This is the book that American Jews and particularly American Reform Jews have been waiting for: a clear and informed call for further reform in the Reform movement.

In light of profound demographic, social, and technological developments, it has become increasingly clear that the Reform movement will need to make major changes to meet the needs of a quickly evolving American Jewish population. Younger Americans in particular differ from previous generations in how they relate to organized religion, often preferring to network through virtual groups or gather in informal settings of their own choosing.

Dana Evan Kaplan, an American Reform Jew and pulpit rabbi, argues that rather than focusing on the importance of loyalty to community, Reform Judaism must determine how to engage the individual in a search for existential meaning. It should move us toward a critical scholarly understanding of the Hebrew Bible, that we may emerge with the perspectives required by a postmodern world. Such a Reform Judaism can at once help us understand how the ancient world molded our most cherished religious traditions and guide us in addressing the increasingly complex social problems of our day.

n this sequel to the bestselling "Meditations on the Signs of the Zodiac," Beredene Jocelyn sheds valuable new light on the cosmic meaning of existence by charting life's passages in concert with planetary laws. With compassion, authority, and a deep knowledge of spiritual science, the author explores in clear detail such subjects as life's year-by-year unfolding through the stages of child development and adult life, as well as thanatology (the science of death and dying) and the process of passing through the journey from death to rebirth. Beredene Jocelyn presents a far-reaching, holistic perspective on the place of human beings in the universal order-a major effort that recalls the immense achievement in the spiritual research of Rudolf Steiner. "Citizens of the Cosmos" meets the growing urgent need for spiritual wisdom and individual responsibility. It will appeal not only to general readers, regardless of occupation or life status, but will be especially relevant for all those interested in spiritual values and our human place in the cosmos.

Rick Jacobs and his wife, Susie, were enjoying the perfect life: happily married for more than twenty years, four healthy children, a successful family business, and a seemingly bright and happy future. In late summer of 2001, their idyllic world was shattered when Susie fell victim to a massive heart attack at the young age of thirty-nine. Though she survived, Susie suffered brain damage that left her forever disabled and unable to care for herself or her family. Rick's sudden role of caregiver to his wife and, essentially, single parent to his children challenged him beyond anything he had ever known. Adding to his ever-increasing stress was the ordeal of filing for bankruptcy and the loss of their cherished family business and weekend cabin retreat. Finding strength from within, his family, a special friend, and, especially, from God, Rick persevered. Slowly, he was able to move on, put the past behind him, and once again experience joy in his life. "Life Has Begun," the sequel to "Let Life Begin," details the remarkable journey of Rick and his family as they move beyond tragedy to healing through love, tears, and prayer.