, Jewish Book Review Talmudic asides. All of it reflects Bedzow’s deep Urim Publications, 2009 immersion of Jewish texts, as well as a lyrical ear Hardcover, 302 pages, $23.95 (80 nis) perfectly matched for poems.” isbn 978-965-524-032-0 –Eric Herschthal, The Jewish Week Penina Press, 2012 Softcover, 151 pages, $19.95 (60 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-25-8 32 www.UrimPublications.com Biography

Rabbi Rabbi Haim Shlomo Goren David Halevy Torah Sage and General Gentle Scholar and Courageous Thinker by Shalom Freedman by Marc D. Angel with Hayyim Angel Chief Rabbi Brigadier-General Shlomo Goren In this book, Rabbis Marc and Hayyim Angel pro- (1918–1994) made a unique and unforgettable vide an analysis of the teachings of Rabbi Halevy contribution to the Jewish people. More than any on a wide range of topics: confronting modernity, other person, he embodied the ancient ideal of be- rabbinic responsibility and authority, metaphysi- ing both a great Jewish scholar and a remarkable cal issues, questions of faith, the role of customs, soldier in the service of God and the Jewish people. Jewish education, governing the Jewish State, and more. Rabbi Halevy was a gentle, thoughtful “It is excellent! . . . Accessible, readable, gripping. scholar and a courageous thinker who was not And a lot of great pictures (including one of Rav afraid to consider old questions in a new light, and Elyashiv). Plus, no shortage of criticism about R. to break new ground in the field of Torah studies. Goren, albeit written from the perspective of a clear admirer . . . This book should be on every “I began reading your book on Rabbi Haim David Jewish bookshelf. Note that I write that without Halevy and I could not put it down.” having any financial stake in the book. Buy it. Read –Rabbi Barry Hartman it. Have your children read it.” “Rabbi Halevy, surprisingly under-appreciated –Rabbi Gil Student, Hirhurim Blog and inadequately recognized as a Torah luminary, Urim Publications, 2006 was a prolific author of books and articles. This Series: Modern Jewish Lives · volume 1 volume explores major themes in this thought and Hardcover, 223 pages, 27 b/w photographs, $23.95 halakhic discourse.” –YU Review (70 nis) Urim Publications, 2006 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-81-9 Series: Modern Jewish Lives · Volume 2 isbn 10: 965-7108-81-0 HC, 221 pages, 34 b/w photos, $23.95 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-82-6 isbn 965-7108-82-9 www.UrimPublications.com 33 Biography

Nehama Leibowitz Rabbi Shlomo Teacher and Bible Scholar Carlebach by Yael Unterman Life, Mission, and Legacy NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD 2009 by Dr. Natan Ophir (Offenbacher) FINALIST WINNER in the category of “Although other books have been written about modern jewish thought & experience Carlebach . . . there is consensus among the reviewers that none are as comprehensive and all- Professor Nehama Leibowitz (1905–1997), win- encompassing, in terms of the rabbi’s life, music, ner of the Israel Prize in Education, was a unique concerts and contributions to Jewish liturgy, as figure in the twentieth century Jewish landscape. the work produced by Ophir.” This book documents her life story, inspiring –Greer Fay Cashman, The Jerusalem Post personality and scholarship. It discusses her strong views on such issues as Zionism, humanism and “Through personal interviews, Ophir chronicles feminism, as well as the influences that shaped many stories of Jewish youth who were seeking for her. Other topics covered include her pioneering answers in Middle Eastern religions and who were approach to Bible and commentaries that changed brought back to Judaism by Carlebach’s warmth, the face of Jewish Bible study, her acceptance as a unconditional love and acceptance, and version of prominent Torah scholar despite her gender, and Jewish practice and ritual.” the future of her work in light of recent scholarship. –Eric S. Freeman, American Jewish History “. . . fascinating, exhaustive and thought-provoking.” “At last! A carefully researched and meticulously –Rabbi Gil Student, Hirhurim Blog annotated biography of Shlomo Carlebach. A must-read for anyone interested in Reb Shlomo Urim Publications, 2009 and his legacy.” –Prof. Jonathan D. Sarna Series: Modern Jewish Lives · volume 3 Hardcover, 607 pages (includes over 50 b/w Urim Publications, 2014 photos plus an index), $39.95 (130 nis) Series: Modern Jewish Lives · volume 4 isbn 978-965-524-019-1 Hardcover, 503 pages (incl. over 50 b/w photos) $39.95 (140 nis) isbn 978-965-524-143-3 34 www.UrimPublications.com Biography

Rabbi Meir Kahane: His Life and Thought Volume One: 1932–1975 by Libby Kahane “This is an extraordinary tale of a man with a vision and a mission, whose life’s journey was passionately directed to promoting Torah, Jewish pride and power, and the Zionist dream . . . A major figure in modern Jewish history, Meir Kahane can now be judiciously assessed and appreciated through this new and gripping volume.” –Dr. Mordechai Nisan, author of Toward a New Israel The Institute for the Publication of the Writings of Rabbi Meir Kahane, 2008 Hardcover, 761 pages (including index) + 32 additional pages of photos, $45.00 (150 nis) isbn 978-965-524-008-5 They Called Him Rebbe The Life and Good Works of Rabbi Boruch Milikowsky by Raphael D. Blumberg “They Called Him Rebbe demonstrates how a synthesis of wisdom and love created a force that spanned space and time to bring the flavor of prewar Lith- uania into today’s American classroom. But only a true Talmid Chacham, as was Rabbi Boruch Milikowsky, z”l, will know how to utilize the ‘chochmas lev’ (Exodus 35:35) effectively. A must read for every educator.” –Rabbi Nathan Kamenetsky, author of Making of a Godol “. . . must reading for any parent or educator who wants to understand teenage boys and how to motivate them to be better Jews and menschen.” –Rabbi Yaakov Spivak, Rav and Rosh Yeshiva, Kollel Ayshel Avraham Urim Publications, 2007, Hardcover, 295 pages, $24.95 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-98-7, isbn 10: 965-7108-98-5 The Spirits Behind the Law The Talmudic Scholars by Rabbi Jonathan Duker This work portrays fifteen scholars based on the stories of their lives that appear in the Talmudic and midrashic traditions. By weaving the original accounts together with insightful analysis, the writer provides a human portrait of these great masters while remaining faithful to the original narratives. “Rabbi Jonathan Duker’s book is eminently readable. He capably and creatively synthesizes many disparate sources into a coherent and meaningful flow . . .” –Rabbi Hayyim Angel “The book is a treasure for both rabbis and laypersons; as well as for teachers and their students looking for the key to open up the genius and sweetness of Talmudic study.” –Rabbi Avraham Weiss Urim, 2007, Hardcover, 123 pages, $21.95 (60 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-97-0, isbn 10: 965-7108-97-7 www.UrimPublications.com 35 Lifecycle / Inspirational

Journey to Heaven Dignity Beyond Death Exploring Jewish Views of the Afterlife The Jewish Preparation for Burial by Leila Leah Bronner by Rochel U. Berman foreword by Rabbi Irving Greenberg “Conversant with Jewish writings throughout winner of the koret international the ages, Dr. Bronner is a gifted writer with an jewish book award 2006 uncanny ability to trace the major Jewish beliefs in the category of in an afterlife through the ages, recognize nuances jewish life & living and tensions, and present the reader with lucid national jewish book award 2005 formulations. The ideas of bodily resurrection, finalist winner in the category of immortality of the soul, reincarnation, the World contemporary jewish life & practice to Come, and the Messiah have continuously suf- “Dignity Beyond Death brings together the voices fused Judaism and are still with us. A fascinating of ordinary people engaged in an extraordinary book.” –Professor Bezalel Porten task.” –Rabbi Kenneth Brander “It is commonly assumed that there is no discus- “. . . we owe Rochel Berman ‘deep gratitude’ for sion of the afterlife in the Bible. But inJourney bringing the ancient ritual and good deed of tahara to Heaven, Bronner makes a powerful case for to wider attention.” –Dr. Morton I. Teicher, a myriad of biblical allusions to the World to Palm Beach South Jewish Journal Come. . . . She makes it possible to observe the mythic development of heaven, demonstrating a “Dignity Beyond Death is a passionate and deeply Jewish fascination with the hereafter throughout informed study of one of the most ancient and Jewish history.” significant rituals of Jewish practice. Written in a –Howard Schwartz, author of Tree of Souls lively and engaging style by one whose authority is drawn from long-time experience, this book will Urim Publications, 2011 serve as a standard for years to come.” Hardcover, 206 pages, $25.95 (100 Nis) –Professor Froma I. Zeitlin Isbn 978-965-524-047-4 Urim Publications, 2005 Hardcover, 223 pages, $24.95 (100 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-66-6 isbn 10: 965-7108-66-7 36 www.UrimPublications.com Jewish Thought / Inspirational

The Quest for Halakhic Man, Authenticity Authentic Jew The Thought of Reb Simhah Bunim Modern Expressions of Orthodox Thought from Rabbi Joseph B. by Michael Rosen Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits “It is a pleasure to warmly recommend the publica- by Ira Bedzow tion of Dr. Michael Rosen’s monograph on Rabbi Simhah Bunim of Przyshusha . . . and I can testify Halakhic Man, Authentic Jew is a compara- that this is an important and original contribution tive study of the thought of Rabbi Joseph B. for understanding nineteenth century Hasidism.” Soloveitchik and Rabbi Eliezer Berkovits about –Prof. Moshe Idel what constitutes a model Jew and the understanding and presentation of Halakha in a modern era. “Quest for Authenticity is worthwhile reading both academically and spiritually. R. Rosen’s magnum “Any thinking Jew will be delighted by this sophis- opus paints a vivid picture of how Hasidut Przy- ticated and insightful study.” sucha wrought a revolution in Polish Hasidism. –Dr. Henry Abramson According to R. Rosen, this is also the future hope for a vibrant and healthy Judaism.” “Rabbi Bedzow possesses a rare combination of –Rabbi Dr. Natan Ophir (Offenbacher), lomdus and profound philosophical knowledge. His work compels a reexamination of the most Lookstein Digest fundamental ideas of the Mesorah. A must read.” “I would encourage all those fascinated by Hasi- –Rabbi Fishel Todd dism and its development to discover a surprisingly open, progressive, and “counterculture” worldview, Urim Publications, 2009 with lessons relevant for the thoughtful spiritual Hardcover, 191 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) life in the 21st century.” isbn 978-965-524-029-0 –William Liss-Levinson, Jewish Book World Urim Publications, 2008, Hardcover, 455 pages, $29.95 (100 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-524-003-0 www.UrimPublications.com 37 Jewish Thought

$26.95 US

MODERN ORTHODOX JUDAISM Studies and Perspectives

URIM PUBLICATIONS

Lambda Publishers ISBN 978-965-524-010-8 Jerusalem New York URIM PUBLICATIONS www.UrimPublications.com www.UrimPublications.com RABBI DR. MENACHEM-MARTIN GORDON Cover design by Shanie Cooper URIM

Modern Orthodox Covenantal Imperatives Judaism Essays by Walter S. Wurzburger on Jewish Law, Thought, and Community Studies and Perspectives edited by Eliezer Jacobs and Shalom Carmy by Rabbi Dr. Menachem-Martin Gordon Covenantal Imperatives, a collection of essays “Rabbi Menachem Gordon is one of the young selected from the nearly six decades of Rabbi luminaries in the growing circle of centrist ortho- Walter Wurzburger’s illustrious career, combines doxy’s champions. His essays are studied and often the author’s mastery of Halakhah with a deep quoted because he clarifies for intellectuals where understanding of Jewish philosophy. Judaism stands on many matters of contemporary interest.” –Rabbi Dr. Emanuel Rackman “. . . the book deals with Rabbi Wurzburger’s treatment of Jewish thought by utilizing the roles of “His book represents an important contribution four personalities who helped shape his religious to religious thought. It is especially welcome at beliefs: Maimonides, Samson Raphael Hirsch, a time of resurgence of fundamentalism, which Rav Hayyim of Volozhin and acharon, acharon attacks Centrist Orthodoxy as a compromise . . .” chaviv, Rav Joseph B. Soloveitchik, his mentor. –Rabbi Dr. Walter S. Wurzburger Each essay delivers a powerful theological and “The world is changing at an extraordinary and spirited defense of our faith and present in clear increasing rate. How is Modern Orthodoxy to terms the roles played by each of these rabbis in respond, in both specific and general ways? Rabbi their respective eras in giving Judaism a contem- Gordon’s recent volume takes on the task with porary intellectual garb, without compromising commitment and an open mind.” the essence of the faith’s basic beliefs and practices.” Fred Isaac, AJL Reviews –Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star Urim Publications, 2012 “This first-class collection succeeds in presenting Hardcover, 214 pages, $25.95 (90 nis) the thought of a major modern Orthodox Jewish isbn 978-965-524-059-7 thinker.” –Chaim Seymour, AJL Review Urim Publications, 2008, Hardcover, 325 pages $28.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-000-9 38 www.UrimPublications.com Jewish Thought / Israel

For the Love of Israel The Tent of Avraham and the Jewish People Gleanings from the David Cardozo Academy Essays and Studies on Israel, Jews and Judaism edited by Nathan Lopes Cardozo by Nathan Lopes Cardozo The Tent of Avraham is an anthology of essays on a variety of Jewish topics of academic, personal, “When the international community formally and spiritual nature. Contributors include Jewish acknowledged the rights of the Jewish people to thinkers, professors, and rabbis, all of whom have their ancestral homeland after the First World War, taught at or are affiliated with the David Cardozo it was implicitly understood that this connection Academy in Jerusalem. Original insights into the emanated from nearly 3,000 years of Jewish law Jewish tradition, many of the articles include and tradition. Rabbi Cardozo eloquently reminds a more personal and emotional struggle with his readers of that very fundamental truth in a elements of Judaism, capturing the essence of the period when many in the world have unfortunately David Cardozo Academy. forgotten it.” –Ambassador Dore Gold Urim Publications and The David Cardozo “One of the most thoughtful voices . . . Nathan Academy, 2012 Lopes Cardozo is a man of deep faith and wide Softcover, 233 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) intellectual horizons . . . attuned to the music of isbn 978-965-524-114-3 eternity.” –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Urim Publications, 2008 Hardcover, 327 pages, $26.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-010-8

www.UrimPublications.com 39 Israel / Jewish Thought Haberman ReReading Israel: The Spirit of the Matter refreshes current conversations about Israel, setting aside vitriolic debates and worn postures. This book opens Jewish sources to interpret Israel in critical, innovative, and inspiring ways. Rereading Israel presents an opportunity to engage ethically, intellectually, and emotionally – challenging us to apply our finest resources to grapple honestly and creatively with land and people, history, text, and spirit. Especially when Israel is embattled, this book peels open a fruitful and compelling plurality of perspectives. Rereading Israel invites readers into a deep exploration of the roles and relationships of the people of Israel to the destiny of a profoundly human and unfinished sacred project. ReReading i s R

“Bonna Devora Haberman’s highly original book examines modern s piritThe of the Matter Israel – its achievements and its travails – through the prism of the religious texts and traditions that sustained the Jewish nation in exile. At once brisk and spiritual, Rereading Israel finds inspiration in those sources for the construction of a mature, fulfilled Jewish nation state.” –David Horovitz, founding editor of the online newspaper The Times of Israel, previously editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post “Wow! This is a beautiful and profound book. Using a symphony of sources, expertly traveling between modern Western concepts and traditional Jewish texts, Bonna Devora Haberman brings new dimensions to our understanding and appreciation for Zionism. Showing how Zionism resolves tensions like the mind-body duality helps us see Zionism as it is – far beyond the headlines – a healing project for the Jewish people and humanity.” ael –Professor Gil Troy, McGill University, author of Why I Am a Zionist “Rereading Israel: The Spirit of the Matter is a deeply learned, fluent case for a Zionism that is passionate, faithful and innovative all at once. Neither stuffy nor superficial, this is a book to ignite those who will carry the Zionist dream into the future.” –David J. Wolpe, author of Why Faith Matters and rabbi of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles ReReading isRael Urim PUblications $19.95 www.UrimPublications.com The spirit of the Matter Cover image: courtesy of Shmuel Browns – israeltours.wordpress.com Bonna devor a Haberman Cover designed by the Virtual Paintbrush Urim

To Unify a Nation Rereading Israel My Vision for the Future of Israel The Spirit of the Matter by Rabbi Dov Lipman by Bonna Devora Haberman National Jewish Book Award 2012 Finalist MK Rabbi Dov Lipman moved to Israel in 2004 Winner in the category of Modern Jewish and learned firsthand about its internal societal Thought and Experience struggles – polarization, extremism, discrimina- refreshes tion, and indecency. captures Rereading Israel: The Spirit of the Matter To Save a Nation current conversations about Israel, while setting his vision for the State of Israel and the Jewish aside vitriolic debates and worn postures. This people, a vision which led to his election to the book opens Jewish sources to interpret Israel in 19th Knesset in 2013. critical, innovative, and inspiring ways. Rereading “You deserve appreciation for your activities which Israel presents an opportunity to engage ethically, seek to build bridges of unity, understanding, and intellectually, and emotionally – challenging us tolerance between the religious and non-religious to apply our finest resources to grapple honestly populations in Israel. Your public actions serve as and creatively with land and people, history, text, an example of responsible rabbinic work which and spirit. adds honor to the Jewish nation and to the State “Bonna Devora Haberman’s highly original book of Israel and reflects the deep ethics and morals of examines modern Israel – its achievements and its Judaism in its glory.” travails – through the prism of the religious texts –Shimon Peres, President of Israel and traditions that sustained the Jewish nation in “The book is a good choice for libraries whose exile. At once brisk and spiritual, Rereading Israel patrons are interested in the history of modern finds inspiration in those sources for the construc- Israel and its complicated politics.” tion of a mature, fulfilled Jewish nation state.” –Kathe Pinchuck, AJL Reviews –David Horovitz Urim Publications, 2013 Urim Publications, 2012 Hardcover, 96 pages, $17.95 (60 nis) Hardcover, 191 pages, $21.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-148-8 isbn 978-965-524-124-2 40 www.UrimPublications.com Israel

Pioneers of Religious Zionism: Rabbis Alkalai, Kalischer, Mohliver, Reines, Kook and Maimon by Raymond Goldwater “Raymond Goldwater discusses the lives, writing, and impact of several important rabbis from the middle of the 19th century through the formation of Israel, many of whom are little known outside their own communities. Some were partners with Herzl, Weizmann, and Ben-Gurion, while others were more closely connected to the Mizrachi stream of Zionism. All of them were critical in forming the religious ideas that drew thousands of immigrants to Palestine, and that remain part of the State’s frame of reference to this day.” –Fred Isaac, AJL Newsletter Urim Publications, 2009, $19.95 (80 nis), Hardcover, 158 pages isbn 978-965-524-023-8

