In this warm and informative book, the author brings his deft touch and great sensitivity to the foremost prayer of the day. Every phrase of Shemoneh Esrei is treated with selections from thousands of years of Jewish thought. It's a masterful blend of ideas, anecdotes, and inspiration.
A distinguished guide to Jewish prayer Why do Jews pray? What is the role of prayer in their lives as moral and ethical beings? From the simplest details of how to comport oneself on entering a synagogue to the most profound and moving comments on the prayers themselves, Rabbi Hayim Halevy Donin guides readers of To Pray as a Jew through the entire prescribed course of Jewish liturgy, passage by passage, ritual by ritual, in this handsome and indispensable guide to Jewish prayer. Unexcelled for beginners as well as the religiously observant, To Pray as a Jew is intended to show the way, to enlighten, and hopefully to inspire.
Hebrew University Professor Emeritus and Israel Prize recipient Eliezer Schweid (1929-2022) is widely regarded as one of the greatest historians of Jewish thought of our era. In Siddur Hatefillah, he probes the Jewish prayer book as a reflection of Judaism's unity and continuity as a unique spiritual entity; and as the most popular, most uttered, and internalized text of the Jewish people. Schweid explores texts which process religious philosophical teaching into the language of prayer, and/or express philosophical ideas in prayer’s special language – which the worshipper reflects upon in order to direct prayer, and through which flows hoped-for feedback. With the addition of historical, philological, and literary contexts, the study provides the reader with first-time access to the comprehensive meaning of Jewish prayer—filling a vacuum in both the experience and scholarship of Jewish worship.
This fact-filled volume explains 1050 Jewish customs, their reasons, and sources. Why do we make hand matzos round? Why do we eat dairy foods on Shavuos? Why do we stand with our feet together when we recite Shemoneh Esreh? These and hundreds of other practices are explained in this English edition of Otzar Ta'amei ha-Minhagim.
Applying the laws of Shabbath observance to the innovations of modern life can be daunting and confusing. In response to this challenge, the classic Shemirath Shabbath Kehilchathah was compiled by Rav Yehoshua Y. Neuwirth. The complete English edition covers all aspects of Shabbos observance, with hundreds of practical applications and halachic rulings. This essential edition places proper Sabbath observance within every Jew's grasp. 3-volume gift-boxed set. Sold as a set only. (Individual volumes not sold separately.)
Joe Bobker's easy-to-read, indispensable and educational tour de force of the complexities of the laws of Shabbas and the beauty of the lores of Shabbas!Did you ever wonder? Is long-life relative to Shabbas? What s the essence of Shabbas? How did Shabbas observance become the standard of Judaism itself? What s the difference between to remember and to observe? How is it possible to suddenly become holy just because it s Shabbas? Is Shabbas good for the Jews or are the Jews good for Shabbas? What does Shabbas have to do with God s DNA? Why candles? Why not start the Shabbas with cake or herring? Why do Jewish women get the mitzva of lighting Shabbas candles? What does Sheki a mean? Why does my mother cover her eyes when lighting Shabbas candles? I only have enough money to buy Shabbas candles or wine? Which one do I buy? What if I can t light candles on time? Can I make ice cream for the kids on Shabbas? Can I go to a baseball match on Shabbas if someone else carries my ticket for me? Can I go jogging on Shabbas? Can my children build lego sets on Shabbas? Can I pet my dog on Shabbas? Can I set a mouse trap on Shabbas? I was raised in the outback of Australia and we often came across rattlesnakes on Shabbos. What were we supposed to do? Have you seen the price of fish lately! It s more than a barrel of oil! Must I buy it for Shabbas? Can I make ice cubes on Shabbas? Can I open a beer bottle on Shabbas?...
A comprehensive review of practical halachic issues related to the weekly Torah portion. Presented in a thorough, decisive manner with classical and contemporary halachic opinions. From separating challah to the laws of yichud and the blessings made on various breakfast cereals, this work is an asset to every Jewish home. 2-volume gift-boxed set.