This book investigates the place and meaning of consumption in Jewish lives and the roles Jews played in different consumer cultures in modern Europe and North America. Drawing on innovative, original research into this new and challenging field, the volume brings Jewish studies and the history and theory of consumer culture into dialogue with each other. Its chapters explore Jewish businesspeople's development of niche commercial practices in several transnational contexts; the imagining, marketing, and realization of a Jewish national homeland in Palestine through consumer goods and strategies; associations between Jews, luxury, and gender in multiple contexts; and the political dimensions of consumer choice. Together the essays in this volume show how the study of consumption enriches our understanding of modern Jewish history and how a focus on consumer goods and practices illuminates the study of Jewish religious observance, ethnic identities, gender formations, and immigrant trajectories across the globe.

Across three centuries, AJYB has provided insight into major trends. Part I of the current volume contains two chapters on Jewish Americans in 2020 by the Pew Research Center, including reactions from 16 prominent social scientists. Subsequent chapters analyze the development of Holocaust consciousness in America, recent domestic and international events as they affect the American Jewish community, and the demography and geography of the US, Canada, and world Jewish populations. Part II provides lists of Jewish institutions, including federations, community centers, social service agencies, national organizations, camps, museums, and Israeli consulates. The final chapters present lists of Jewish periodicals and broadcast media, Jewish Studies programs, books, journals, articles, websites, research libraries, and academic conferences and lists of major events in the past year, Jewish honorees, and obituaries. This volume employs an accessible style, making it of interest to public officials, Jewish professional and lay leaders, as well as the general public and academic researchers. For more than 120 years the American Jewish Year Book has served as an indispensable resource for scholars, clergy, and lay leaders, providing crucial, detailed insights into demographic shifts and sociological trends in the North American Jewish community. The latest edition continues to fulfill these important needs with essential articles on the landmark Pew Report and the impact of the Holocaust in the American Jewish community and American in general. This is a must-have volume for any serious student of the contemporary Jewish world. Jeffrey Shoulson, Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, Professor of Literatures, Cultures, and Languages, and English, Director Emeritus Center for Judaic Studies and Contemporary Jewish Life, University of Connecticut The American Jewish Year Book is a critical snapshot of Jews and Jewish Studies in the United States in a particular year, and a valuable resource for scholars studying the changes in Jewish communities and Jewish Studies in the United States (and beyond!) over time. The AJYB highlights major publications and data that are consistently used in research, and its scholarly essays contextualize the information in an easily readable context. The lists of important institutions and organizations are invaluable for someone interested in the broader Jewish experience (or, at the most practical, a Jewish organization in their neighborhood!). Michelle Margolis Chesner, Norman E. Alexander Librarian for Jewish Studies, Columbia University

The first state-of-the-art, comprehensive resource to encompass the wide breadth of the rapidly growing field of Judaism and health.

"For Jews, religion and medicine (and science) are not inherently in conflict, even within the Torah-observant community, but rather can be friendly partners in the pursuit of wholesome ends, such as truth, healing and the advancement of humankind." from the Introduction

This authoritative volume part professional handbook, part scholarly resource and part source of practical information for laypeople melds the seemingly disparate elements of Judaism and health into a truly multidisciplinary collective, enhancing the work within each area and creating new possibilities for synergy across disciplines. It is ideal for medical and healthcare providers, rabbis, educators, academic scholars, healthcare researchers and caregivers, congregational leaders and laypeople with an interest in the most recent and most exciting developments in this new, important field."

Finding your soulmate and living happily together are at one and the same time one of life's greatest challenges and prospects. Together with its companion volume "The Mystery of Marriage," this book gives some of the deepest and particularly revealing insights into the nature of couplehood. This book approaches dating from the fresh perspective of a journey that both men and women enter in hope of uncovering their deepest creatives forces. With sensitivity to the essential differences between men and women, this book will help you appreciate the underlying motivations that move each to seek compansionship and matrimony. It also presents the first rigorous analysis of how the development of consciousness and the ability to make the right choices in life go hand-in-hand, stressing that your ability to appreciate the Divine nature of reality is a key factor in doing so. As such, the principles expounded can be applied to all areas of importance in life that involves difficult choices. Consciousness & Choice includes a detailed Kabbalistic study of the ancient courtship custom known as "the Dance of the Maindens." From this ancient ritual and its intricacies, Rabbi Ginsburgh uncovers the spiritual value of every motivating factor in searching for a spouse.