Lone Soldiers: Israel’s Defenders from Around the World by Herb Keinon photographs by Ricki Rosen “At a time when criticism of Israel, from within and from without, seems com- monplace, it is refreshing and inspiring to read Herb Keinon’s Lone Soldiers: Israel’s Defenders from Around the World, a story about so much that is good and unique about Israel . . . Lone Soldiers is one more reason to be thankful for Israel, thankful for the IDF, and thankful for people like Tzvika Levy who make sure that the lone soldier is not alone.” –Abraham H. Foxman Devora Publishing, 2012, $34.95 (130 nis), Hardcover, 156 pages (includes 45 color photos) isbn 978-965-524-116-7

Jewish Identity in Modern Israel Proceedings on Secular Judaism and Democracy edited by Naftali Rothenberg and Eliezer Schweid Giving voice to the plurality of Israeli opinion, Jewish Identity in Modern Israel is a collection of articles based upon conferences of the Framework for Con- temporary Jewish Thought and Identity at the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute. “A strongly recommended addition to Judaic Studies reference collections and academic reading lists, Jewish Identity in Modern Israel offers the reader a compendium of well-written and thought-provoking selections.” –Midwest Book Review Urim Publications and the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, 2002 Hardcover, 236 pages, $22.00 (90 nis) isbn 10: 965-7108-36-5 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-36-9

www.UrimPublications.com 41 Israel

Deep in the Heart The Groom Who Went to War, Aharon Karov by Rabbi Zeev Karov Rabbi Zeev Karov describes the moments of joy only a father can have on his son’s wedding day. Soon after the wedding, his son, Aharon, is called up for duty and leaves to fight for his nation. While fighting, Aharon suffers trau- matic injuries from an explosion. Although doctors are sure he will not survive, Aharon defies the odds and overcomes an incredible obstacle. This book is the heartwarming story of an individual who enthusiastically and selflessly jumps into the fray without concern for personal benefit and a nation that rises to a very difficult occasion with grace and extraordinary soli- darity. Deep in the Heart is about hope and about the faith that has kept the Jewish people alive to this very day. Urim Publications and Panim el Panim, 2014 Softcover, 200 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-175-4 You Come for One Reason But Stay for Another Making the Odyssey to Israel by Rabbi Mordechai Weiss “Rabbi Weiss has defied the Meraglim (spies) by sending back a candid, refreshing, and enlightening tale of a spiritual journey to the Holy Land.” –Dovid Gantshar, host, The Aliyah Revolution, Israel National Radio/Arutz Sheva “I think Rabbi Mordechai Weiss has devoted his entire life to the welfare of the Jewish people. He has demonstrated how to be a devoted communal leader. I enjoy reading his email updates and always look forward to their arrival.” –Rabbi Shmuley Boteach Devora Publishing, 2010 Softcover, 130 pages, $18.95 Nis( 60) Isbn 978-1-936068-07-4 Diaspora is Jewry’s Graveyard by Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Kemelman Diaspora is Jewry’s Graveyard was written in order to mobilize the Jewish people to fight for our survival. In this revolutionary work, Rabbi Dr. Yehoshua Kemelman seeks to document this phenomenon, provide practical suggestions to end our existential crisis and strengthen the bond of our nation. As he points out the challenges that we need to address as a people, he charts a course of rescue for the perplexed of our generation. Any Jew who is con- cerned about the survival of the Jewish people, as well as the survival of his or her own children as Jews, will benefit from reading this book. Urim Publications, 2009, Hardcover, 191 pages, $19.95 (60 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-524-024-5

42 www.UrimPublications.com 43 –Professor Susan Handelman Susan –Professor –Rabbi Dr. Abraham Weingort Abraham –Rabbi Dr. ) . even more about human fortitude fortitude human about more even . . & Judaism Psychology www.UrimPublications.com Lessons of LifeLessons Today for A Chronicle of Survival – A Chronicle Your Children Your by Dr. Ida Akerman-Tieder Ida Dr. by And You Shall Tell Shall Tell You And $21.95 (70 Nis (70 $21.95 unconditional faith and integral humanism, smiles humanism, integral faith and unconditional to benevolence overflowing and heaven upon historyuniversal Land.” geography and Holy of the and serenity, philosophy and feeling, and philosophy attachment serenity, and and the depths of the Jewish soul.” Jewish of the depths the and to one’s people and love of one’s family, a fixation a fixation family, people of one’s love and one’s to one learns . learns one this moving and inspiring memoir. Reading her, Reading her, memoir. inspiring and moving this mankind, love of the good of evil, of the love and horror and mankind, Softcover, 285 pages285 b/w 52 photographs), (includes Softcover, Devora Publishing, 2011 978-1-934440-40-7 Isbn “This books rare which of those combine is one “We are greatly indebted to Dr. Ida Akerman for for Akerman Ida Dr. indebted to greatly are “We - - . I recom . )

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chairman of the Ethics and Supervision Committee of the Israeli Committee of the Israeli and Supervision chairman of the Ethics Association for Pediatric Neurology and winner of the Israel Prize Neurology and winner of the Israel Association for Pediatric Founder, Medical Director Emeritus, Gateway Rehabilitation Center Rehabilitation Gateway Emeritus, Director Medical Founder, xx . xx $ Azrieli Graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration, Yeshiva University University Yeshiva and Administration, Education School of Jewish Azrieli Graduate A Neuropsychologist’s Journal: Interventions and “Judi-isms.” and “Judi-isms.” Interventions Journal: A Neuropsychologist’s Neuropsycholgist’s Journal a Neuropsycholgist’s psychology as well as developmental, rehabilitation and medical psychology. Dr. Judi Guedalia’s Guedalia’s Judi Dr. and medical psychology. rehabilitation as developmental, as well psychology been distilled after close to forty to them) have as she refers styles (or “Judi-isms,” interventional Judaism. The and psychology experience in the field, and highlight the intersection between years’ and “Judi-isms” Interventions Journal: case studies described in A Neuropsychologist’s remarkable can incorporate into their own of interest of all levels advice that readers coupled with useful are lives. is a fascinating and far- and Judi-isms Interventions Journal: A Neuropsychologist’s Guedalia’s, Judith Dr. society dur- lines of Israel on the front and experiences working her knowledge ranging book that shares Zedek of Shaare as the director of her decades of work the perspective ing times of war and peace. From on a wide range of topics her wisdom conveys Guedalia Dr. Unit, Neuropsychology Center’s Medical coping with illness, loss and trauma. A number in the face of family conflict, to resilience ranging from creativity signature Guedalia’s topics with Dr. to an array of Biblical the reader of chapters introduce of to a variety perspective consistently brings a fresh wisdom. She and Jewish psychological regarding in a this book to anybody who is interested thought. I recommend meets Jewish psychology where areas insight into the human spirit. unique blend of wisdom, humor and Dr. Judith Guedalia has come out with a winner; stories that can be appreciated by the professional as the professional by has come out with a winner; stories that can be appreciated Guedalia Judith Dr. on the pages of The as articles Judi, by of these stories originally appeared as the layman. Many well the book in print is the culmination of a to Chaim K. Seeing including our introduction Press, Jewish delight in her unique style..the name of this book will many of her friends. Readers by shared dream Dr. the years of information it contains. Over of that...and the wealth a glimpse gives alone, Judi-isms on top. is the ‘crown’ list of acheivements to her long but adding Author hats’ has worn ‘many Guedalia Guedalia, Director of Neuropsychology at Jerusalem’s Shaare Zedek Hospital is the only person in Hospital Zedek Shaare at Jerusalem’s of Neuropsychology Director Guedalia, heart-warming us with such brilliant, and inspiring personal experiences. the world who could provide But what a pleasant way to learn! teachings. not just stories; they are These are Sensitivity, caring, wisdom, wit, trust, kindness and many years of experience. Put them together and caring, wisdom, wit, trust, of experience. Put kindness and many years Sensitivity, get? what do you Judi-isms are very special anecdotes from a very special personality. I have known Dr. Judith Bendheim- Judith Dr. known I have very a very are special anecdotes from special personality. Judi-isms a woman with a a dynamic personality, decades as a very for several capable neuropsychologist, Guedalia book I discovered Guedalia’s Dr. very reviewing yet On sympathetic. and empathic and critical eye sharp namely her literary another attribute of hers, shortyet the many anecdotes and descrip- capabilities. In pa- of people and issues: patients, variety to a great empathy and love Guedalia’s tions one can detect Dr. family. not least - her own and last but Torah the the land of Israel, families, students, co-workers, tients’ – her by “Judi-ism” well characterized are The almost poetic descriptions of patients, situations, events expertise and willingness to effectuate her devotion to help her great yet deep insight as a psychologist, - adding new psycho and innovative, interesting Torah-vignettes are and in need. The people in distress insightful short, the book is full of clever, stories and personalities. In logical dimensions to the Biblical G-d and Man. anecdotes and vignettes that can serveand interesting as guidelines for behavior towards Jewish Thought

Crisis, Covenant and Creativity Jewish Thoughts for a Complex World by Nathan Lopes Cardozo How do religious people deal with tolerance when they are convinced that their religious beliefs carry the truth and that others are mistaken? How does Halachic living lead to a greater awareness of the mystery and beauty of life? “All in all, Rabbi Cardozo argues for living an authentic, fully realized religious life, one in which religion and one’s relationship to God is experienced as the center of one’s existence. His well-educated approach and clear thinking make reading this book a worthwhile experience.” –Mali Brofsky, Lookstein Book Digest Urim Publications, 2005, Hardcover, 160 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-72-7, isbn 10: 965-7108-72-1 B E

he American philosopher William James once said, “Faith R means belief in something concerning which doubt is M A

N Reasonable Doubts Ttheoretically possible.” But what happens when faith slowly recedes into doubt? What happens to the God-fearing individual who wakes up one morning and finds herself questioning the basic religious assumptions she built her life upon? A Religious Skeptic Learns A Thing or Two About God Reasonable Doubts is the memoir of a religious skeptic's endeavor REASONABLE to rediscover her source of faith from the ground up after being hit by a car. On the way, she encounters various religious philosophers by Cheryl Berman and thinkers, such as Saadya, Maimonides, Henry Bergson, Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik, Rudolph Otto, and Abraham Joshua Heschel, REASONABLE DOUBTS REASONABLE DOUBTS who provide her with clues to a spiritual resolution. Berman utilizes scenes from the book of Job as well as snapshots from her “In the tradition of C.S. Lewis, Cheryl Berman has a talent for translating the own life to explicate the various philosophical theories that make up the stops along her journey. A RELIGIOUS SKEPTIC most abstract and profound concepts in both philosophy and religious expe- Jewish literature regarding faith crises is sparse, leaving skeptics and sufferers alike secluded, precisely when they need to be embraced. Reasonable Doubts seeks to reassure those undergoing LEARNS rience into language that speaks not only to the mind, but also to the heart faith crises that they are not alone. Reasonable Doubts also provides philosophical suggestions toward solutions to some basic religious and soul of her readers.” –Mali Brofsky and spiritual quandaries. Ultimate conclusions to most of these issues, however, lie within the soul of reader. A THING OR TWO

“Cheryl Berman's memoir is warm, poignant, and witty, as well as philosophically astute and informed. Her imaginative examples make “Cheryl Berman’s memoir is warm, poignant, and witty, as well as philosoph- complex philosophical ideas accessible and relevant. The book is proof that philosophy can speak to the problems of life – and religious life in particular ABOUT GOD – in a meaningful and inspiring way.” ically astute and informed. Her imaginative examples make complex philo- – David Shatz, Professor of Philosophy, Yeshiva University “In the tradition of C. S. Lewis, Cheryl Berman has a talent for translating the most abstract and profound concepts in both philosophy and religious sophical ideas accessible and relevant. The book is proof that philosophy can experience into language that speaks not only to the mind, but also to the heart and soul of her readers.” – Mali Brofsky, Senior faculty and instructor in Jewish Philosophy, speak to the problems of life – and religious life in particular – in a meaning- Michlelet Mevaseret Yerushalayim $19.95 US ful and inspiring way.” –Professor David Shatz

URIM PUBLICATIONS Urim Publications, 2010, Hardcover, 158 pages www.UrimPublications.com URIM CHERYL BERMAN $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-039-9 A Time to Speak Controversial Essays That Can Change Your Life by Martin Stern “Martin Stern has long been a forceful and intelligent defender of Orthodoxy, and in this collection of his writings he offers us a rich feast of insights into Jewish prayer, Jewish life, and Jewish faith. His is a fine mind, a caring heart, and an infectious spirit.” –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks “Martin Stern has produced an innovative work – part original scholarship, part provocative polemic – that will entertain, inform, and challenge both the academic scholar of Judaism and the observant and engaged member of the Orthodox community . . .” –Dr. Z. Yaakov Wise Devora Publishing, 2010, Softcover, 273 pages $19.95 (60 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-15-9

44 www.UrimPublications.com Inspirational / Jewish Thought / Tikkun Olam

Visions of a Compassionate World Guided Imagery for Spiritual Growth and Social Transfor mation by Menachem Eckstein translated by Yehoshua Starett, foreword by David Zeller “[A] wonderful book that will help readers infuse the light of higher con sciousness into our inner worlds.” –David A. Cooper “A hassid . . . born in the 1890’s, Ekstein published his only book in Hebrew, in Vienna, in 1921 . . . Starrett is the first to put it into English. The work combines psychology, kabbalah, therapy, and meditation . . .” –Jane Erskine, Book News Urim Publications, 2001, Hardcover, 189 pages, $19.99 (80 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-22-2, isbn 10: 965-7108-22-5

Small Acts of Kindness Striving for Derech Eretz in Everyday Life by Shalom Freedman “This exploration of the meaning of derekh eretz opens a fascinating window on the normative Jewish soul.” –Haim Chertok, Hadassah Magazine “This book is about a kind person’s effort to bring more goodness Derech[ Eretz] into the world, but also a book of instruction and practical guidance. There is no one who cannot benefit from reading this uplifting volume.” –Dov Peretz Elkins, co-editor of Chicken Soup for the Jewish Soul “I have never read a book like this. It is the journal of a man who is striving to do good, no less than that, and who records every day his successes and his failures at this task.” –Rabbi Jack Riemer, South Florida Jewish News Urim Publications, 2004, Hardcover, 279 pages, $25.95 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-59-8, isbn 10: 965-7108-59-4 Losing the Rat Race, Winning at Life by Marc D. Angel “This book is a call to action, and will make all readers stop and think about their lives and question how sure they are that they really know what makes them happy and fulfilled. Rabbi Angel deals with the question of what makes us really happy within, and where to look to get out of the rat race.” –David Dangoor, President of the American Sephardi Federation “The issues raised in this book challenge readers to evaluate their quality of life, figure out what is truly important, and hopefully find inner peace, true happiness. To achieve this inner happiness is to be a winner at life.” –Susan Rudin, Chairman of the Board of the Lincoln Center Institute Urim Publications, 2005, Hardcover, 159 pages, $19.95 (60 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-65-9, isbn 10: 965-7108-65-9

www.UrimPublications.com 45 History

Lighting Up the Soul Stories from a Changing Jewish World by Stanley Abramovitch Stanley Abramovitch’s drive to help his fellow Jews in need led him to vol- unteer to work with Holocaust survivors in 1945. With this, he left the Lon- don of his youth for Germany, where he began a sixty-five year association with the American Jewish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), the Jewish world’s preeminent international relief agency. In these pages, Stanley captures a dramatic and often poignant dimension of this history: the individual stories of the men, women and children whose lives reflect times and circumstances that are now only memory. We learn of their challenges – of the struggles and the immense strength that enabled them, their communities and our people, to overcome this history. Penina Press, 2011, Softcover, 328 pages, $22.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-22-7 My Blue Kitchen by Esther Rafaeli My Blue Kitchen is a collection of stories about events in the life of Esther Rafaeli’s family, while living over the last fifty-odd years in Jerusalem. She describes life in the early years of the State of Israel and in other Jewish centers in the 20th century. These stories were written over a long period of time because of a strong desire to “catch the moment” and keep it alive. It was only after the author had decided to close up her home five years after the death of her husband, that she saw in her stories a record of events that had happened to the family while living in Jerusalem. The author also found that she had encapsulated in them a record of how life went on in the early years of the State, and also in other centers of Jewish life in the 20th century. Urim Publications, 2011, Hardcover, 320 pages (includes 50 color and b/w photo images), $24.95 (60 nis) Isbn 978-965-524-048-1 From Couscous to Kasha Reporting from the Field of Jewish Community Work by Seymour Epstein “A talented writer, he blends personal memoirs, historical anecdotes and so- ber insight into that historical period. Exciting and inspiring.” –Ralph Goldman, Honorary Executive Vice President, Joint Distribution Committee “This is a book that should be read by all who marvel at the stubborn survi val of isolated ancient Jewish communities and the rebirth of Jewish life after communist suppression, and by those interested in conscientious, effective foreign aid that does not suffocate or disrespect communities in need.” –Robert Moses Shapiro, Jewish Book World Urim, Hardcover, 171 pages (includes 21 b/w photos), $22.95 (50 nis) isbn 978-965-524-017-7 46 www.UrimPublications.com History

A Circle in the Square Rabbi Shlomo Riskin Reinvents the Synagogue by Edward Abramson Within these pages, readers will learn about Rabbi Riskin’s unprecedented approach to adult Jewish education and his steadfast commitment to reaching out to each and every Jew within and beyond the four walls of Lincoln Square Synagogue. “. . . demonstrating how leaders of spirit and vision can live unique and passionate lives of merit and achievement.” –Rabbi Jack Bieler, Jewish Book World Urim Publications, 2008 Hardcover, 207 pages, $23.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-014-6

Orthodoxy Awakens The Belkin Era and Yeshiva University by Victor B. Geller “Dramatic, gripping and perceptive, Orthodoxy Awakens: The Belkin Era and Yeshiva University is a fascinating and provocative look at a crucial period in American Jewish history. Victor Geller was an active participant in much of this history and personally knew its leading figures, which adds to the impact of this book. For anyone who wants to know about the amazing growth of Jewish life in America, and of the influence that individuals can have upon history, this is a ‘must-read.’” –Rabbi Emanuel Feldman Urim Publications, 2003 Hardcover, 291 pages, $26.95 (120 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-47-5, isbn 10: 965-7108-47-0

The Golden Age Synagogues of Spain in History and Architecture by Meir Ben-Dov “Meir Ben-Dov’s research accompanied me to towns and villages in Spain as I searched for the roots of the Jewish community in those places. The Span- ish synagogues and their heritage served as a guide for the construction of hundreds of synagogues throughout the Jewish Diaspora. Congratulations to Meir Ben-Dov for this comprehensive work, which is of the greatest significance in the study of Jewish communities in Spain.” –President Yitzhak Navon “This well-researched and esthetically beautiful book is highly recom mended . . .” –Ilka Gordon, AJL Newsletter Urim Publications Hardcover, isbn 978-965-524-016-0, 256 pages, $39.95 (140 nis), 2008 Softcover, isbn 978-965-524-018-4, 256 pages, $29.95 (90nis), 2009 www.UrimPublications.com 47 Jewish Thought

Eyes to See The Biblical Outlook Recovering Ethical Torah Principles Topics in Jewish Philosophy Lost in the Holocaust by Rabbi Shlomo Polachek by Rabbi Yom Tov Schwarz The Biblical Outlook presents important topics “Once in a great while, a book comes along which in Jewish philosophy by using a unique approach challenges us to reconsider and change the way we based entirely upon the books of the Hebrew Bible look at our world. Such is the book Eyes To See by (along with halachic clarifications of the Talmudic Rabbi Yom Tov Schwarz.” sages). Among the topics covered are God’s char- –Shalom Freedman, The Jewish Press acteristics, creation and providence, revelation, God’s demands upon human beings, reward and “In Eyes to See, R. Schwarz, a Holocaust survivor punishment, repentance and forgiveness, prayer, who was ordained before the war at the famed God’s intervention in history, and the End of Days. Yeshivat Chachmei Lublin, offers an unaccus- “Anyone who wants to understand the basis and tomed breadth of Torah authenticity and clarity the essence of the Torah should read this book in his view of various aspects of conventional carefully . . . The book can be seen as a virtual Orthodox culture, attitudes and practice.” encyclopedia of Jewish philosophy.” –David Nadoff,The Jewish Press –Rabbi Dr. Levi Meier (& EHS Newsletter) Penina Press, 2012 “Do I have to tell you how moved I was, and still am, Softcover, 463 pages, $29.95 (100 nis) by Eyes to See? . . . his commentaries and halakhic isbn 978-1-936068-27-2 considerations there is the fire of Sinai. . . . I will bring it to the attention of as many readers as possible.” –Elie Wiesel Urim Publications, 2004 Hardcover, 502 pages, $29.95 (120 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-60-4 isbn 10: 965-7108-60-8 48 www.UrimPublications.com History / Holocaust / Inspirational

A Forgotten GrowinG up in the Jewish pale Land Based on the recollections of Pearl Unikow Cooper

Lisa Cooper

An Italian Renaissance A Forgotten Land Choosing Life in Canada Growing Up in the Jewish Pale: Based on the recollections of Pearl Unikow Cooper by Robert Eli Rubinstein foreword by Rabbi Dr. Jacob J. Schacter by Lisa Cooper WINNER OF THE “This fascinating memoir of life in the Pale of Jew- CANADIAN JEWISH BOOK AWARD ish Settlement is the author’s grandmother’s story. in the category of It is based on recordings made by the author’s HOLOCAUST LITERATURE father of his mother’s tales of her early life. The cassettes recorded in Yiddish were translated, “ is a thoughtful, purposive An Italian Renaissance the recollections supplemented with information reflection about the experiences of the author’s from questioning other family members, historical parents before, during and after the Shoah, a research and background reading . . . . It is a useful near-philosophical exploration of history, memory, addition to Judaica collections in academic and facts, truth, character, human strength and human public libraries, as well as of interest to Temple frailty.” –Mordechai Ben-Dat, and synagogue library users. Canadian Jewish News –Susan Freiband, AJL Reviews “Dear Robert Eli Rubinstein, “This splendid book belongs to a genre that has I have reviewed countless books, but never in the inspired some of the best literature of the post-war form of a letter to the author. Then again, I have period. Not fiction, not memoir, not history, not never read a book quite like yours . . .” biography but an imaginative interweaving of all Rabbi Hillel Goldberg these, A Forgotten Land, like Primo Levi’s The Intermountain Jewish News Truce and Edmund de Waal’s The Hare with Amber Urim Publications, 2010 Eyes, is a true story told in the voice of a narrator Hardcover, 177 pages, $24.95 (80 Nis) who is part of it . . .” Isbn 978-965-524-044-3 –Anne Stevenson, author and poet Penina Press, 2013, Softcover, 230 pages, $24.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-129-7 www.UrimPublications.com 49 Holocaust

Dove on a Barbed Wire by Deborah Steiner-van Rooyen “Chilling, riveting, authentic testimony. This is a story about a boy whose walk home from school becomes a 60-year odyssey of instinctive survival: from seven years of brutality under Nazi terror, navigating the post war chaos, fighting to rebuild his life in the fledgling State of Israel, reconnecting with a missing link of his family, and then facing his past with strength and acceptance. You just want to hug this hard, tough man because you know his heart is larger than his pain.” –Dr. Bella Gutterman, author of A Narrow Bridge to Life Devora Publishing , 2010 Softcover, 180 pages (includes 32 pages of color and b/w photos), $21.95 (80 Nis) Isbn 978-1-934440-79-7

A World After This A Memoir of Loss and Redemption by Lola Lieber This is the story of one woman, Lola Lieber, a Hungarian-Polish Jewess who survived and has chosen during her lifetime to tell the story of the ordeals of her survival and the strength of her faith and courage against all odds. It is also the memoir of a marriage that was a true working partnership as well as a marital bond of extraordinary depth. With her husband, Mechel, beside her, Lola defied authority, confronted the devil Eichmann in person, never giving up her faith in God and her belief that she and Mechel would be together at the end. Devora Publishing, 2010 296 pages, includes maps and color photos Hardcover: isbn 978-1-934440-48-3, $27.95 (100 nis) Softcover: isbn 978-1-936068-10-4, $19.95 (80 nis) Vanished Faces by Odile Suganas “All these forever-lost faces go on to live in us, including those French peas- ants, the Lacaves, who saved Odile and her parents near Mirande, not far from Toulouse, and who offer a magnificent, energetic, hopeful transfusion at the end of this Jewish Journey that we warmly recommend.” –Claude Bochurberg, Actualité Juive “While this is a small book, it is very well-written as well as presented; Odile Suganas recounts her family’s past. It is a deeply captivating book.” –Journal de la Resistance Devora Publishing, 2010 Softcover, 70 pages (includes color and b/w photos), $16.95 (50 nis) isbn 978-1-934440-90-2

50 www.UrimPublications.com Holocaust

Waltzing With the Enemy A Mother and Daughter Confront the Aftermath of the Holocaust by Rasia Kliot and Helen Mitsios Filled with insight and humor, this dual memoir by Rasia, born in Vilnius, Lithuania (who survived the Holocaust on a false identity), and her daughter Helen, born in Montreal, Canada, examines the long-term implications of being a survivor of the Holocaust and the unique pressures and anxiet- ies the children of survivors inherit from their parents. Rasia, determined to protect Helen from anti-Semitism, continues to pose as a Christian and raises her daughter in the Catholic faith, forbidding her from mentioning her Jewish identity. “. . . an intimate portrait, compelling and compassionate.” –Publishers Weekly Penina Press, 2011 Softcover, 288 pages, 29 b/w photos $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-21-0 The Unwilling Survivor A Jewish Officer’s True Account of the WWII Eastern Front by Michael Kopiec Beyond being a fantastic, untold and true story, at its core The Unwilling Sur- vivor is about the indomitable strength of the human spirit. “This spellbinding story is a lesson in courage and honor. A Polish and Rus- sian officer, a gunrunner, a partisan fighter and, above all, a Jew fighting the Nazi machine to save his family, Misha discovers that the one thing he must never lose is himself. He teaches us all that, even in the midst of atrocity and utmost cruelty, we need not be victims. For, as long as we are guided first by our heart and soul, we can retain our nobility. This remarkable story speaks to anyone who wishes to better understand how the Holocaust, and life after, was survivable.” –Rabbi David Frank Devora Publishing, 2011 Softcover, 336 pages, $21.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-1-934440-61-2 The Arrival I Sought God in Hell by Mietek Weintraub Travel from a comfortable middle-class life in Lodz, Poland, to the depths of hell in the world’s most notorious Nazi Death Camp, Auschwitz Birkenau – experience gut-wrenching hunger and the daily struggle to survive constant danger in this gruesome account of brutality that defines the heretofore un- imaginable cruelty of man versus man. Penina Press, 2012 Softcover, 224 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-33-3 www.UrimPublications.com 51 Bible Commentary

Redeeming Relevance in the Book of Genesis Explorations in Text and Meaning by Rabbi Francis Nataf “(I)n the tradition of the Ramban and the Netziv, Rabbi Nataf fuses rever- ence for our greatest with an awareness of their humanity; moreover, he recog- nizes that the human element does not compromise the greatness but, rather, ennobles it. . . . (T)he serious and sensitive initiative to cope with the sub- stantive issues as well as with their educational ramifications deserves the respect of a broad range of readers. Rabbi Nataf ’s fresh voice is one the Torah world will find well worth reading.” –Rabbi Dr. Aharon Lichtenstein Urim Publications, 2006 Hardcover, 125 pages, $21.95 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-94-9 isbn 10: 965-7108-94-2 Redeeming Relevance in the Book of Exodus Explorations in Text and Meaning by Rabbi Francis Nataf “Rabbi Nataf has . . . delivered a most eloquent traditional, yet modern Bible commentary, this time, to the ancient Exodus experience and Passover saga. He clearly defines and expounds upon the God-human communications relationship throughout . . .” –Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star “Rabbi Francis Nataf is a leading educator who in all his writings has helped us deepen our engagement with the Divine text. . . . His readings are insightful, nuanced, and pregnant with thought-provoking insights on the characters and heroes of the book of Exodus . . . I highly recommend this volume to all students of Torah, at all levels.” –Rabbi Nathaniel Helfgot Urim Publications, 2010 Hardcover, 138 pages, $21.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-037-5 Redeeming Relevance in the Book of Numbers Explorations in Text and Meaning by Rabbi Francis Nataf “This commentary contains a relevance that gives it a heft both intellectually and religiously, a factor that is a rare commodity today among our Bible commentators.” –Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star Urim Publications, 2014 Hardcover, 192 pages, $21.95 (70 Nis) isbn 978-965-524-154-9

52 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary Hattin

Passages is a thought-provoking book on the weekly parasha that deftly weaves literary analysis of the Biblical text with selected insights of the classical Jewish commentaries. Any deeper appreciation of the Torah demands of us a dual engagement: an intellectual commitment to read the text carefully and an emotional willingness to be spiritually stirred. In this book, Passages the reader is invited to a participate in the process of reflective study, as familiar Text and Transformation in the Parasha and less familiar texts are thoughtfully examined and generative insights are patiently brought forth. Passages is a journey through the text of the Torah that Passages can transform you.

“Rabbi Michael Hattin’s book beautifully blends fresh insight into the classical commentaries, with carefully and convincingly developed chiddushim of his own. A gifted writer, he has an uncanny capacity for exploiting textual nuances to flesh out the background settings of scenes and characters, thereby giving the reader an amplified perspective of the dynamics and tensions at hand. I am an avid reader of Rabbi Hattin’s work and find it, invariably, illuminating and insightful.” Rabbi MoRdechai FeueRstein, Suburban Torah Center, Livingston, New Jersey “Passages breathtakingly uncovers hidden fissures, structures and counter structures in a brisk jaunt through biblical narrative. Michael Hattin has the reader follow the work of the classic exegetes discovering what the Torah says about itself. Brilliant, engaging and fun.” Rabbi daniel landes, Director and Rosh HaYeshiva of Pardes Institute of Jewish Studies, Jerusalem “Michael Hattin has written a most learned and sensitive work on the portions of the week. He adeptly utilizes the classical commentaries in order to bring out the deepest meaning of the text. I truly believe that studying his work will be very satisfying.” Rabbi dR. shloMo Riskin, Chief Rabbi of Efrat and Chancellor of Ohr Torah Stone Institutions.

Michael hattin is a master teacher of Tanakh at the Pardes Institute in the Parasha Transformation Text and of Jewish Studies in Jerusalem and the Director of the Beit Midrash for the Pardes Educators Program. He studied for semicha at Yeshivat Har Etzion and holds a professional degree in architecture from the University of To- ronto. He has served as scholar-in-residence in many communities in North America and Europe. He lives in Alon Shevut with his wife Rivka and their five children.

$19.95

Rabbi Michael Hattin Urim Publications www.UrimPublications.com Cover Design: S. Schmell Urim

Passages Moses and the Path Text and Transformation in the Parasha to Leadership by Rabbi Michael Hattin by Zvi Grumet Passages is a thought-provoking study of the weekly parasha that deftly weaves literary analysis of the “Grumet’s new book, Moses and the Path to Lead- Biblical text with selected teachings of classical ership, joins an ever growing library of works Jewish commentary. Revealing the intricacies of utilizing close readings and other literary tools the Torah portion and offering innovative read- from the field of biblical studies to highlight the ings, Passages applies the Torah’s message to the timeless messages embedded in the text. Grumet complexities of modern living. Passages is a journey brings an array of modern sources that pertain to into the landscape of Biblical study that will both leadership development and success and weaves challenge and refresh you. these throughout his analysis.” –Rabbi Gad Dishi “Michael Hattin has written a most learned and “Rabbi Zvi Grumet’s Moses and the Path to sensitive work on the portions of the week. He Leadership is an excellent profile of the great law- adeptly utilizes the classical commentaries in order giver which will provide you with a rigorous, close to bring out the deepest meaning of the text. I analysis of his biography and leadership talents. truly believe that studying his work will be very This documents how he withstood the test of his satisfying.” –Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin leadership as a teacher and master of G-d’s law and teachings.” –Alan Jay Gerber Urim Publications, 2012 Hardcover, 384 pages, $29.95 (100 nis) “Dr. Zvi Grumet’s superb meditation on Moses’ isbn 978-965-524-119-8 leadership employs his real setbacks as part of the amazing narrative of learning and building from humiliating defeat. Grumet’s direct conversational style makes texts accessible, context illuminating, and the subtext gripping.” –Rabbi Daniel Landes Urim Publications, 2014, Hardcover, 237 pages, $23.95 (90 nis) isbn 978-965-524-155-6 www.UrimPublications.com 53 Bible Commentary / Inspirational

The Torah The Torah Commentary of Rabbi Commentary of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach Shlomo Carlebach Genesis I Genesis II edited by Rabbi Shlomo Katz The Torah Commentary of Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach provides a glimpse into the unusual way in which the late Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach received and transmitted Torah. It also aids the reader in bridging “Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach the great composer/singer” and “Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach the great scholar/teacher.” Those who sing his songs, but do not learn his Torah, only sing half a song. When Reb Shlomo speaks of Abraham and Sara, you are sure he is speaking about his own grandparents. When delving into the lives of Isaac, Rebecca, Jacob, Rachel and Leah, it is as if he is speaking of his own parents. “Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach’s Genesis comprises an edited collection of his comments on the Torah as originally taught in private homes, synagogues, and concert halls . . . This book contains many profound thoughts, and the reader needs to take time to absorb them. Readers familiar with the biblical text will derive new and useful ways to view the familiar stories and characters. Admirers of Carlebach’s music will welcome this insight into his explications.” –Susanne M. Batzdorff,AJL Reviews

Genesis I Genesis II Urim Publications and the Shlomo Carlebach Urim Publications and the Shlomo Carlebach Legacy Trust, 2012 Foundation, 2013 Hardcover, 263 pages, $27.95 (100 nis) Hardcover, 432 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) isbn 978-965-524-074-0 isbn 978-965-524-121-1

54 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary

The Path of Torah Learning to Read by HaRav Naftali Tzvi Midrash Yehuda Berlin (Netziv) by Simi Peters translated & annotated by “This book is a superb example of how a modern Rabbi Elchanan Greenman scholar (of either gender) can contribute to our understanding of ancient and meaningful texts To facilitate understanding, this translation con- that illuminate the meaning and relevance of the tains numerous footnotes that cite the Netziv’s Jewish tradition.” other works, the sources he used, as well as ex- –Dov Peretz Elkins, planations of the Netziv’s numerous references. Jewish Media Review Summaries have been provided to guide the reader “I have found the author’s analytical approach to in the more difficult chapters. the various midrashim fascinating, insightful and in keeping with a true Torah perspective. . . . I “In perusing your translation of the Netziv’s im- highly recommend this work. . . .” portant essay on ‘Darkah shel Torah’ originally –Rabbi Zev Leff published as an introduction to his great scholarly work ‘Haamek Sheala on the Shealtos D.R. Achai “Mrs. Peters wrote a brilliant book . . . When I Gaon’ I am impressed by your excellent translation. learned midrash, I instinctively used most of her The copious and learned footnotes demonstrate methodology. But by systematizing it, she makes it a meticulous attention to Rabbinic scholarship easy to do and, significantly, makes it much harder in all of its ramifications. This work which now to miss important details. Without exaggeration, becomes available in English is worthy of being this is one of the most fabulous books I’ve read published and disseminated as a source of study in a long time.” and inspiration for the understanding of Torah –Rabbi Gil Student, Hirhurim blog learning.” Urim Publications, 2004 –Rabbi Gedalia Dov Schwartz Hardcover, 310 pages, $26.95 (100 nis) Urim Publications, 2009 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-57-4 Hardcover, 394 pages, $34.95 (110 nis) isbn 10: 965-7108-57-8 isbn 978-965-524-030-6 www.UrimPublications.com 55 Bible Commentary