A challenge to each of us to take personal responsibility for repairing the world.

"We are taught that every one of us is created in the divine image. All of us can be holy through imitating God . So, you don t have to look around or look away. You don t have to wait for someone to come and do what you were put on this earth to do in the first place. Judaism empowers you, as one of God s anointed ones, to do more than you ever dreamed possible." from Chapter 1

The coming of the messiah is anticipated by millions of people of many faiths as the ultimate salve for our spiritual lives and as a way to finally make the world a better place.

"There Is No Messiah and You re It "examines the history of messianic hope and anticipation, its evolution in Judaism and Jewish history, and other interpretations of messiah that shed new light on what it means to usher in the kingdom of God. This fascinating book is our call to see ourselves as the fulfillment of, not the anticipators of, messianic change.

Drawing from the Bible, the Talmud, rabbinic sources, and modern-day scholars, Rabbi Robert Levine provides us with an accessible, fascinating understanding of messianic vision, as well as false messiahs throughout Jewish history. He challenges the powerful idea of messiah that has survived in the heart, soul, and ethos of the Jewish people, and reveals the immediacy of the messianic presence in our day in our own lives.

Compelling and controversial, "There Is No Messiah and You re It" inspires us to embody the noblest values of Jewish tradition prayer, study, "mitzvoth, " and" tzedakah" and embrace our own messianic potential to heal the world.

"The old must be made new, and the new must be made sacred." Rav Avraham Kook, first Chief Rabbi of Israel From the author of the best-selling Living Judaism, here is an introduction to Judaism that is easy to read and easy to use as a guide to embracing the spiritual practices that make everyday life sacred within the Jewish tradition. Rabbi Wayne Dosick deftly and sweetly shows us how to rediscover and renew authentic Jewish spiritual beliefs and practices prayer and meditation, rituals and observances, songs, stories and dance. This is a bold and visionary conception of Judaism's coming new age Soul Judaism characterized by a deep, personal, intimate relationship with God. Soul Judaism helps shape the Jewish world's dialogue with and practice of Jewish spirituality, Jewish renewal, and the Jewish future by taking each one of us on a journey to the place where God bathes our souls in love and brings wholeness and holiness to the very core of our beings. An easy-to-read introduction to Judaism, and a vision of Judaism's coming new age, Soul Judaism can help you add a rich spiritual dimension to your life. Rabbi Wayne Dosick s easy to use guide to making everyday life sacred can help you connect personally and intimately with the divine."

The quest for spirituality is universal, but with so many paths of spiritual nourishment to explore, how do we begin to find the one that is right for us?

Our tradition provides us with appropriate vehicles to express our spirituality within the framework of Judaism. Jewish sages, taking into account the need and makeup of the individual Jew, have been very generous in outlining for us various alternatives . As you become aware of your emotional and intellectual needs, and search for an appropriate path to meet them with integrity, you will soon realize that you have a preference for certain paths among the many. from Chapter 9

Rabbi Rifat Sonsino a self-proclaimed rationalist offers a candid, comprehensive discussion of the major paths to spirituality within the framework of Judaism, and the differing way each path can help us on our quest to nourish the soul and enlighten the mind.

Acts of transcendence, prayer, meditation, study, ritual, relationship and good deeds which is the best path for you? How can you follow it?

The most controversial prayer of the Jewish New Year what it means, who wrote it, why we say it.

Explore the profound, perplexing and persuasive power of Un'taneh Tokef, one of the most beloved, prominent and controversial pieces in the Ashkenazi High Holy Day liturgy. Interact with thought-provoking and inspiring discussions on all aspects of this prayer that defies easy understanding its moral challenge, fatalistic theology, proclamation of God's holiness, call to human responsibility and prescription for redemption.

Commentaries from over forty men and women, scholars and rabbis, artists and poets from all major Jewish denominations examine Un taneh Tokef from the viewpoints of the ancient Rabbis and modern theologians, as well as halakhic, Talmudic, linguistic, biblical, mystical, feminist, community and personal perspectives."

Being Jewish. What does it mean today and for the future? Listen in as Jews of all backgrounds reflect, argue, and imagine.