Torah Conversations

with Nechama Leibowitz

Rabbi Benjamin S. Yasgur

Torah Conversations Studies in the with Nechama Weekly Parashah Leibowitz Based on the Lessons of Nehama Leibowitz by Rabbi Benjamin S. Yasgur by Moshe Sokolow Torah Conversations with Nechama Leibowitz takes the reader on a journey to discover the story “It is recommended for all Jewish libraries (syna- beneath the story of key biblical passages. Each gogue, JCC, academic, seminary, etc.).” chapter presents one or more principles of Torah –David B. Levy, AJL Newsletter learning, introducing new dimensions in famil- “To Dr. Sokolow’s credit, many of the key lessons iar narratives. This volume can change the way Nehama sought to teach are included in these someone learns Torah. It can make one think, ask chapters. From the distinction between peshat questions and feel the joy of discovery. The author and drash to the Biblical use of stories, and the has meticulously captured many teachings of the true differences between the ways that different late Professor Nechama Leibowitz, a preeminent commentators view the Biblical narrative, many biblical scholar, pedagogue and master trainer of of the greatest issues addressed during the thirty teachers. Written by Rabbi Benjamin Yasgur, an years which she composed her gilyonot are found educator with extensive teaching experience, Torah in this book.” –Rabbi Dr. Leonard A. Matanky, Conversations with Nechama Leibowitz will be of Jewish Book World interest to a general audience as well as to the ac- complished Torah learner. “To a remarkable extent, Nehama did to the Biblical commentaries what Rav Soloveitchik did to the Urim Publications, 2013 Talmudic commentaries . . . .” Hardcover, 127 pages, $23.95 (80 nis) –Rabbi Dr. Shlomo Riskin isbn 978-965-524-069-6 Urim Publications, 2008 Hardcover, 285 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-524-004-7 isbn 10: 965-524-004-5 56 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary

Gold From the Professors on Land of Israel the Parashah A new light on the weekly Torah Studies on the Weekly Torah Reading portion from the writings of Rabbi Abraham Isaac HaKohen Kook edited by Leib Moscovitz “Imagine you live in a community of scholars in by Rabbi Chanan Morrison a variety of disciplines including Judaic studies, Bible and Talmud, as well as secular fields such as Rav Kook’s writings, due to their poetic and mys- physics, law, and education. Every Shabbat, one of tical nature, are difficult even for those fluent in these scholars expounds on that week’s parashah, Hebrew and rabbinical texts. Gold from the Land of giving an illuminating talk without speaking above Israel uses a clear, succinct style to grant the reader the heads of audience members, or talking down a window into his original and creative insights. to them. That is the essence of this charming col- What is the Torah’s view on vegetarianism? lection.” –Daniel Scheide, AJL Newsletter What is the purpose of death? Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do we have dreams? “Anyone interested in Bible study will be captivated Will the Third Temple have animal sacrifices? by the new insights.” –Alex Grobman, Lifestyles Magazine “Not only is this book a tremendous boon for English-speaking readers, but the translation of “This will be of interest for laymen and scholars, Rav Kook’s writings enables them ‘to awaken the rabbis and scientists.” holiness hidden in each language.’” –David B. Levy, Jewish Book World –Rabbi Yehoshua Magnes Urim Publications and Bar-Ilan University, 2005 Urim Publications, 2006 Hardcover, 359 pages, $27.95 (100 nis) Hardcover, 367 pages, $27.95 (110 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-74-1 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-92-5 isbn 10: 965-7108-74-8 isbn 10: 965-7108-92-6

www.UrimPublications.com 57 Bible Commentary l anger Daniel Langer offers an innovative approach to the study of Chumash. Within literary units of the Torah, key words often appear in multiples of seven, with the context of the first shedding light on the seventh. Through the simple counting of words, we The not only reveal the exquisite artistry inherent in the text, but we begin to uncover intertextual relationships between various portions of the Torah and unveil hidden

Dlayers of meaning. T The Torah is a tapestry of words. Umberto Cassuto said that numerical symmetry he Seven Seventh is the golden thread that binds the Torah together, providing convincing proof of its unity. As this thread weaves its way through the fabric of the Torah, joining the and the seventh to the first, interconnecting words and themes across literary sections, both large and small, it inscribes the signet of God in every fiber along the way. First The exactness of the Biblical language is fundamental in our study of the text; the use of one word instead of t another of similar meaning is, simply, significant. Daniel Langer’s work forging connections between Bibli- h and cal passages that use the same word over variant numerical sequences is an important tool in this process. The precise use of word parallels can reveal a deeper meaning across the Biblical text, and this comparison of Biblical episodes can further our understanding of the uniqueness of specific words. Rabbi Benjamin Hecht Founding Director of Nishma.org t he Firs Daniel Langer’s research will fascinate scholar and layman alike with his bold insights based on word parallels and numerical symmetries. Whether or not one agrees with all his conclusions, Langer has challenged close readers of Tanakh with a methodology that takes Cassuto and Buber’s attentiveness to word repetition to the next level. Read this book and you will never look at the book of Bereishit the same way you had before. Rabbi Shmuel Klitsner t

Teacher at Midreshet Lindenbaum and author of The Lost Children of Tarshish and Wrestling Jacob T he Divine Daniel langer has published articles in Tradition and Nishma. A retired New The Divine York City public school teacher, he currently teaches science at the Telshe Yeshiva in Riverdale, New York. He has a BS in Biology from CCNY, and a MS in special education Thread of

from Hofstra University. He began studying Torah at adult education classes in Riverdale. T This is his first book, the culmination of twenty years of research. He lives with his wife hread of the Torah and is a proud father and grandfather. t he

$xx.xx T orah

Urim Publications www.UrimPublications.com Cover Design: S. Schmell Urim Daniel langer

Seventh&First_hardCover-1.1 1 4/29/12 11:07 AM Paradise The Seventh Breathtaking Strolls Through the and the First Length and Breadth of Torah The Divine Thread of the Torah by Rabbi Elchanan Shoff by Daniel Langer Join Elchanan Shoff, a popular and dynamic Rabbi, on a breathtaking journey that will engage you, Daniel Langer offers an innovative approach to fascinate you and open your eyes to the incredible the study of Chumash. Within literary units of depth of Torah. Citing an exceptionally wide range the Torah, key words often appear in multiples of of sources, from the well-known to the obscure – seven, with the context of the first shedding light Sefardic, Ashkenazic, Chasidic and mystical – this on the seventh. Through the simple counting of book explores the weekly parsha, weaving together words, we not only reveal the exquisite artistry themes and ideas into a seamless display of the inherent in the text, but we begin to uncover inter wisdom and brilliance of the Sages, and is sure textual relationships between various portions of to excite and inspire readers of all backgrounds. the Torah and unveil hidden layers of meaning. “Rabbi Elchanan Shoff has the unique ability to “The exactness of the Biblical language is funda- reach the hearts of his readers with the beauty of mental in our study of the text; the use of one word Torah. His phenomenal success in educating our instead of another of similar meaning is, simply, next generation speaks for itself. His brilliance will significant . . . The precise use of word parallels excite you, as will his far-reaching mastery of the can reveal a deeper meaning across the Biblical Talmudic, Midrashic and esoteric teachings of our text, and this comparison of Biblical episodes can rich tradition.” –Rabbi Aaron Kaufman further our understanding of the uniqueness of specific words.” –Rabbi Benjamin Hecht Urim Publications, 2013 Hardcover, 232 pages, $23.95 (80 nis) Urim Publications, 2012 isbn 978-965-524-126-6 Hardcover, 176 pages, $22.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-087-0

58 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary

Noah, the Flood and Men and Women the Failure of Man in the Torah According to the Comprehensive biographical narratives based on the Talmud and Midrash Midrash Rabbah for all individuals mentioned in the Torah in order of their appearance by Wilfred Shuchat by Rabbi Shlomo (Stanley) Wexler This volume explores the biblical story of Noah and the Flood, through the interpretations of the Men and Women in the Torah is a masterpiece of sages of the Midrash Rabbah. research and a definitive work on the individuals “For all who love Torah and wisdom, this book in the Torah. is a jewel. It presents the Midrash, the rabbinic “Men and Women in The Torah is an encyclopedic exploration of Genesis, for precious insights and survey of the biblical characters from Adam and truth. Genesis itself contains the heart of the bib- Eve through Zimri and Cozbi. Rabbi Shlomo lical vision of God’s creation and human destiny. Wexler has woven an intricate and elegant tapestry Rabbi Shuchat selects the finest gems within the of texts from Torah, Neviim, and Ketuvim to- Midrash for further exploration and then adds his gether with a vast array of rabbinic literature. In so own pearls of wisdom to this treasure trove. The doing, Rabbi Wexler has highlighted the seventy result is a marriage of classic texts and modern in- facets of biblical interpretation that enhance our sights, a book rich in teachings for life and values.” understanding of each personality. In addition, he –Blu Greenberg and Rabbi Yitz Greenberg has masterfully sculpted the heroes and heroines Devora Publishing, 2013 of the Torah to serve as inspirational role models Hardcover, 462 pages, $34.95 (100 nis) for all times.” –Dr. Bryna Levy isbn 978-965-524-128-0 ZmanMa Press, 2012 Hardcover, 224 pages, $34.95 (130 nis) isbn 978-965-7514-07-8 www.UrimPublications.com 59 Bible Commentary Classic Torah Commentaries translated and annotated by Eliyahu Munk Chizkuni

Editor, Mr. Eliyahu Munk was born in Frankfurt on Main, where he received his education at the Samson Refael Hirsch Realschule, as well as at the Yeshivah headed by Rabbi Dr. Joseph Chizkuni Torah Commentary .זצ’ל ,Breuer

After emigrating to England, he continued his studies at the Yeshivah in Gateshead.

He served in Jewish education, primarily in Toronto, Canada for close to 30 years, before by Rabbi Chizkiyahu ben Rabbi Manoach making aliyah to Israel in 1978. During his years in Canada he also pursued a business career while teaching. Since settling in Jerusalem, Mr. Munk has been busy translating numerous classical Torah commentaries into English.

Publication of the Torah commentary by Samuel David Luzzatto (Sha’dal), brings the number of authors whose works Mr. Munk has translated to 14, comprising 53 volumes This commentary was supposedly prompted by the author wishing to com- totaling over 23,000 pages.

It is this editor’s hope that the volumes submitted herewith will be as enthusiastically memorate his father who had lost his right hand while performing an act of received by his ever increasing circle of readers as have his earlier efforts. Eliyahu Munk

Also translated and annotated by Eliyahu Munk Kiddush hashem, steadfastness in observing Jewish law against all odds . . .

Torah Commentary by Samuel David Luzzatto (4 volumes) Torah Commentary by Rabbi Bachya ben Asher (7 volumes) Haketav Vehakabbalah by Rabbi Tzevi Mecklenburg (7 volumes) The contemporary consensus is that his work was written in Northern France Or Hachayim by Rabbi Chaim ben Attar (5 volumes) Tzror Hamor Torah Commentary by Rabbi Avraham Saba (5 volumes) Mikraot Gedolot, Hachut Hameshulash, Rabbeinu Chananel, Rash’bam, R’dak, Rabbi Ovadiah Seforno, (4 volumes) during the middle of the 13th century. It appears that he had three objec- Tur on the Torah by Rabbi Yaakov ben Rabbeinu Asher (4 volumes) Shney Luchot Habrit by Rabbi I. Horowitz (3 volumes) Midrash of Rabbi Moshe Alshich (3 volumes) Kedushat Levi, Torah commentary by Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, tives in writing this commentary. (1) Collecting excerpts of commentaries plus many anecdotes about him, (3 volumes) Akeydat Yitzchak by Rabbi Yitzchak Arama (2 volumes) Psalms, by Rabbi Moshe Alshich (2 volumes) out of print of the peshat. He claims to have referred to about 20 of such commentaries, Proverbs, by Rabbi Moshe Alshich (1 volume) out of print

although he does not mention many of its authors by name. (2) To Explain Published and distributed by: Genesis Ktav Publishers & Distributors Inc. B’reshit- chizkuni 888 Newark Av., Suite 119 Vayetze Jersey City, NJ 07306 Rashi’s commentary , which already in his time enjoyed super-commentar- Tel: 201-963-9524 Fax: 201-963-0102 VOL I www.Ktav.com ies. (3) To write his own independent commentary. His commentary was first KTAV published in Venice in the year 1524.

S.D.Luzzatto 2013, 4 Vols., Hardcover Boxed Set, $160 (600 nis) isbn 978-1602-802-612 Editor, Mr. Eliyahu Munk was born in Frankfurt on Main, where he received his education at the Samson Refael Hirsch Realschule, as well as at the Yeshivah headed by Rabbi Dr. Joseph .זצ’ל ,Breuer

After emigrating to England, he continued his studies at the Yeshivah in Gateshead. Tor ah

He served in Jewish education, primarily in Toronto, Canada for close to 30 years, before making aliyah to Israel in 1978. During his years in Canada he also pursued a business Commentary career while teaching. Since settling in Jerusalem, Mr. Munk has been busy translating numerous classical Torah commentaries into English. By Samuel David Luzzatto

Publication of the Torah commentary by Samuel David Luzzatto (Sha’dal), brings the number of authors whose works Mr. Munk has translated to 14, comprising 53 volumes totaling over 23,000 pages. Torah Commentary by

It is this editor’s hope that the volumes submitted herewith will be as enthusiastically received by his ever increasing circle of readers as have his earlier efforts.

Also translated and annotated by Eliyahu Munk Samuel David Luzzatto (Shadal) Torah Commentary by Rabbi Bachya ben Asher (7 volumes) Haketav Vehakabbalah by Rabbi Tzevi Mecklenburg (7 volumes) Or Hachayim by Rabbi Chaim ben Attar (5 volumes)

Tzror Hamor Torah Commentary by Rabbi Avraham Saba (5 volumes) MunkEliyahu Samuel David Luzzatto, Padua, Italy (1800–1865) Mikraot Gedolot, Hachut Hameshulash, Rabbeinu Chananel, Rash’bam, R’dak, Rabbi Ovadiah Seforno, (4 volumes) Tur on the Torah by Rabbi Yaakov ben Rabbeinu Asher (4 volumes) Shney Luchot Habrit by Rabbi I. Horowitz (3 volumes) Midrash of Rabbi Moshe Alshich (3 volumes) Kedushat Levi, Torah commentary by Rabbi Levi Yitzchok of Berditchev, This Torah commentary by Shadal reflects both the author’s profound be- plus many anecdotes about him, 3 volumes Akeydat Yitzchak by Rabbi Yitzchak Arama (2 volumes) Psalms, by Rabbi Moshe Alshich (2 volumes) out of print Proverbs, by Rabbi Moshe Alshich (1 volume) out of print lief that Torah is of Divine origin, as well as a thoroughly critical examination of its text. Genesis B’reshit- Published and distributed by: Vayetze 2012, 4 Vols., Hardcover Boxed Set, $160 (650 NS) LAMBDA PUBLISHERS, INC. Translated & 527 Empire Blvd Brooklyn, NY 11225 USA VOL I annotated by isbn 978-965-524-067-2 www.UrimPublications.com LAMBDA Eliyahu Munk

Kedushat Levi by Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev A commentary on the Torah by the famous Chassidic rabbi, Rabbi Levi Yitzchak of Berditchev (1740–1810). The translator, Eliyahu Munk, was born in Frankfurt on Main, where he received his education at the Samson Rafael Hirsch Realschule, and the Yeshiva of the late Rabbi Joseph Breuer, of blessed memory. He continued his education at the Yeshiva in Gateshead, England. He served in Jewish education (primarily as a teacher) for almost 30 years in Toronto, Canada. 2009, 3 Vols., Hardcover, Boxed Set, $99.95 (380 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-524-027-6

Published by Lambda Publishers 60 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary Classic Torah Commentaries translated and annotated by Eliyahu Munk

Tur on the Torah Shney Luchot Habrit by Rabbi Yaakov ben Rabbeinu Asher (R’osh) by Rabbi Isaiah Horowitz 4 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $140.00 (600 nis) 3 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $105.00 (400 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-76-5, isbn 10: 965-7108-76-4 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-07-9, isbn 10: 965-7108-07-1

Akeydat Yitzchak Commentary of Rabbi Yitzchak Arama Midrash of Rabbi Moshe |on the Torah Alshich on the Torah 2 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $70.00 (300 nis) 3 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $105.00 (400 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-30-7, isbn 10: 965-7108-30-6 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-13-0, isbn 10: 965-7108-13-6 Published by Lambda Publishers www.UrimPublications.com 61 Bible Commentary Classic Torah Commentaries translated and annotated by Eliyahu Munk

Ohr HaChayim Hachut Hameshulash Commentary on the Torah by Commentaries on the Torah by Rabbeinu Rabbi Chayim ben Attar Chananel, Rash’bam, R’dak & Seforno 5 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $175.00 (650 nis) 4 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $160.00 (650 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-12-3, isbn 10: 965-7108-12-8 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-34-5, isbn 10: 965-7108-34-9

Torah Commentary by Tzror Hamor by Rabbi Avraham Saba Rabbi Bachya ben Asher 2008, 5 Vols., Hardcover, Boxed Set, $195 (650 nis) 7 Vol. Hardcover Boxed Set, $245.00 (900 nis) isbn: 978-965-524-013-9 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-45-1, isbn 10: 965-7108-45-4 Published by Lambda Publishers 62 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary / Inspirational / Holidays

Second Chances The Dawn of Transforming Bitterness to Hope Redemption and the Story of Ruth What the Books of Ruth and Yona Teach by Rabbi Levi Meier about Alienation, Despair and Return NATIONAL JEWISH BOOK AWARD 2005 by Rabbi Dr. Meir Levin FINALIST WINNER in the category of Drawing on classic sources, the author melds CONTEMPORARY JEWISH private experiences with historical forces, personal LIFE & PRACTICE destiny and the Divine Plan, and shows how alien- “His book is both an informative retelling of the ation and despair are transformed into exhilaration story of Ruth and an ongoing extrapolation from and closeness to God. it: Throughout his account, Meier will tell about “Levin’s goals combine with his chosen interpreta- an incident in Ruth’s life and then relate it to com- tive strategies to create a blend that is unique and mon life problems.” often refreshing. In addition, he is forthright about –David Brandes, Jewish Journal of LA methodology, stating exactly what methodologi- “A wonderful mix of deep spiritual insight and cal choices he is making and why he makes them. practical wisdom. Rabbi Meier’s profound obser- Levin makes extensive use of rabbinic literature to vations are at once illuminating and inspirational. elucidate the texts of both biblical books, although Ruth like you never before experienced.” this tendency is more pronounced in his commen- –Rabbi Dr. Reuven P. Bulka tary to Ruth. This choice means that, in addition to his own considerable talents, Levin has placed “Dr. Meier’s wise and compassionate rendering the textual, psychological, historical and spiritual of this ancient biblical tale provides us with a wisdom of the entire rabbinic tradition at his dis- profound lesson in optimism.” posal, and his commentary is much richer for it.” –Estelle Frankel, author of Sacred Therapy –Mattan Erder, Jewish Bible Quarterly Urim Publications, 2005 Urim, 2005, Softcover, 235 pages, $19.95 (60 nis) Hardcover, 159 pages, $19.95 (60 nis) isbn 978-965-524-022-1 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-67-3 isbn 10: 965-7108-67-5 www.UrimPublications.com 63 Bible Commentary / Jewish Thought

Exodus and The Biblical Emancipation View of Man Biblical and African-American Slavery by Leo Adler by Kenneth Chelst “In summary, Adler offers an interesting and thought provocative opinion of what he under- “Chelst . . . tries to show that our understanding of stands the Bible to require from people. Some the Biblical story is greatly enhanced if we com- readers will agree with his assessment. Others pare to the more recent (and better documented) may dislike his mystical understanding of total story of black slavery.” surrender and total disengagement from earthly –Rabbi Shlomo Brody, Tradition online matters. However, all readers will benefit by being intellectually stimulated by reading his views.” “Drawing on slave narratives, published letters, –Dr. Israel Drazin, The Jewish Eye eyewitness accounts, and recorded interviews of former slaves, together with historical, sociological, “In The Biblical View of Man, the late Rabbi Dr. economic and political analyses of this era, Chelst Leo Adler produced a rare and moving account of weaves the two sets of narratives into a collage of how the Hebrew Bible views the human condition parallel and contrasting experiences.” under the sovereignty of God. Erudite, profound –Shofar Journal of Jewish Studies and inspiring, it is marvelous that this work is now available to an English readership through the “Dr. Kenneth Chelst, a distinguished academic and superb translation of Professor Daniel Schwartz. a wide-ranging and profound scholar of Jewish Adler reminds us compellingly that the Bible is not thought, has produced a compelling and utterly man’s book of God but God’s book of mankind. original study comparing the biblical account of This is a work that deserves to be widely read by the enslaved Israelites with the experience of Jew and non-Jew alike.” African-American slavery . . .” –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks –Rabbi Joseph Telushkin Urim Publications, 2007 Urim Publications, 2009, Hardcover, 446 pages Hardcover, 141 pages, $12.95 (50 nis) (includes a dozen pages of b/w photos and an index) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-96-3 $34.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-524-020-7 isbn 10: 965-7108-96-9 64 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary / Jewish Thought

Accepting the A Rational Approach Yoke of Heaven to Judaism and Torah Commentary on the Commentary Weekly Torah Portion by Rabbi Dr. Israel Drazin by Yeshayahu Leibowitz This engaging and informative work presents a “Each short essay leaves the reader with an intel- rational and thought provoking approach to the lectual smile of satisfaction. If you would like to understanding of Judaism. It shows how people experience a few minutes of “oneg Shabbat” (Sab- can use their intellect, live in the present, make bath enjoyment) while being stimulated to think personal and social progress and enjoy the goods deeply, I would heartily recommend reviewing of this world. the weekly Torah portion in this wonderful little This book addresses such questions as: volume. . . .” ~ What does God require of people? –Dr. Steve Bailey, ~ Does God really want us to have faith? Australian Jewish News ~ How should we interpret the Bible? “Though Leibowitz’s reflections revolve around the ~ How do we deal with seemingly unreasonable singular notion of pure religious service, readers midrashic tales? will enjoy original insights into questions of free will versus determination, totalitarianism, politi- “. . . the book is a refreshing respite from the spate of cal leadership, and the relationship between the parashah books that attempt to inject the author’s Written Torah and the Oral Torah. . . .” predisposed views into the text rather than allow the text to speak its own mind, as it were.” –Michael Fagenblat, The Jerusalem Report –Rabbi Dr. Moshe Sokolow, Ten Daat Urim Publications, 2006 Softcover, 203 pages, $19.95 (90 nis) Urim Publications, 2006 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-77-2 Hardcover, 237 pages, $23.95 (70 nis) isbn 10: 965-7108-77-2 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-91-8 isbn 10: 965-7108-91-8

www.UrimPublications.com 65 Bible Commentary – Genesis

The Serpent’s Skin Creation, Knowledge, and Intimacy in the Book of Genesis by Marc Klein By extending some of the techniques long used by authors writing in the ex- egetical genre of Midrash, The Serpent’s Skin shows how Genesis might have been read and understood by its earliest readers or listeners, thus illuminating the text for a modern reader in unexpected ways. “A clear and engaging study of literary patterns in the Torah, accessible to a wide variety of readers – both those who know Hebrew, and those who do not, but are interested in how the original text works.” –Professor Marc Zvi Brettler, author of How to Read the Jewish Bible Urim Publications, 2011, Hardcover, 207 pages, $24.95 (70 Nis) Isbn 978-965-524-054-2

Reflections of an Honest Skeptic An Unorthodox Approach to Genesis by Michael Malina With his personal and somewhat idiosyncratic approach to the Torah text, Michael Malina comments on the familiar Genesis stories with an eye to ask- ing the questions that the text invites, but that the traditional commentaries rarely attempt to answer. This analysis reveals a deep respect for the ancient tradition, yet a fresh skepticism and twenty-first century sensibility concerning the rabbis’ efforts to square the Torah’s words with the doctrines of rabbinic Judaism as they evolved over time. Devora Publishing, 2011, Softcover, 232 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-06-7 Jacob’s Family Dynamics Climbing the Rungs of the Ladder by Gad Dishi Why doesn’t Jacob divorce Leah and demand justice upon discovering Leah in the morning? Why doesn’t Esau chase Jacob to Haran? Why is Jacob silent during the Dinah crisis? . . . Jacob’s Family Dynamics, Gad Dishi revives familiar terrain with a fresh perspective as Jacob’s emotional odyssey is textually tracked to reveal newfound treasures of understanding integral to the Biblical story. “The genre of Biblical commentary is inundated with two kinds of books: vaguely irrelevant academic treatises on the one hand, and collections of light sermonics on the other. Dishi offers a fresh alternative: Analysis that is accessible and relevant without sacrificing intellectual rigor. His take on Biblical narratives is fresh, thought-provoking, surprising, and uplifting.” –Rabbi David Fohrman Devora Publishing, 2010, Softcover, 240 pages, includes photos, $18.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-08-1 66 www.UrimPublications.com Bible Commentary / Jewish Thought

The Poverty of Secularism An Open World Governed by the Creator versus a Closed, Imaginary World that Develops on Its Own by Professor Benjamin Fain In this book the author presents two worldviews. The first is a theocentric worldview, one of divine providence: God is at the center of the world. He governs the world and is involved in what takes place in it. The other, athe- istic-materialistic, secular worldview, regards the abundance of different life forms, human society, economics, beliefs and emotions as the product of one factor: matter and its movements. Through an analysis of the foundations and assumptions of the secular worldview, the author demonstrates its weak- ness and lack of rational basis. Urim Publications, 2013 Softcover, 232 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-136-5 The Family Rashi Book by Shalom Hammer “Through his latest installment, The Family Rashi Book, Rabbi Shalom Ham- mer can be credited with preserving the study of Rashi within the Jewish people. He presents a tool that can be utilized by Jewish educators and all Jewish families who wish to educate themselves and their children with an appreciation of the timeless words of this eternal teacher of Torah to Israel. This sefer is a marvelous addition to the Jewish home and, through its stimulating questions, it will enhance Torah knowledge and advance its study.” –Rabbi Berel Wein Devora Publishing, 2010 Hardcover, 223 pages, $24.95 (100 nis), Isbn 978-193-4440-88-9 Softcover, 223 pages, $19.95 (80 nis), isbn 978-193-6068-16-6

Chronicles News of the Past (3-volume set) edited by Dr. Israel Eldad and Moshe Aumann The Idea: to retell the ancient, hallowed story of the Bible as if the ancients had been in possession of all the facilities and know-how connected with the production of a modern newspaper! The Result: a well-founded, authentic and sometimes amusing portrayal of the people and events of the Biblical era. The perusal of any one issue in Chroni- cles will give the reader a fresh insight into the life of our ancestors. The Reuveni Foundation, 2004 3 volumes, hardcover in slip-case, $75.00 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-15-4, isbn 10: 965-7108-15-2

www.UrimPublications.com 67 Science and Judaism

Intergalactic Judaism Law and Providence An Analysis of Torah Concepts Spirit and Matter, Divine Providence and Based on Discoveries in Space the Laws of Nature, and the Openness Exploration, Physics and Biology of the World to God and to Man by Rabbi David Lister by Professor Benjamin Fain

Intergalactic Judaism analyzes Biblical metaphors This is a book about the lawfulness of the world with the aid of modern scientific advances in and its development, human knowledge and the space exploration, quantum physics, biology and philosophy of science. These have all been exam- astronomy, giving additional depth and insight to ined from the religious Jewish perspective of Pro- our understanding of these ancient texts. fessor Benjamin Fain, a world-renowned physicist. “[Intergalactic Judaism] is fascinating from a sci- “Law and Providence shows that the religious entific perspective and enlightening and inspiring world view of Classic Judaism is fully compatible from a Torah perspective.” –Rabbi Zev Leff with the most advanced scientific understanding of our time while restoring science (physics and “Here is a work that combines dazzling erudition mathematics in particular) as a source of religious in astronomy, theoretical physics and various insight and a revelation of God’s Creation . . .” other scientific disciplines, together with a fine –Rabbi Irving (Yitz) Greenberg knowledge of Jewish mysticism and biblical commentary, and – what is truly rare – an ability to “Law and Providence is a major and important combine them seamlessly into a view of the world contribution in which Professor Fain has suc- that is both spiritual and humane.” ceeded in improving our understanding of both –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks Torah and science.” –Rabbi Professor Nahum Eliezer Rabinovich Urim Publications, 2011 Hardcover, 320 pages, color photos Urim Publications, 2011 $29.95 (110 Nis) Hardcover, 331 pages, $26.95 (80 Nis) Isbn 978-965-524-053-5 Isbn 978-965-524-058-0

68 www.UrimPublications.com Inspirational / History ORLANDER

History has a way of repeating itself, and the sporadic persecution of the Jewish people has been popular with tyrants throughout history. Every epoch has had its heroes and heroines, and on these pages, you will be introduced to four amazing women:

Dina – a very astute seventeen-year-old living in twelfth-century WHO BYBY FIRE WHO England, she helps her family escape to the Continent in the wake of the destruction rained down on the Jewish communities by the Crusaders. Freya – escaping the clutches of the evil Torquemada, this teenage girl who by and her family flee from Spain to Portugal, and finally reach relatively peaceful Antwerp. Tonya – whose mother died in childbirth, embarks on a dangerous quest to find her father in devastated Ukraine during the Cossack pogroms. Necha – a young bride. Her harrowing story involves the murder of most of her family and neighbors, and her fight for survival during the Holocaust. Learn about the terrible times in which these young women lived, and read who by about the faith and courage that saw them through their ordeals.

“What an amazing testimony of “Netzach Yisroel lo yishaker” – our indisputable, miraculous survival throughout the Galus. Thank you…it was very enjoyable reading.” SWORD –Rebbitzen Malkie Honig, Antwerp

“The author has brought together four generations of persecution in our the journals of four history, in one fascinating tapestry, viewed through the lens of four teenaged courageous jewish women girls. She has also done us a wonderful service by sharing the true story of her mother within this framework. This is sure to provide many hours of in turbulent times interesting, and informative reading.” –Rebbitzen Chaitchi Knopfler, London

Urim PUblications $26.95 www.UrimPublications.com

Cover designed by Nechama Babayoff for the Virtual Paintbrush. TOBY ORLANDER

Urim

To Play With Fire Who by Fire One Woman’s Remarkable Odyssey Who by Sword by Tova Mordechai The Journals of Four Courageous Jewish Women in Turbulent Times “While her story is intensely personal, it is also universal in her search for a relationship with the by Toby Orlander God of her ancestors. A must-read for all spiritual seekers, To Play With Fire earns the WordWeaving “The author has brought together four generations Award for Excellence.” of persecution in our history, in one fascinating –Cindy Penn, WordWeaving.com tapestry, viewed through the lens of four teenaged “To Play With Fire is a great book.” girls. She has also done us a wonderful service by –Rabbi Manis Friedman sharing the true story of her mother within this framework. This is sure to provide many hours of “To read this book is to embark on an extraordinary interesting and informative reading.” journey.” –Professor Livia Bitton Jackson, –Rebbitzen Chaitchi Knopfler, London The Jewish Press “What an amazing testimony of “Netzach Yisroel “. . . intriguing and loving.” –Publishers Weekly lo yishaker” – our indisputable, miraculous sur- “In her remarkable memoir, To Play with Fire, Tova vival throughout the Galus. Thank you . . . it was Mordechai describes her unique spiritual journey very enjoyable reading.” from her life as a young Pentecostal minister and –Rebbitzen Malkie Honig, Antwerp prophetess to a life as an Orthodox, practicing Urim Fiction, 2013 Jew who marries, has children, and settles in Safed, Hardcover, 255 pages, $24.95 (80 nis) Israel . . . Her memoir outlines the experience of isbn 978-965-524-134-1 one woman who sought a spiritual haven . . .” –Sandra Tarling, womenwriters.net Urim Publications, 2002 Softcover, 447 pages, $18.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-7108-35-2 www.UrimPublications.com 69 Inspirational / Lifecycle Fried ThOUgh ThE DAYS Of ShIVA ARE SEVEn, containing a distinct beginning and a certain end, the days of our mourning continue on indefinitely, always searching for resolution. How we manage through our days, and the lessons we learn along the way, are our perpetual bounty to work with toward growth and understanding. Every Day I Bless You introduces the many lessons that Shiva can teach, by bringing you into the house, the heart, and the mind of one who grieves. In addition, it offers essential and healing insights gleaned from the Jewish Bible and current psychological thought on grief and bereavement.

While the lessons we learn vary for each of us, one theme resounds throughout: Man “in need” seeks God, and God, through grief, seeks man. Like the “beloved” in Song of Songs

who stands at the front of his lover’s tent and says “Open to me” (Songs 5:2), God stands EVERY DAY I BLESS YOU before us, concealed, but never far away. This theme is at the very heart of Every Day I Bless You. For when we are lost in the midst of a despairing world, it is our grieving spirit that leads us to a healing encounter with God.

“In this beautifully written book, Dr. Norman Fried brings deep insights to the nature of the healing process provided by shiva. Based on his personal journey during the shiva for his mother, Dr. Fried presents a brilliant integration of psychological and Jewish thinking about grief, loss, and acceptance. The readers of this book will benefit from the wisdom garnered by Dr. Fried in his decades of experience as a respected psychologist who has provided solace and therapy to those facing end of life issues. I strongly recommend this book to anybody seeking a deeper understanding of the growth process and healing powers of the experience of Jewish ritual and thought.” –David Pelcovitz, Ph.D., Professor, Straus Chair in Psychology and Education, Azrieli graduate School of Jewish Education and Administration,Yeshiva University, new York

“In this emotionally moving and powerful book Dr. Fried takes the reader on a spiritual journey of coping. He invites the reader into his heart and mind as he reports his observations and responses during the traditional and religious mourning process of EVERY DAY shiva. More importantly, he provides meaningful guidance for people of all faiths and helps them to find strategies and strength to carry on.” –gerald P. Koocher, PhD, ABPP, Associate Provost and Professor of Psychology - Simmons College, Senior Associate in Psychology, Children’s hospital - harvard I BLESS YOU Medical School - Boston, Past President of the American Psychological Association

“Dr. Norman Fried’s latest book “Every Day I Bless You,” is a thought-provoking and accessible volume that contains solid Judaic scholarship and flashes of psychological Reflections on the brilliance. It is a guide for those who struggle in the roiling waters and tears of the Shiva period. His insights into the nuances of the human condition and man’s existential challenges are presented with clarity and conviction. We look forward to more works Healing Power of Shiva from this truly gifted author.” –Rabbi David Etengoff, Student of The Rav (Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik)

Norman J. Fried, PhD

Reclaiming Humanity Every Day I Bless You A Guide to Maintaining the Inner World Reflections on the Healing of the Child Facing Ongoing Trauma Power of Shiva by Norman J. Fried by Norman J. Fried The inner world of a healthy child is filled with “He organizes the book around the five letters of wonder, awe, and faith in a fair and just world. But the word shiva (seven) to represent the key issues for some children, a belief in the benevolence of which he explores: surrender, hope, ire, valor, and the world and its people is often too hard to claim. acceptance. The author also selected ‘accept’ as In this unique guidebook, Dr. Norman Fried gives a mnemonic for acknowledges, conceding, con- valuable insights into the lives of children who necting, embracing, placing, and teaching as part have been victimized by chaos and disease, and of the ‘acceptance of the pain of loss.’ teaches how to help them grow within the context He echoes many of the common questions that of a loving, accepting, and ethical bond. all people who have suffered a loss ask and provides Using these examples, along with writings the reader with many of the standard historical of Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik on religion and answers. The book also includes a nine page sec- psychology and the wisdom of trauma specialists, tion with helpful suggestions in a common area of Dr. Fried shows how divine connections can serve confusion—how to pay a proper call during shiva as an inspiration, as well as a template, for other (the seven day period of mourning).” healthy interactions in a world that needs repair. –Nathan Rosen, AJL Reviews Reclaiming Humanity teaches that when the “In this beautifully written book, Dr. Norman Fried service of the heart is present in all that we do, the brings deep insights to the nature of the healing inner world of the hurt child, and the humanity process provided by shiva.” of the world at large, can eventually be reclaimed. – Professor David Pelcovitz Urim Publications, 2015 Urim Publications, 2012 Hardcover, $19.95 (70 nis) Hardcover, 127 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-212-6 isbn 978-965-524-077-1

70 www.UrimPublications.com Inspirational / Lifecycle

Living in the Journey Together Shadow of Death 49 Steps to Transforming a Family A Rabbi Copes with Cancer by Sarah Hermelin by Rabbi Stuart G. Weinblatt “This book is a masterpiece! It is must-reading for those who want to fully appreciate the mitzvah of “Rabbi Weinblatt writes an inspirational and en- Sefirat HaOmer. Each page is full of wisdom and couraging guide for overcoming life’s challenges. inspiration, with exercises that the entire family Living in the Shadow is an intellectual and spiri- can participate in to make these 49 days truly full tual serving of chicken soup. There are lessons here of meaning. I enjoyed it thoroughly.” for everyone.” –U.S. Congressman Dave Camp –Dr. Miriam Adahan “We are accustomed to the scenario in which a “Weaving together Torah sources with contempo- congregant is taken seriously ill and his rabbi rary rabbinic insights, Journey Together engages comes to guide him through his crisis. But what the reader to reflect upon the meaning and pur- happens when it is the rabbi who is stricken? Rabbi pose of life in a profoundly personal way. [. . .] Stuart Weinblatt eloquently and poignantly shares Read carefully, the stories and insights can be with us his experience as a cancer patient and how transformative. You will not be the same person it tested, and ultimately strengthened, his faith.” after taking this journey as you were at its outset.” –Rabbi Harold Kushner –Rabbi Jeffrey Bienenfeld KTAV Publishing, 2015 “Mrs. Hermelin has designed a program for the Hardcover, 176 pages, $23.95 entire family and includes a wide variety of mate- isbn 978-965-524-170-9 rial appropriate for different ages.” –Yonoson Rosenblum, Mishpacha Urim Publications, 2014 Hardcover, 498 pages, $29.95 (100 nis) isbn 978-965-524-159-4

www.UrimPublications.com 71 Inspirational / Education Rapaport Self-knowledge is a necessary skill to master. It allows us to access our The inner resources, recognize and shape the lens through which we see the world, and navigate a course to actualize our highest potential. The Jewish Jewish Art of Self Discovery is a guidebook for entering The Jewish Art the gates of this wisdom of self-discovery. of This work uses the timeless insights into human nature contained in Torah literature as its compass. Through the use of concise essays, self stories, and reflective questions, the Self-explorer is escorted along their path. Read this book, reflect on its contents, and reach for your greatest self.