When "Wall Street Journal" reporter Daniel Pearl was brutally murdered in Pakistan, many Jews were particularly touched by his last words affirming his Jewish identity. Many were moved to reflect on or analyze their feelings toward their lives as Jews.

The saying two Jews, three opinions well reflects the Jewish community s broad range of views on any topic. "I Am Jewish" captures this richness of interpretation and inspires Jewish people of all backgrounds to reflect upon and take pride in their identity.

Contributions, ranging from major essays to a paragraph or a sentence, come from adults as well as young people in the form of personal feelings, statements of theology, life stories, and historical reflections. Despite the diversity, common denominators shine through clearly and distinctly.

Who am I? How do I feel about myself? Do I seem cool? Do I fit in?

"At a bar mitzvah people talk about becoming a man in the Jewish religion, but what is that supposed to mean? For sure it means you are no longer a child, but you are also not yet an adult. Fortunately, there's no one official definition of manhood, just as there is no one official way of being Jewish. That s where this book comes in." from the Preface

Courage, friends, stress, sex, God, identity these are some of the things that concern teen guys. This book addresses those concerns without preaching, judgment or criticism to help you figure out what becoming a Jewish man means to you.

It presents surprising facts, interesting stories, ideas and actions taken by Jewish men today and all the way back to biblical times to show how they answered the same kinds of questions you re asking yourself. It challenges stereotypes and myths, and offers different opinions, not only from old guys but from dozens of teenage Jewish guys just like you.

Like the Talmud, The JGuy s Guide offers many perspectives and reflection questions to help you find your own truths."

With diverse and robust voices, women are reclaiming their place at the seder table. This complete sourcebook and guide shows you how to do it, too. For the first time, contemporary Jewish women's writings on the Passover seder are gathered in one comprehensive and compelling sourcebook an unprecedented and powerful resource for those planning a women s seder and those seeking to infuse their Passover celebration with the creative and courageous voices of Jewish women. Arranged according to the order of the seder, this practical guide gathers the voices of more than one hundred women in readings, personal and creative reflections, commentaries, blessings and ritual suggestions that can be incorporated into your Passover celebration as supplements to or substitutes for traditional passages of the haggadah. It also includes a detailed guide to planning a women s seder, based on information from successful seder organizers around the world. Whether you are organizing a women s seder in your community or planning a family seder in your home, this inspiring and accessible resource will help you take an active role in re-creating the educational and spiritual experience of Passover and in shaping Judaism s future. Contributors include: Dr. Rachel Adler Dr. Rebecca T. Alpert Rabbi Renni S. Altman Zoe Baird Dr. Evelyn Torton Beck Susan Berrin Senator Barbara Boxer Dr. Esther Broner Rabbi Nina Beth Cardin Tamara Cohen Anita Diamant Dr. Carol Diament Rabbi Sue Levi Elwell, PhD Eve Ensler Dr. Marcia Falk Merle Feld Rabbi Susan P. Fendrick Rabbi Tirzah Firestone Dr. Ellen Frankel Nan Fink Gefen Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg Rabbi Lynn Gottlieb Dr. Susannah Heschel Rabbi Karyn D. Kedar Rabbi Naamah Kelman Naomi Klein Irena Klepfisz Maxine Kumin Rabbi Noa Rachel Kushner Rabbi Joy Levitt Hadassah Lieberman Ruth W. Messinger Dr. Faye Moskowitz Joan Nathan Dr. Alicia Suskin Ostriker Dr. Judith Plaskow Marge Piercy Dr. Rachel Naomi Remen Anne Roiphe Danya Ruttenberg Rabbi Sandy Eisenberg Sasso The Honorable Jan Schakowsky Rabbi Susan Schnur Rabbi Susan Silverman Dr. Ellen M. Umansky Rabbi Sheila Peltz Weinberg Dr. Chava Weissler Cantor Lorel Zar-Kessler"

Rabbis Sherwin and Cohen bring the genre of Jewish ethical literature from its origins in the ancient and medieval worlds straight into twenty-first-century lives, highlighting a wide variety of classic texts. This manual for living, with teachings from rabbis across the ages, invites readers to explore how to deal with ego, be wise, die, behave sexually, believe in God, study the Torah, treat their parents, be a parent, speak about one another and more.