Art Discovery “There can be no greater impediment to success, happiness and self-fulfillment than the failure to know oneself. The Torah is the repository of true wisdom. Rabbi Benjamin Rapaport has masterfully extracted from the rich Torah literature many insightful teachings that can enable a person to come to self-awareness. The Jewish Art of Self-Discovery is a major contribution to Torah-oriented psychology.”

-Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. of s elf Discovery

Rabbi Benjamin Rapaport grew up in Great Neck, NY, the son of a famous surgeon and scientist. Following high school, he decided to take a six-month trip to Israel that turned into a twenty-year career of study. Rabbi Rapaport received semicha from Beth Medrash Govoha of Lakewood in 2002, taught in the Mir Yeshiva in Jerusalem for six years, and lectured at a number of introductory programs to Judaism. More recently, his activities have included graduate work in Clinical Sociology, and several years of clinical practice in counseling. Rabbi Rapaport lives with his family in Jerusalem, where he works with individuals and groups, helping them discover and develop their unique talents and abilities.

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Urim Publications www.UrimPublications.com Urim Benjamin Rapaport

Seven Steps to The Jewish Art of “Mentschhood” Self Discovery How to Help Your Child Become a Mentsch by Benjamin Rapaport “There can be no greater impediment to success, by Stanley H. Fischman happiness and self-fulfillment than the failure to know oneself. The Torah is the repository Seven Steps to Mentschhood teaches the path to- of true wisdom. Rabbi Benjamin Rapaport has ward becoming a “mentsch” both in and out of masterfully extracted from the rich Torah litera- school. Directly connected to the student’s real- ture many insightful teachings that can enable a life conduct, it is based upon six verses from the person to come to self-awareness. Torah and one from Proverbs. The “steps” follow The Jewish Art of Self-Discovery is a major contribution to Torah- a logical pattern from less to more challenging, oriented psychology.” and their aim is to enable a child to develop an –Rabbi Abraham J. Twerski, M.D. intrinsic sense of “doing the right thing” on his or her own initiative. “. . . reflects the scholarship, depth and creativity that the author is all about.” “Raising a ‘mentsch’ is something we all strive for, –Rav Yitzchak Berkovitz but most of us are resigned to the fact that mid- dos are something that are difficult to convey in a “. . . a new masterpiece. Will be an invaluable tool systematic fashion. This book allows parents and in the hands and heart of any true seeker. . . .” educators to approach the teaching of ‘mentsch –Rav Moshe Weinberger lechkeit’ with the tools to accomplish their objec- Urim Publications, 2013 tive.” –Rabbi Yakov Horowitz Hardcover, 224 pages, $24.95 (80 nis) Penina Press, 2012 isbn 978-965-524-130-3 Softcover, 144 pages, $18.95 (50 nis) isbn 978-1-936068-23-4

72 www.UrimPublications.com Education

To Study and To Teach The Educational Methodology of Nechama Leibowitz by Shmuel Peerless “When the book first arrived on my desk I wondered about its length. How could a book of so few pages get to the heart of a teaching method decades in the making? The book is, however, much like the teacher who inspired it: short, powerful and to the point.” – Erica Brown, Jerusalem Post Literary Quarterly “This well-organized book will help to preserve the legacy of Nechama’s teaching and provide teachers and students with the essential skills she aimed to provide in her classroom.” – Jennifer Breger, JOFA Journal Urim Publications and The Lookstein Center, Bar-Ilan University, 2004 Hardcover, 183 pages, $21.00 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-55-0, isbn 10: 965-7108-55-1 Wisdom From All My Teachers Challenges and Initiatives in Contemporary Jewish Education edited by Jeffrey Sacks and Susan Handelman “Just as the topics are first-rate, so are the contributors . . . combines erudition with deep concern for the challenges facing the field of Jewish education in the contemporary world.” –Prof. Oscar Mohl, The Jewish Press “Wisdom From All My Teachers is an excellent resource for . . . just about anyone who has a vested interest in Jewish education. . . . The issues are important and eminently worthy of discussion, and the book opens up fresh and different ways to think about them. . . .” –Atara Graubard Segal, Torah u-Madda Journal Urim Publications and atid, 2003, Hardcover, 399 pages, $28.95 (120 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-56-7, isbn 10: 965-7108-56-x Touching the Harp Strings Songs of the heart, mind, and soul by David Haskell Cohen This unusual book of poems by David Haskell Cohen was written mostly in the last fifty years, in classical English verse. There are many variations in form, beat and rhythm. Sonnet form is a favorite, but even there subtle variations abound. As a London taxi driver famously asked the philosopher Bertrand Russell: “What’s it all abaht then?” The critic can honestly reply that all of life is here– but he had better quickly add that there is a powerful body of verse in which a Jew is pleading with Heaven. Devora Publishing , 2010 Hardcover, 95 pages, $18.95 (50 Nis) Isbn 13: 978-1-934440-70-4 www.UrimPublications.com 73 Lifecycles / Inspirational

The Shidduch Crisis Life’s Journey Causes and Cures Exploring Relationships, Resolving Conflicts by Michael J. Salamon, Ph.D. by Dr. Batya L. Ludman “Dr. Salamon suggests ways to go beyond the physi- cal, superficial standards that have contributed to How do you get your child to listen, live with the shidduch crisis and to early divorce. He advo- your teenager and not turn gray overnight, love cates an approach whereby a measure of personal your lover, succeed in marriage, deal with illness maturity is returned to those who are dating and and aging, comfort the bereaved, and cope with makes the case for alleviating external pressures terror and war? on the dating couple.” –Emunah Magazine In Life’s Journey: Exploring Relationships – “. . . Dr. Salamon’s work makes an important Resolving Conflicts you’ll answer some thought- contribution to the discussion which must take provoking questions, get expert advice and have place. I congratulate him for his insight and hope the opportunity to do some homework as you that his book will be a catalyst for more thought- explore issues with the premise that, as an active provoking contributions on raising our children participant, you can engender change and become in a very challenging world.” the person you’d like to be. –Rabbi Hershel Billet Topics include managing stress, communicating effectively, pro-active parenting, eating disorders, “This book offers a clear insight into the many in- dealing with anger, coping with depression, trauma tricacies of the issues involved, and delivers – with recovery, facing fear, Internet addiction, loss of a common sense, logic, and a dash of humor – ef- loved one, and more. fective, solution-oriented answers to some of the most intractable problems. I highly recommend “I highly recommend this book to both laymen and this book.” –David J. Lieberman, Ph.D. therapists.” –Dr. Judith Guedalia Urim Publications, 2008 Devora Publishing, 2011 Hardcover, 141 pages, $21.95 (70 nis) Softcover, 368 pages, $24.95 Nis( 90) isbn 13: 978-965-524-006-1 isbn 978-1-934440-57-5 isbn 10: 965-524-006-1 74 www.UrimPublications.com Passover Haggadah

The Night That Unites Passover Haggadah

Teachings, Stories, and Questions from Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Soloveitchik, and Rabbi Carlebach

by Aaron Goldscheider illustrations by Aitana Perlmutter

This book is the first Haggadah that brings together the teachings of three of the most influential and brilliant Rabbinic personalities of the 20th century: Rabbi Kook, Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach, and Rabbi Joseph Soloveitchik. The Night That Unites also offers a special section of contemporary readings and stories related to the Land of Israel and the Holocaust. Suggested questions are offered as a way of encouraging and guiding discussion at the Seder that will enhance the Passover night experience, and illustrations depicting all 15 steps of the Seder are featured throughout. “For me, this Haggadah is entirely unique. The Night that Unites, speaks directly to me, my needs and, I believe, the needs of many who are looking for an easily comprehensible, profoundly intelligent Haggadah.” –Rabbi Ephraim Buchwald “[The Night that Unites Passover Haggadah] envelops into one volume some of the best teachings that each of these Torah luminaries brought forward in the last century. The choice of teachings, stories, and questions contained in this collective work represents some of the finest Torah learning for presentment at your Seder table.” –Alan Jay Gerber, The Jewish Star “The Haggadah’s layout makes it easy to follow the order of theseder , and Perlmutter’s drawings at the start of each section are spectacular. The book is comprehensive . . . a collector’s item.” –Steve Lipman, NY Jewish Week “. . . hands down the best new entry of the year. . . . I learned a lot, and considering that I’ve reviewed a dozen Haggadot in each of the last six years, that’s saying something.” –Jay Michaelson, Jewish Forward “I recommend that you bring it to your table on seder night. It is the next best thing to having three of the giants of Jewish life sitting there with you.” –Rabbi Jack Riemer, South Florida Jewish Journal Urim Publications, 2014, 297 pages Hardcover: isbn 978-965-524-153-2, $39.95 (150 nis) Softcover:isbn 978-965-524-199-0, $29.95 www.UrimPublications.com 75 Passover Haggadah

Rabbi Joseph B. In Every Generation Soloveitchik The JDC Haggadah On Pesach, Sefirat Ha-omer and Shavu’ot commentary by Ari L. Goldman foreword by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin by David Shapiro “The Rabbis in the Mishna – quoted by the Hagad- “There are not ten commandments. There is one dah – mandated that ‘in every generation each commandment that branches out into ten aspects. person should view himself/herself as if he/she We cannot destroy the inner organic unity that just came out of Egypt.’ This JDC Hagaddah dem- binds moral-ethical law, on the one hand, and onstrates beautifully through commentary and ritual law, on the other hand. story how the Joint has translated this mandate In our modern world there is hardly a mishpat into contemporary reality in its services all over (commandment based on reasonable logic) which the world, in its commitment to a free, vibrant has not been repudiated. Without chok (ritual and stable Jewish community and in its threefold commandment), every social and moral law can mission, of Rescue, Relief and Renewal.” be rationalized away, leaving the world a sophisti- –Rabbi Haskel Lookstein cated jungle of instincts and impulses.” –Excerpt Devora Publishing and the American Jewish Joint “This volume is a significant contribution to both Distribution Committee, 2010 the literature of the Rav as well as the literature Hardcover, $24.95 (96 nis) about his halakhic analysis.” 92 pages, full color, includes many photo images –Zvi Grumet, Lookstein Digest from the Archives of “The Joint,” the American Urim Publications and Rabbi Joseph B. Jewish Joint Distribution Committee Soloveitchik Institute isbn 13: 978-1-934440-56-8 The Rabbi Soloveitchik Library – Volume 1 Softcover, 92 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) Hardcover, 287 pages, $26.95 (100 nis) isbn 13: 978-1-936068-13-5 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-64-2 isbn 10: 965-7108-64-0

76 www.UrimPublications.com Passover Haggadah

Studies on the Haggadah Haggadah for Passover from the Teachings of with Commentary Nechama Leibowitz Based on the Shiurim of edited by Yitshak Reiner & Shmuel Peerless Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik “Like a key that unlocks the door to a room of by Rabbi Yosef Adler buried treasure, Studies on the Haggadah from the Teachings of Nechama Leibowitz enables the reader Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik, zt”l, known as to touch, as if holding in her hand, newer, more “The Rav,” exemplified the value of studying in shining and beautiful jewels of understanding into anticipation of Jewish holidays (chagim) through the paradigmatic learning experience we call the his lectures and study sessions. Every year, several Passover Seder.” –Mordechai Ben-Dat, weeks before Pesach, the Rav learned the laws of The Canadian Jewish News Pesach and the Haggadah text with his students “Before her death in 1997, Nechama Leibowitz was at Yeshiva University and with the general public perhaps the best-known Bible teacher in Israel, if at Congregation Moriah in Manhattan. not the world. Her terse essays on the Five Books This Passover Haggadah compiles the Rav’s of Moses, always followed by questions for the commentary from those shiurim into an accessible reader to unravel, drew on the classic rabbinic resource for pre-Pesach studies and an insightful commentators as well as modern trends in literary accompaniment to the Pesach Seder. Not only criticism and linguistics. She was no liberal, but does the Rav illuminate the halachic basis of many she invited a wide-open discussion of text across of the mitzvot of the Seder, but he also expounds religious and ideological boundaries and remained on the traditional text with universal and relevant throughout her life a role model for Jewish educa- interpretations. tors, especially women.” Includes the full Passover Haggadah text in He- –Andrew Silow-Carroll, Forward brew with an English translation plus commentary. Urim Publications, 2002 Urim Publications, 2008 Hardcover, 159 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) Hardcover, 143 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-38-3 isbn 978-965-524-011-5 www.UrimPublications.com 77 Passover Haggadah

The Carlebach The Holistic Haggadah Haggadah Seder Night with Reb Shlomo How Will You Be Different This Passover Night? edited by Chaim Stefansky Traditional Haggadah with “. . . Those who love him will cry when they ‘hear’ Original Commentary Reb Shlomo speaking through this book. The Carlebach Haggadah presents Reb Shlomo’s by Michael L. Kagan unique hassidic approach.” –Reuven Ben Dov, Jerusalem Post “How many Haggadah’s that you know of mention the film The Matrix? Urim Publications has cre- “Those who knew Reb Shlomo, as well as those ated another winning haggadah . . . This is highly who are meeting him for the first time in these recommended.” pages, will find much to inspire their celebration –Larry Mark, MyJewishBooks.com of the holiday.” –Sandee Brawarsky, The Jewish Week “Kagan weaves mystical, ethical and literary inter pretations into the traditional Haggada text. . . . “The book is on fire. Touch it only at your peril, The greatest contribution The Holis tic Haggadah only if you want to be inspired and fall in love makes to the already large Haggada bookshelf again, with God, the Jewish People, and the world.” may be that we no longer have to choose between –Dov Peretz Elkins, Jewish Media Review tradition and innovation.” “The book represents the haggadic text with run- –Jay Michaelson, Forward ning commentaries by Rabbi Carlebach in his “Using the Exodus story as an allegory of an indi- signature combination of folksy, freestyle jam and vidual’s spiritual slavery and redemption, Kagan melancholy prose.” –Shira Klapper, Forward advocates a holistic approach to Judaism that Urim Publications, 2001 merges the worlds of action, emotion, intellect Hardcover, 182 pages, $25.00 (90 nis) and spirit.” –Publishers Weekly isbn 13: 978-965-7108-31-4 Hardcover, 231 pages, $24.95 (100 nis) 78 www.UrimPublications.com isbn 13: 978-965-7108-49-9 Passover Haggadah

Passover Haggadah The Animated New Revised Edition Haggadah by Rabbi Nathan Goldberg Colorful and engaging claymation characters The definitive and most recognizable Haggadah complement the full text of the Haggadah text in English. This has become the standard for most in English and Hebrew. Though the book is synagogues, schools, and homes. designed to be entertaining in its own right, the Rabbi Nathan Goldberg’s Passover Haggadah enticing format will cause a child to sit up and ask comes with an accessible English translation, clear questions, the ideal of the traditional Passover instructions, and numbered lines so everyone can Seder night. This best-selling Haggadah for kids follow along in Hebrew or in English. includes activities, games and a Seder guide for parents and teachers. KTAV Softcover, 96 pages Scopus Productions $2.75 (20 nis) Hardcover, 58 pages, $24.95 (89 nis) isbn 978-087-068-542-2 isbn 978-965-524-118-1,

www.UrimPublications.com 79 Holidays

Pardes Moshe The Jewish Holidays Living the Jewish Holidays Precursor to Redemption by Moshe Eichhorn by Rabbi Yosef Gabay foreword by Rabbi Yisroel Reisman The Jewish Holidays – Precursor to Redemption Jewish traditions are not meant to simply relive will fascinate the reader with challenging concepts the experiences of our ancestors, but rather, to written in an essay format presented for each Jew- instill in us the same experience as we live today. ish holiday, Shabbat and Rosh Chodesh. Rabbi Living the Jewish Holidays is an analysis of vari- Yosef Gabay explains that, in our intricate relation- ous traditions and rituals of the Jewish holidays ship with God, man’s essence is mostly defined by throughout the year, in the hope of providing the his deeds rather than by his theoretical knowledge. reader with an introduction to a deeper and more “Rabbi Gabay has presented the fundamentals of meaningful practice. Jewish Faith and Hashkafa in a clear and engaging “The sefer you are holding in your hand is more manner. Undoubtedly, many will benefit from the than a book of divrei Torah. It is a key, a tool to- content of this book as it will strengthen their wards a greater appreciation of the Yomim Tovim.” spiritual quest. I commend the author for his –Rabbi Yisroel Reisman work.” –Rabbi Dovid Schustal Urim Publications, 2012 “As is in his previous works, Rabbi Gabay presents Hardcover, 192 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) us with many and varied Torah sources that he isbn 978-965-524-115-0 weaves into a beautiful tapestry to present the message of the various holidays in depth and breadth.” –Rabbi Zev Leff Penina Press, 2011 Hardcover, 208 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) isbn 978-1-934440-42-1

80 www.UrimPublications.com Women and Judaism / Biography

If We Could Hear The Jewish Woman Them Now Next Door Encounters with Legendary Repairing the World One Step at a Time Jewish Heroines by Debby Flancbaum by Alice Becker Lehrer The Jewish Woman Next Door: Repairing the World “The ‘subjects’ span biblical figures including One Step at a Time is a collection of absorbing es- Tamar and Tzipporah, women from the rab- says about contemporary Jewish women – some binic period such as Rachel, wife to Rabbi Akiva, known throughout the world, others known and women from later centuries such as Rashi’s only in their own communities – who engage in daughters and Henrietta Szold. Each imaginary extraordinary acts of kindness. interview is preceded by a short introduction that “The stories are interesting, touching and fre- puts the interviewee in textual and historical con- quently sad. Read them and you feel gooseflesh on text. The biblical interviews skillfully draw upon your skin as you learn of the courage, fortitude and traditional commentaries and midrashic texts to conviction of a group of women who are mothers, bring the chosen subjects to life.” wives and sometimes grandmothers . . . .” –Jennifer Breger, JOFA Journal –Lauren Kramer, Western MA Jewish Ledger “In this wonderfully engaging book, Alice Lehrer “This book is highly recommended for all libraries has brought many of the great heroines of the Jew- and would make an excellent bat mitzvah present.” ish spirit to life by allowing them to tell their story –Kathe Pinchuck, AJL Newsletter in their own voice as if they were contemporaries. This is a delightful, imaginative and inspirational Urim Publications, 2007 work which I highly recommend.” Hardcover, 135 pages, $21.95 (80 nis) –Chief Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks isbn 13: 978-965-7108-95-6 isbn 10: 965-7108-95-0 Urim Publications, 2009 Hardcover, 175 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-031-3 www.UrimPublications.com 81 Women and Judaism / Jewish Thought

Dybbuks and Men and Women Jewish Women Gender, Judaism and Democracy in Social History, Mysticism and Folklore edited by Rachel Elior

by Rachel Elior Men and Women: Gender, Judaism and Democracy is a collection of articles on the socio-legal status “Elior’s main point regarding dybbuks and women of women in Israel, the reli gious and cultural con is that possession by a spirit allows a woman to text of their rights, and their equality according to escape certain norms. In particular, because such a religious and civil law. large proportion of attested dybbuk events involve “Elior, a professor of Jewish philosophy and mysti- a woman becoming possessed by a male spirit just cism at Hebrew University, is widely regarded as as her wedding approaches, Elior shows that spirit one of the most important activists and theoreti- possession may have been a way to escape coercive cians on behalf of women in Israel.” marriages and unwanted sexuality.” –Eetta Prince Gibson, The Jerusalem Post –AJL Newsletter “[ ] is a valuable contribution “Rachel Elior examines how the legend of the dyb- Men and Women to the examination of the complex interaction buk first took hold, and how it reflects the values between shared and distinct values within the and fears of its time. Elior argues that for women, mesh of Judaism and democracy; between sacred dybbuks could be a means to escape the demands traditional and contemporary values and between of a confining society. Once possessed by a dybbuk prevailing norms rooted in the past and changing (or at least claiming to be), women were no longer consciousness.” considered responsible for their own actions, and –Dr. Vera Ranki, were exempt from arranged marriages and relieved Australian Jewish News of wifely duties.” Published with the Van Leer Jerusalem Institute, –Sarah Breger, Nextbook 2004 Hardcover, 213 pages, $22.00 (90 nis) Urim Publications, 2008 isbn 13: 978-965-7108-54-3 Hardcover, 125 pages (plus index), $21.95 (60 nis) isbn 10: 965-7108-54-3 isbn 978-965-524-007-8 82 www.UrimPublications.com Historical Fiction Miskin Peter romaIne, a young, Christian Englishman living in Illegal Journey Switzerland, is a linguistics student with an extraordinary talent for languages. In 1945, he discovers a hospital ward occupied by young concentration camp survivors. Driven by his humanitarian instincts, he becomes their mentor, From the Holocaust to Palestine in 1946 their rescuer and their guardian. His involvement with the group develops naturally. Utilizing his outstanding leadership qualities, Peter finds ways to acquire a ship, train a crew, and undergo an inspection on the high seas by a British warship, all under the nose of the by Edgar Miskin British Mandate Authority. The group of survivors, under Peter’s leadership, then reaches Palestine, making a successful clandestine landing at night. Journey Illegal Peter settles in Palestine and begins his exploration of the extraordinary continuity and survival, against all odds, of the Jewish people over the millennia. Peter Romaine is a young Christian Englishman living in Switzerland, who His search ultimately leads to his conversion to the Jewish faith. Fighting in the Israel War of Independence, he is wounded in battle and receives a Field Commission. Some years later, Peter is honored with the Israel Prize for his becomes involved with a group of concentration camp survivors in 1945 and achievements as a professor of linguistics at Tel Aviv University. Illegal Journey is a historical novel filled with adventure, danger, love and even leads them on a perilous journey to Palestine, making a successful clandes- laughter. Embark on the journey to experience the drama and history of Israel at the time of its birth. tine landing at night. Peter, too, settles in Palestine and begins his exploration Edgar Miskin has spent most of his working life as an accountant, both in private practice and in commerce, to Palestine in 1946 From the Holocaust including some years as Financial Controller in a large of the extraordinary continuity and survival, against all odds, of the Jewish aircraft company. He was a British Army Officer in World War II, and has been a lifeguard, a center lathe operator in an Illegal engineering factory, a film actor, and a real estate developer. people over the millennia. However, if he had to do it over again, he would probably choose to be an antiquarian, in line with his interests in ancient history and languages as well as anthropology and archaeology. This is Edgar’s second This historical novel takes the reader on a journey to experience the drama book, his first being The Exchange, also a historical novel, which was published in October 2007. Edgar Miskin currently resides in Porter Ranch, California. Journey and history of Israel at the time of its birth. From the Holocaust to Palestine in 1946 $24.95 Penina Press, 2013

Distributed by: Softcover, $24.95 (70 nis) Lambda Publishers / Urim Publications www.UrimPublications.com Cover Design: S. Schmell Edgar Miskin isbn 978-965-524-127-3

Nathan and the Lions of Lodz Fighting Against the Occupation by Edgar Miskin This historical novel is set during the Nazi invasion of Poland in 1939, and tells the story of young Jews from the area near Lodz who escape into the forest. Under the inspired leadership of 19-year-old Nathan Kochinski, they carry out daring operations against the Germans and join the Polish Home Army underground. Their strength, intelligence, and bravery persevere until the lib- eration of Poland, when they choose to bring their fighting spirit to Palestine. Penina Press, 2015 Softcover, $23.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-204-1

The Saga of Nathan An Epitome of Leadership by Edgar Miskin The continuation of Nathan and the Lions of Lodz, this novel contains two installments of Nathan Kochinski’s story as it follows his odyssey from Poland through Europe to Palestine and the establishment of the State of Israel. As before, he continues to display his skills as a leader and soldier, joining the Haganah and serving as liaison officer to David Ben Gurion. Penina Press, 2015 Softcover, 280 pages, $23.95 (70 nis) isbn 978-965-524-205-8

www.UrimPublications.com 83 Fiction / Jewish Thought

The Mystery of the Girl Meets God Milton Manuscript The Gift of Being a Jewish Woman A Novel by Joannie Tansky by Barry M. Libin Glistening with the colors of her evolving religious life (as a ba’alat teshuva) with warmth, humor and “This is a fabulous mystery that is at its best with the sixth sense elicited from an evolving aware- the deep look into Milton, his beliefs, his era and ness, Joannie Tansky creates an absorbing read for his masterpieces. The murders of scholars and the anyone interested in the power of faith and the assaults on the present day hero add action and possibilities that open up to a woman in search of suspense.” –Harriet Klausner her spiritual self. Her vignettes span more than seventeen years of experiences embracing the femi- “For those who love adventure stories, this is a book nine point of view of Judaism including Shabbat, worth putting on the same shelf with The Da Vinci kashrut, mikvah, menopause, holidays, and world . . . you will never think of John Milton in Code travel visiting Jewish institutions. One goal of her quite the same way after reading this book.” writing is to inspire those who are already Torah –Jack Riemer, South Florida Jewish Journal observant, yet find themselves feeling stale or “This book delivers a suspenseful, enjoyable, and bored. Another is to allay the fears of women (and intellectually stimulating read.” perhaps men) who are just beginning their journey, –Renita Last, Jewish Book Council explaining with humor and depth that one does not have to embrace all of Judaism at once. “Barry Libin displays a deft and subtle hand with his Milton work. Dr. Libin’s astute and Penina Press, 2012 nuanced work with Milton’s treatment of evil is Softcover, 168 pages, $21.95 (60 nis) highly impressive.” —David Birnbaum, author, isbn 978-965-524-120-4 Summa Metaphysical Urim Fiction, 2014 Hardcover, 272 pages, $24.95 (90 nis) isbn 978-965-524-158-7 84 www.UrimPublications.com Fiction

The Search The Conversation Committee A Novel A Novel by Joshua Golding by Marc Angel “Joshua Golding’s book brings to mind Judah Halevi’s Kuzari (for its spirited and intelligent “The Search Committee is a modern mystery novel defense of traditionalist Judaism) and Samson for the theologically inclined . . .” Raphael Hirsch’s Nineteen Letters (for its episto- –Dr. Ezra Cappell, author of American Talmud lary form). But unlike these earlier polemics, this book is also an academically sound introduction “Be prepared for a deep, engaging and swift-moving to Jewish philosophy.” reconnaissance of a slice of modern Judaism . . . .” –Professor Menachem Kellner –Rabbi Hillel Goldberg, Intermountain Jewish News “The Conversation is a rare combination of an intellectually engaging and enjoyable read. It enlivens “Angel’s novel, , is at once The Search Committee various philosophical and religious positions, and modest and harrowing. Its design is charming in then puts Judaism into an animated conversation its simplicity. It is clear and short – its hundred with them. It’s a kind of Chaim Potok meets and fifty pages are a quick absorbing read. But Philosophy 101. The results are rich in narrative, the book’s very unpretentiousness makes it all the tradition and ideas.” –Dr. Faydra Shapiro more unnerving; the novel is a shocker on its own quiet terms.” –Jane Mushabac, Midstream “I found that it was difficult to put downThe Con- ; it reads smoothly, is quite expansive, and, “I have never read anything quite like versation The Search in general is an excellent read without much of the , a fascinating novel by the Rabbi Emeri- Committee apologetics that we often see in books of this type.” tus of America’s most distinguished Sephardic –Dr. Morris A. Shamah, JewishIdeas.org congregation . . . This novel is a true contribution to Jewish-American literature.” –Naomi Ragen Urim Fiction, 2011, Hardcover, 527 pages $28.95 (100 nis) Urim Fiction, 2008 isbn 978-965-524-066-5 Hardcover, 155 pages, $19.95 (70 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-524-012-2 www.UrimPublications.com 85 Fiction

Kaytek the Wizard The Jewish Dog

by Janusz Korczak by Asher Kravitz translated by Antonia Lloyd-Jones translated by Michal Kessler illustrations by Avi Katz Filtering the darkest, most dramatic period of “The story is riveting, complex and thought- modern Jewish history through the naive, often provoking . . . The translation is excellent, and sage, perspective of a remarkable dog, The Jewish notes are provided to help readers understand local Dog offers readers a view of the Holocaust as never customs and geography . . . . Students of children’s seen before. literature will find the book and the afterword This best-selling novel in Israel follows the life illuminating.” –Kirkus and thoughts of Caleb, a contemplative dog unusually fascinated with human affairs. Born into “Harry Potter, step aside. The young hero of Kaytek a German Jewish household in the mid-1930s, the Wizard by Janusz Korczak . . . has sufficient Caleb witnesses firsthand the rise of Nazism and power to transform his gluttonous classmate’s the Holocaust. When events separate him from breakfast into a frog and then to soar skyward and his Jewish owners, he is adopted by a Nazi family land on the roof of a Warsaw tram. As his profi- and employed by the SS as a military dog. ciency at magic increases, he explores a complex Deeply ironic and even humorous, The Jewish cosmos, interacting with Africans and Americans Dog presents political commentary on humanity and zooming across oceans and continents.” and degradation, as Caleb’s philosophical musings –Hadassah Magazine explore loyalty, identity, and the fine line that “The bookKaytek the Wizard gives the teachers the separates humanity from animals. opportunity to examine the life of Janusz Korczak Penlight Publications, 2015 and the Holocaust.” –Dr. Paul B. Winkler Hardcover, 239 pages, $19.95 (80 Nis) Penlight Publications, 2012 isbn 978-098-386-853-8 Hardcover, 272 pages, $17.95 (80 Nis) Isbn 978-098-386-850-7

86 www.UrimPublications.com Fiction

Jordan and the Jonah the Dreadful Golem Woodchopper Encouraging Stories for Finding Your by Karen Goldman Way Through the Forest of Life illustrated by Rachel Moseley by Joshua Rubin The children of the Israeli town of Keshet are born with the ability to bend nature to their “We cannot run from society forever. Jonah the will. No one knows the source of these powers Woodchopper follows a man, who when spurned except, perhaps, Miss Sara, the mysterious town by his life, decides to leave society for the peace matriarch who helps the children find and control of living alone. When he seeks to rejoin society, their talents using Kabbalah and other mystical he comes with wisdom of his deep thoughts, and teachings from Israel’s forgotten past. However, Joshua Robin uses a short story narrative format someone has discovered the secret of the children to tell of Jonah’s encounters with many and what of Keshet, and wants to use their powers for his he learns and what he teaches. Jonah the Wood- own sinister purposes. chopper is a riveting and insightful read, not to be Incorporating Jewish mythology and referenc- overlooked.” –Midwest Book Review ing various practices of Judaism, this book is a tale of friendship and the power of teamwork in the “A collection of heartwarming stories. For me, face of adversity. Jonah became a companion, holding my hand through life’s challenges. Jonah conveys his mes- “Jewish tweens and teens who enjoyed the Harry sage with elegant simplicity and will transform Potter series by J.K. Rowling may find themselves all who read it.” charmed by a new juvenile fiction series launched –Dov Peretz Elkins, co-author of by Karen Goldman about a village in the northern Chicken Soup for the Jewish Soul part of Israel where all the children have special powers.” Penlight Publications, 2012 –Donald H. Harrison, San Diego Jewish World Softcover, 207 pages, $14.95 (60 Nis) Isbn 978-098-386-851-4 Penlight Publications, 2013, Hardcover, 224 pages, $15.95 (70 Nis) isbn 978-098-386-852-1 www.UrimPublications.com 87 Children

The Animated The Shabbat Book Jewish Year A Weekly Guide for the Whole Family The Animated Jewish Year brings alive the rhythm This beautifully illustrated book can be read of the Jewish months. Through questions, answers by children alone or in a family setting. With a and humor, together with a selection of original colorful page for each week of the Jewish calen- and traditional stories, two children learn about dar, it is designed to integrate the weekly Torah their holidays and customs. Illustrated with clay portion with the ideas, traditions and customs of characters, The Animated Jewish Year is an excit- the Sabbath. ing way to get better acquainted with the history, ideas and practices that make the holidays a more Scopus Productions meaningful experience. Hardcover, 64 pages, $19.95 (80 nis) isbn 978-965-7047-02-6 Scopus Productions Hardcover, 88 pages, $19.95 (90 nis) isbn 13: 978-965-7108-79-6 isbn 10: 965-7108-79-9 Scopus books also available in other languages, by special printing order.

88 www.UrimPublications.com Children

Megillat Esther Scroll The Animated One long scroll, printed on quality Menorah paper, in a secure hard cardboard tube Travels on a Space Dreidel – Eight Stories for Hannukah

A scroll version of the complete Megillat Esther by Rony Oren and Ephraim Sidon in Hebrew, side-by-side with an English transla- Two children travel through time and space on a tion, and filled with entertaining and illuminating magic dreidel. Their adventures with Judah the original claymation illustrations. Maccabee, George Washington, a Russian refuse- The perfect companion for a fun-filled Megillah nik and many others, tell the story of Hannukah. reading or pre-Purim study, this edition comes in Illustrations created in clay by Rony Oren. From its own megillah case. the series The Animated Holidays (claymation). Scopus Productions Scopus Productions $24.95 (100 nis) Hardcover, 48 pages, full color, $17.95 (70 nis) Danacode 563-15 Ages 4–11, isbn 10: 965-7108-80-2 Also available in Hebrew, Danacode 563-14, $17.95 (59 nis)

www.UrimPublications.com 89 Children / Hebrew

שמות מוזרים הי, נמלה!

written by Philip and Hannah Hoose written by Shari Dash Greenspan illustrated by Debbie Tilley illustrated by Avi Katz “This amusing, tongue-in-cheek book makes witty wordplay on common Hebrew names, and rhymes throughout. The illustrator also masterfully de So begins a conversation between a young boy and picts a multicultural utopia, in which children of the ant trembling in the shadow of his sneaker. different ethnicities and from various religious and This playful story raises questions about ethics and secular backgrounds play together in harmony. A peer pressure, encouraging children to decide for lovely picture of what life in Israel should be, at themselves: to squish . . . or not to squish?! the very least for our children.” –Miriam Abramowitz, The Jerusalem Post “Highly recommended for storytelling and for reading aloud. Every Hebrew classroom teacher “This is everything a children’s book should be: could use a copy.” exciting, colorful and easy to read . . . and young –Noam Morse, Jewish Book World minds will appreciate the running joke in the story.” –Yocheved Golani, Capital Review “. . . an entertaining and amusing discussion . . . about respect for all living things, standing up to “The more you read, the wider you smile at the ab- peer pressure, and alternatives to violence.” surd and funny connections between the children –Rachel Schwartzboim, Zo Iri and their names.” –Idit Rozenheim, Pajama Stories, Voice of Israel Radio Hebrew translation of Hey, Little Ant Urim Publications, 2003 Urim Publications, 2005 Hardcover, 32 pages, Hebrew, $14.00 (54 nis) Hardcover, 32 pages, Hebrew, $14.00 (54 nis) isbn 10: 965-7108-58-6 Danacode 563-7 Danacode 563-6

90 www.UrimPublications.com Children / Hebrew

דרקון בארמון איפה המפלצת שלי?