Unlock the powerful truths that shattered ancient beliefs and paved the way for the new and revolutionary religion that became Judaism.

This is a unique look at the Torah the foundation of Jewish existence and the revolutionary teachings of Moses embedded within it that gave birth to Judaism and influenced the world.

Dr. Reuven Hammer presents fourteen radical ideas found in Torah, explains their original intentions, and shows how understanding these "truths" can help you better understand the narrative and laws of Judaism. He shows how when taken together, these value concepts present a picture of human life that is surprisingly modern and relevant to our goals for repairing the world today:

Humanity is one as God is one

Human beings are responsible for their actions and have the choice to do good or evil

Poverty, deprivation, slavery and hatred are evils that must be eradicated

The earth is not ours to destroy

The love of others is a divine command

And much more ..."

A powerful and challenging examination of what Jews believe today by a new generation's dynamic and innovative thinkers.

At every critical juncture in Jewish history, Jews have understood a dynamic theology to be essential for a vital Jewish community. This important collection sets the next stage of Jewish theological thought, bringing together a cross section of interesting new voices from all movements in Judaism to inspire and stimulate discussion now and in the years to come.

Provocative and wide-ranging, these invigorating and creative insights from a new generation s thought leaders provide a coherent and inspiring picture of Jewish belief in our time.

"

Fulfill the reality that the glory of God is the human fully alive.

"Reverend Vennard is fearlessly awake to the wild dance of life. Rather than sleeping through life, she awakens to it. Rather than escaping from reality, she embraces it. Rather than distracting herself with a life to come, she dares to live the life that is. And she wants you to do all this as well. Read this book. Live this book. Wake up."

from the Foreword

In a culture enthralled with technology, striving and speed, people of many faith traditions and no faith tradition long to slow down, pay attention and wake up to the present moment. They want help in realizing their hope that they can become more truly alive.

This engaging and highly readable book offers you guidance for the journey. Sharing stories from her personal life as a spiritual seeker and from her professional career as a retreat leader, spiritual director and teacher, Reverend Jane Vennard illustrates the joys and frustrations of spiritual practice, offers insights from various religious traditions, and provides step-by-step exercises and meditations to practice:

Caring for the body Rest Silence Solitude Letting goCommunity Hospitality Service Living gratefully"

Flashes of insight surprising, entertaining, inspiring from one of the most creative spiritual thinkers in America.

"The goal of all spiritual life is to get your ego out of the way outwit the sucker; dissolve it; shoot it; kill it. Silence the incessant planning, organizing, running, manipulating, possessing, and processing that are the ineluctable redoubts of the ego. Not because these activities are bad or wrong or even narcissistic but because they preclude awareness of the Divine. To paraphrase the Talmud, God says, 'There ain't room enough in this here world for your ego and Me. You pick. " from the Introduction

Tapping the experiences and wisdom of his career as a spiritual leader, Lawrence Kushner delights, surprises, challenges and inspires us. With his signature candor, wit and compassion, he helps us reconnect with the why and how of our spiritual lives. He encourages us to find new perspectives on the life-stuff that shapes them, and gently reminds us of the Source of it All.

These inspiring often startling insights will warm you during the dark times of your own doubts even as they brighten your quest for meaning, faith, identity, community and holiness."

What is God like? Mixing sparks of curiosity and spiritual imagination this wondrous book lights children's creativity and shows how God is with us every day, in every way. In this, their first collaborative book, husband-and-wife team Lawrence and Karen Kushner combine their expertise to help introduce children to the possibilities of spiritual life. Real-life examples of happiness and sadness--from goodnight stories, to the hope and fear felt the first time at bat, to the closing moments of someone's life-invite parents and children to explore, together, the questions we all have about God, no matter what our age. Three poetic spiritual stories will delight children of all ages:
- "Where Is God?"
- "What Does God Look Like?"
- "How Does God Make Things Happen?"

How can the struggles of a great biblical figure help you
to improve your life today?

To help us cope with the burdens of our own Egypts, author Levi Meier brings to life the struggles, failures, and triumphs that reveal the human side of Moses, a central figure in Jewish, Christian and Islamic traditions. Engaging, empowering and insightful, "Moses The Prince, the Prophet "shows how personal struggle and perseverance create a foundation for liberation and change while teaching us about ourselves our role in life, our struggles and our relationship with God.

More than a biography, "Moses The Prince, the Prophet "is a personal guide to growth for each of us. It explores a life intertwined with the story of a people from the Israelite Exodus from Egypt and the birth of a new nation, to the Divine revelation at Mount Sinai.

Author Levi Meier chaplain, clinical psychologist, and rabbi knows how people struggle for healing and meaning in their lives. He brings the drama of these events from biblical history into today to show the very human side of Moses a person who, like ourselves, experienced self-doubt, fear, suffering, failure and success.

Through examining Moses s experiences and the common threads they share with ours, we are taught lessons for our lives. Drawing on the stories in the Book of Exodus, "midrash" (finding contemporary meaning from ancient Jewish texts), the teachings of Jewish mystics, modern texts and psychotherapy, Meier offers new ways to create our own path to self-knowledge, self-fulfillment and self-actualization and face life s difficulties head-on.

Unlock the powerful truths that shattered ancient beliefs and paved the way for the new and revolutionary religion that became Judaism.

This is a unique look at the Torah the foundation of Jewish existence and the revolutionary teachings of Moses embedded within it that gave birth to Judaism and influenced the world.

Dr. Reuven Hammer presents fourteen radical ideas found in Torah, explains their original intentions, and shows how understanding these "truths" can help you better understand the narrative and laws of Judaism. He shows how when taken together, these value concepts present a picture of human life that is surprisingly modern and relevant to our goals for repairing the world today:

Humanity is one as God is one

Human beings are responsible for their actions and have the choice to do good or evil

Poverty, deprivation, slavery and hatred are evils that must be eradicated

The earth is not ours to destroy

The love of others is a divine command

And much more ..."

You spend one-third of your life sleeping. Is spirituality a part of that time?
This book shows you how it can be.

This inspiring, informative guide shows us how we can use the often overlooked time at the end of each day to enhance our spiritual, physical and psychological well-being.

Each chapter takes a new look at traditional Jewish prayers and what they have to teach us about the spiritual aspects of preparing for the end of the day, and about sleep itself. Drawing on Kabbalistic teachings, prayer, the Bible and midrash, the authors enrich our understanding of traditional bedtime preparations, and show how, by including them in our bedtime rituals, we can gain insight into our lives and access the spiritual enrichment the world of dreams has to offer.

Clear illustrations and diagrams, step-by-step meditations, visualization techniques and exercise suggestions for fully integrating body, mind and spirit show us the way to: "Hashkivenu" Creating a safe space for sleep "Hareni Mochel" Clearing our hearts through forgiveness "Shema" Connecting to God in Love "Bircat Cohanim" Experiencing the reality of blessing "Hamapil" Thanking God for sleep and the illumination that comes in sleeps

This perfect nighttime companion draws on the power of Jewish tradition to help us enhance our spiritual awareness in both our waking and sleeping hours.

This work is not addressed only to scholars of Judaism or theologians, but also, and primarily, to all Jews and non-Jews who would like to share the thoughts and struggles of a person who loves Torah and Halakhah, who is committed to helping make room for and celebrate the religious and cultural diversity present in the modern world, and who believes that a commitment to Israel and to Jewish particularity must be organically connected to the rabbinic teaching, Beloved are all human beings created in the image of God. from the Introduction

With clarity, passion, and outstanding scholarship, David Hartman addresses the spiritual and theological questions that face all Jews and all people today. From the perspective of traditional Judaism, he helps us understand the varieties of twentieth-century Jewish practice and shows that commitment to both Jewish tradition and to pluralism can create bridges of understanding between people of different religious convictions.

A powerful and empowering gathering of women s voices transmitting
Judaism s Passover legacy to the next generation.

"The Women s Passover Companion" offers an in-depth examination of women s relationships to Passover as well as the roots and meanings of women s seders. This groundbreaking collection captures the voices of Jewish women rabbis, scholars, activists, political leaders and artists who engage in a provocative conversation about the themes of the Exodus and exile, oppression and liberation, history and memory, as they relate to contemporary women s lives.

Whether seeking new insights into the text and traditions of Passover or learning about women s seders for the first time, both women and men will find this collection an inspiring introduction to the Passover season and an eye-opening exploration of questions central to Jewish women, to Passover and to Judaism itself.