written by Amanda Noll written by Jodi Moore illustrated by Howard McWilliam illustrated by Howard McWilliam “כל הילדים אוהבים לבנות ארמונות בחול, וכל הילדים This highly recommended book presents a very“ חולמים על דרקונים. זה בדיוק מה שקורה לילד אחד ביום familiar theme in children’s literature, from a very קסום על שפת הים, ולמרות שבתחילה אף אחד לא מאמין ”. . . entertaining angle לו, לכולם יתברר שמהדרקון הזה אי אפשר להתעלם. ביחד Lihyot Horim (Parenthood) Magazine– הם מעיפים עפיפון, מקציפים מיץ ומתגנבים לגנוב עוגיות שוקולד. האם זהו באמת דרקון שבא לבקר, או אולי רק This book makes kids laugh their heads off, mostly“ דמיון מפותח? הרעיון של ״דרקון בארמון״ הוא משחק עדין ,due to the vibrant, original monster illustrations בין מציאות לבין פנטזיה. העיקר בספר הוא הדמיון לתת לו ”. . . full of humor and richly imagined לפרוח,להתפתח,להיות מה שהוא רוצה. זהו ספר שמוציא Weekend edition of Maariv, Culture page– את הילד מעבר לטקסט הפשוט, הרבה בזכות האיורים A great story that offers a coping mechanism for“ הנפלאים של מקויליאם.“ –מקור ראשון .a common problem through humorous reversal Excellent translation from the English . . .” “The deadpan text is sure to illicit giggles as it cap- – Olam Ha-Isha tures the conundrum of an imaginary friend with Hebrew translation of I Need My Monster a child’s eye and provides a gentle acceptance of the mild misbehavior that sometimes accompanies Urim Publications and Keter Publishing, 2010 imaginative play.” – Hardcover, 32 pages, full color, $16.00 (68 Nis) Kirkus Isbn 978-965-524-045-0 Hebrew translation of When a Dragon Moves In Danacode 10-888-439 Urim Publications and Keter Publishing, 2011 Hardcover, 32 pages, Hebrew, $16 (72 Nis) Isbn 978-965-07-2023-0 Danacode 10-888566

www.UrimPublications.com 91 Children / Hebrew

אלכסנדר והיום האים ונורא וגרוע ולא טוב בכלל נעם מחפש זכרונות

written by Mem Fox written by Judith Viorst illustrated by Julie Vivas illustrated by Ray Cruz "אלכסנדר,ילד כבן חמש, הלך לישון עם מסטיק בפה Urim Publications deserves our thanks for trans“ והתעורר כשהוא דבוק לשערו; כשהוא קם הוא דרך על lating this book . . . a book about love and rare הסקטבורד שלו, והסוודר נפל לו לכיור כשהברז היה פתוח. ”.friendship . . . an unforgettable story כך הוא ידע שהולך להיות לו איום ונורא וגרוע ולא טוב Leah Ini, Maariv– בכלל. הספר . . . מסופר בגוף ראשון ומבטא ברגישות את התחושה של ״כמה קשה להיות ילד״,והכל מנקודת מבטו -an esthetic pleasure and a lovely story. It is defi . . .“ של הילד ובמונולוגים משעשעים. . . . מקסים!" –מודיעין nitely recommended for kindergarten libraries and ניוז פלוס ”.we will add it to our list of recommended books –Dalia Limor, Director of Preschool “הספר הנפלא, הנהדר, המקסים, והטוב בהחלט" Education, Israel Ministry of Education –הארץ גלריה “. . . an amazingly written and illustrated book.” –Rachela Zandbank, La-Isha Magazine “Judith Viorst flawlessly and humorously captures a child’s testy temperament, rendering Alexander Hebrew translation of Wilfrid Gordon McDonald sympathetic rather than whiny. Our hero’s gum- Partridge styled hair and peevish countenance are artfully Urim Publications, 2002 depicted by Ray Cruz’s illustrations. An ALA No- Hardcover, 32 pages, Hebrew, $14.00 (49 nis) table Book, Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, isbn 10: 965-7108-43-8 No Good, Very Bad Day is a great antidote to bad Danacode 563-3 days everywhere, sure to put a smile on even the crabbiest of faces.” –Publishers Weekly Hebrew translation of Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Urim Publications and Keter Publishing, 2012 Hardcover, 32 pages, Hebrew, $16 (72 Nis) Isbn 978-965-07-2024-7, Danacode 10-888564 92 www.UrimPublications.com Hebrew

“החיים שלי מונעים בידי כוח לא נודע. אני מוכרחה להניח לעצמי להיות מונעת סיפור ההישרדות הקלסי שנמכר ביותר מ4.5-כך, שכן אנימיליון יראה את עותקיםההשלכות במקרה שלא אעשה כן. החיים שלי מעולם לא היו מה שרציתי שיהיו, תמיד הם מוכתמים ברצון "שלו". לפעמים הם בעלי נגיעות קלות לבד בלבד ובפעמים אחרות הם טבולים בצבע לחלוטין, אך מאז ומתמיד ישנו במקום כלשהו לכל הפחות גוון חיוור של צבע. בריאן רובסון בן השלוש עשרה טס לבקר את אביו כאשר המטוס גארי פאולסן אבי היקר שבשמים, אתה יודע עליי הכול. אתה קורא אותי כמו ספר פתוח. אני רואה החד מנועי שבו הוא נמצא מתרסק. לפתע, בריאן מוצא את עצמו לבד את עצמי כספר מטונף ומקומט, מרופט וקרוע. התכנים של הספר הנם מופלאים, טובה מרדכי משחקת בשממה הקנדית ללא דבר פרט למעיל רוח קרוע וגרזן שאמו נתנה לו שכן ישו בתוכי, כך אני יודעת; אך הבעיה היחידה היא שהדפים מטונפים כל כך, עד במתנה – והסוד הנורא שקרע אותו לגזרים מאז שהוריו התגרשו. אבל שבקושי ניתן לקרוא את הכתוב בהם. אבל אתה יכול לקרוא אותם, אבי. אתה מכיר כל מילה. אתה לבדך, בכל העולם הרחב, יכול לעזור לי. נראה לי שאני מתוסבכת עכשיו אין לבריאן זמן לכעס, לרחמים עצמיים או לייאוש – כדי לשרוד גארי פאולסן מכפי שאני מדמיינת. אני יודעת שזוהי אשמתי. אני לא מאשימה אותך ולו לרגע. אני יזדקק לכל הידע והנחישות שיידרשו ממנו, וליותר אומץ מכפי שהוא לא מאשימה אף אחד. רק את עצמי.” יודע שיש לו. כיצד קורה שטוניקה מארלו, אשת כמורה אוונגלית, הופכת לטובה מרדכי, יהודייה אורתודוכסית? באש לשחק באש הוא סיפורה המרתק של מי שהעפילה אל שורות המנהיגות של דתה, חונכה והוסמכה מאז שיצא לאור לראשונה לפני עשרים שנה, ספרו עטור הפרסים במכללה תיאולוגית מוכרת – לא רק בתור אשת כמורה, אלא גם כ"נביאה" בשירות אמונתה – מסעה המדהים של אישה אחת של גארי פאולסן הוא סיפור ההישרדות שאליו מושווים כל האחרים. כאשר בתוך תוכה היא נותרת קהת חושים, מיואשת ובלתי מוגשמת. בתה של אם יהודיה מצרית הוצאת אורים גאה להביא – לראשונה בתרגום לעברית – את ספר ואב אנגלי, פרוטסטנטי אוונגלי, טובה מרדכי שוטחת בפנינו תיאור נאמן ועוצמתי של מסעה ההישרדות עוצר הנשימה של פאולסון. הסוער אל היהדות אגב התגוששות עם הנצרות וגילוי החופש המיוחל הטמון בשורשיה היהודיים. טובה מרדכי מתגוררת בצפת, יחד עם בעלה וחמשת ילדיהם. היא משמשת בתור העוזרת של מנהלי המדרשות חיה מושקה ומכון אלטה. בנוסף, היא מרצה ברחבי העולם על המשמעות של “זהו סיפור מכשף... ספר מנצח” – קירקוס להיות יהודי בחברה בת זמננו. “מרתק” - בוקליסט "לשחק באש הוא ספר מעולה." –הרב מניס פרידמן זוכה פרס הניוברי – ציון לשבח "מי שקורא ספר זה יוצא למסע יוצא דופן." -פרופסור ליביה ביטון ג'קסון, The Jewish Press הופיע ברשימת ספרי הילדים רבי המכר "...מעורר עניין ומלא אהבה." –Publishers Weekly של הניו יורק טיימס “בעוד שסיפורה אישי בצורה חדה ומעמיקה, הוא בו בזמן אוניברסלי בכך שהוא מציג את חיפושה אחר קשר עם אלוהי אבותיה. ספר חובה עבור כל מחפשי הרוחניות באשר הם, לשחק זוכה פרס הספר הטוב ביותר לקוראים צעירים של באש זוכה בפרס המצויינות מטעם וורלדויווינג.” –סינדי פן, wordweaving.com התאחדות הספרנים האמריקאית "בסיפור חייה הבלתי נשכח, לשחק באש, טובה מרדכי מתארת את מסעה הרוחני הייחודי הלוקח משחקת באש אותה מתוך חייה כמיניסטרית פנטקוסטאלית ונביאה אל תוך חייה של יהודייה אורתודוכסית שמתחתנת, מביאה ילדים ומתיישבת בצפת... סיפור החיים שלפנינו מתווה את חוויותיה של אישה אשר יצאה בגפה ובקשה אחר מקלט רוחני..." –סנדרה טרלינג, womenwriters.net

מחיר מומלץ לצרכן: 68 ש”ח אורים הוצאה לאור מחיר מומלץ: 74 ש"ח www.UrimPublications.com אורים הוצאה לאור עיצוב העטיפה: Virtual Paintbrush אורים www.UrimPublications.com אורים טובה מרדכי

גרזן משחקת באש מסעה המדהים של אישה אחת by Gary Paulsen by Tova Mordechai Thirteen-year-old Brian Robeson is on his way Born the daughter of an Egyptian Jewish mother to visit his father when the single-engine plane and a British Protestant evangelical father, Tova in which he is flying crashes. Suddenly, Brian Mordechai presents the powerful real-life account finds himself alone in the Canadian wilderness of her tumultuous journey to Judaism as she with nothing but a tattered windbreaker and the grapples with Christianity and finds freedom in hatchet his mother gave him as a present—and her Jewish roots. the dreadful secret that has been tearing him apart since his parents’ divorce. But now Brian has no “To Play With Fire is powerfully relevant to all of time for anger, self-pity, or despair—it will take us because it is the story of our lives. Tova Mor- all his know-how and determination, and more dechai’s life odyssey with its bizarre twists and courage than he knew he possessed, to survive. turns – Christian artist, composer and preacher, For twenty years Gary Paulsen’s award-winning, born to an evangelist father and an Egyptian contemporary classic has been the survival story Jewish mother - amplifies the essence of our own with which all others are compared. This Hebrew strange journey, through darkness and light, chaos translation will introduce a new generation of read- and order.” ers to this page-turning, heart-stopping adventure. –Rabbi Simon Jacobson author of Toward A Meaningful Life “Plausible, taut, this is a spellbinding account. . . . A winner.” –Kirkus Hebrew translation of To Play with Fire • Newbery Honor Book Urim Publications, 2013 • Featured on the New York Times Bestselling Softcover, 336 pages, 78 nis ($20) Children’s Books list isbn 978-965-524-142-6 Danacode 563-24 Hebrew translation of Hatchet Urim Publications, 2013, Softcover, 158 pages, 68 nis ($20) isbn 978-965-524-131-0, Danacode 563-23 www.UrimPublications.com 93 Title Index

Abuse in the Jewish From the Heart of a Lion 17 Philosophy and Halakhah 4 Community 13 Girl Meets God 84 Majesty and Humility 9 Accepting the Yoke of Heaven 65 Gold From the Land of Israel 57 Meditations at Twilight on Acts of the Mind in Jewish Golden Age, The 47 Genesis 17 Ritual Law 29 Hachut Hameshulash 62 Megillat Esther Scroll 89 After the Holocaust the Bells Haftorah of the Week, The 15 Memories of a Giant 9 Still Ring 3 Haggadah for Passover with Men and Women 82 Akeydat Yitzchak 61 Commentary 77 Men and Women in the Torah 59 Amot Shel Halacha 28 Halakhic Man, Authentic Jew 37 Midrash of Rabbi Moshe And You Shall Tell Your Hide and Seek 21 Alshich on the Torah 61 Children 43 Holistic Haggadah, The 78 Mitzvot, The 29 Animated Haggadah, The 79 If We Could Hear Them Now 81 Moadei Harav 7 Animated Jewish Year, The 88 Illegal Journey 83 Modern Orthodox Judaism 38 Animated Menorah, The 89 In Every Generation 76 Moses and the Path to Arrival, The 51 Innovation in Jewish Law 28 Leadership 53 Between the Lines of the Bible 16 Intergalactic Judaism 68 My Blue Kitchen 46 Biblical Outlook, The 48 Italian Renaissance, An 49 Mystery of the Milton Biblical View of Man, The 64 It Was Evening, It Was Manuscript, The 84 Book of Psalms in Plain Morning 30 Nathan and the Lions of Lodz 83 English, The 31 Jacob’s Family Dynamics 66 Nefesh HaTzimtzum, Volume 1 5 Bread and Fire 22 Jewish Art of Self Nefesh HaTzimtzum, Volume 2 5 Carlebach Haggadah, The 78 Discovery, The 72 Nehama Leibowitz 34 Chizkuni Torah Commentary 60 Jewish Dog, The 86 Neuropsychologist’s Journal, A 43 Chronicles 67 Jewish Holidays, The 80 Night That Unites Passover Circle in the Square, A 47 Jewish Identity in Modern Haggadah, The 79 Conversation, The 85 Israel 41 Noah, the Flood and the Conversion, Intermarriage, Jewish Prayer: The Right Way 27 Failure of Man According and Jewish Identity 4 Jewish Woman Next Door, The 81 to the Midrash Rabbah 59 Covenantal Imperatives 38 Jonah the Woodchopper 87 Ohr HaChayim 62 Crisis, Covenant and Jordan and the Dreadful Ohr HaShachar 18 Creativity 44 Golem 87 On Changes in Jewish Liturgy 8 Darosh Darash Yosef 2 Journey Through Torah, A 14 On the Relationship of Dawn of Redemption, The 63 Journey to Heaven 36 Mitzvot Between Man and Deep in the Heart 42 Journey Together 71 his Neighbor and Man and Diaspora is Jewry’s Graveyard 42 Kaddish 21 his Maker 8 Dignity Beyond Death 36 Kaytek the Wizard 86 One Baby Step at a Time 24 Dove on a Barbed Wire 50 Kedushat Levi 60 Orthodoxy Awakens 47 Dybbuks and Jewish Women 82 Kosher Movies 11 Paradise 58 Encyclopedia of Jewish Law and Providence 68 Pardes Moshe 80 Values, The 11 Learning to Read Midrash 55 Passages 53 Equality Lost 26 Life’s Journey 74 Passover Haggadah 75 Every Day I Bless You 70 Lifetime Companion to the Path of Torah, The 55 Exodus and Emancipation 64 Laws of Jewish Family Pioneers of Religious Zionism: Expecting Miracles 24 Life, A 23 Rabbis Alkalai, Kalischer, Eyes to See 48 Lighting Up the Soul 46 Mohliver, Reines, Kook Family Rashi Book, The 67 Living in the Shadow of Death 71 and Maimon 41 Find It in the Talmud 10 Lone Soldiers 41 Poverty of Secularism, The 67 For the Love of Israel and the Lonely But Not Alone 3 Professors on the Parashah 57 Jewish People 39 Losing the Rat Race, Prophecies and Providence 20 Forgotten Land, A 49 Winning at Life 45 Quest for Authenticity, The 37 From Couscous to Kasha 46 Maimonides, Between Rabbi Haim David Halevy 33 94 www.UrimPublications.com Title Index

Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik 76 Shidduch Crisis, The 74 Torah Conversations with Rabbi Meir Kahane: His Life Shney Luchot Habrit 61 Nechama Leibowitz 56 and Thought 35 Siddur Nehalel Beshabbat 18 Torah Mysteries Illuminated 6 Rabbi Shlomo Carlebach 34 Silver from the Land of Israel 7 Torah of the Mothers 23 Rabbi Shlomo Goren 33 Small Acts of Kindness 45 Total Immersion 22 Rabbinic Authority 25 Song of Teshuvah 19 Touching the Harp Strings 73 Rabbinic Authority 2 25 Soul of Jewish Social Transforming the World 12 Rational Approach to Judaism Justice, The 12 Tur on the Torah 61 and Torah Commentary, A 65 Spirits Behind the Law, The 35 Tzror Hamor 62 Reading the Sacred Text 15 Stages of Spiritual Growth 30 Understanding Tzniut 26 Reasonable Doubts 44 Studies in the Weekly Parashah 56 Unwilling Survivor, The 51 Reclaiming Humanity 70 Studies on the Haggadah from Vanished Faces 50 Redeeming Relevance in the the Teachings of Nechama Visions of a Compassionate Book of Exodus 52 Leibowitz 77 World 45 Redeeming Relevance in the Tanakh, an Owner’s Manual 14 Waltzing With the Enemy 51 Book of Genesis 52 Tehillim 31 Who by Fire Who by Sword 69 Redeeming Relevance in the Tent of Avraham, The 39 Window to the Siddur, A 32 Book of Numbers 52 They Called Him Rebbe 35 Wisdom From All My Reflections of an Honest Things Overheard in the Teachers 73 Skeptic 66 Synagogue 32 Wisdom of the Jews, The 30 Rejoice in Your Festivals 20 Tiferet Yisrael: Translation World After This, A 50 Rereading Israel 40 and Commentary 6 You Come for One Reason But Saga of Nathan, The 83 Time to Speak, A 44 Stay for Another 42 91 איפה המפלצת שלי? Sages of the Talmud 10 To Play With Fire 69 אלכסנדר והיום האים ונורא וגרוע ולא Search Committee, The 85 To Study and To Teach 73 92 טוב בכלל Second Chances 63 To Unify a Nation 40 93 גרזן Serpent’s Skin, The 66 Torah Commentary by Rabbi 91 דרקון בארמון Seven Steps to Bachya ben Asher 62 90 הי, נמלה! Mentschhood” 72 Torah Commentary by“ 93 משחקת באש Seventh and the First, The 58 Samuel David Luzzatto 92 נעם מחפש זכרונות Shabbat Book, The 88 (Shadal) 60 90 שמות מוזרים Shabbat: The Right Way 27 Torah Commentary of Rabbi Shame Borne in Silence, The 13 Shlomo Carlebach, The 54

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National Jewish Book Awards

2013 (p. 21) 2014 (p. 12) 2014 (p. 8) Haberman ReReading Israel: The Spirit of the Matter ReReading i s R The s piritThe of the Matter

–David Horovitz, founding editor of the online newspaper The Times of Israel, previously editor-in-chief of The Jerusalem Post ael –Professor Gil Troy, McGill University, author of Why I Am a Zionist

–David J. Wolpe, author of Why Faith Matters and rabbi of Sinai Temple, Los Angeles ReReading isRael The spirit of the Matter Bonna devor a Haberman Urim 2012 (p. 40) 2010 (p. 7) 2009 (p. 34) 2005 (p. 63) 2005 (p. 36)

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