Jewish Lights Spring 2012 Trade Catalog

For PeopleoF All Faiths,

All Backgroundsfrom Text Messages: A Torah Commentary for Teens (p. 5)

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Also AvAilAble

Religion / Religion & Science6 x 9, 250 pp (est), Hardcover978-1-58023-508-2 $24.99Available February 2012Author’s Home Area: Dallas / Fort Worth

Rabbi Ralph D. Mecklenburger speaks nationally on topics related to Judaism, Jewish life and Jewish-Christian dialogue. He is rabbi at Beth-El Congregation in Fort Worth, Texas, an adjunct faculty member at Brite Divinity School, Texas Christian University, and has served as the Jewish co-chair of the Texas Conference of Churches’ Jewish-Christian Forum.

Rabbi Neil Gillman, PhD, professor emeritus of Jewish thought at The Jewish Theological Seminary of America, is author of Doing Jewish Theology: God, Torah and Israel in Modern Judaism and many other award-winning books.

For more about these books, visit www.jewishlights.com

our religious brAinsWhat Cognitive Science Reveals about Belief, Morality, Community and Our Relationship with GodBy Rabbi Ralph D. MecklenburgerForeword by Rabbi Neil Gillman, PhD

The first accessible examination of the implications of cognitive studies for

theology—intended especially for lay people.In the last several decades, scientific research on the way the brain functions has revolutionized more than clinical psychology and medicine. Our brains do not simply process information. They create what each of us knows as reality and how we construe its meaning. This has dramatic implications not only for psychol-ogy, but for virtually every field, including religion.

This groundbreaking, accessible book examines the implications of cognitive study for theology. It reviews current theory on how our brains construct our world in order to guide us safely through life, creating and appreciating meaning as we go. It explores what religious experience is as it plays out in our brains and how modern science challenges historic ideas about free will and undermines the religious concept of the soul as a metaphysical entity separable from the body. Finally, it examines what cognitive science reveals about community and asks why we should be loyal to one faith if, in fact, all major religious traditions deal effectively with universal human needs.

Avoiding neurological jargon and respectful to all faiths, this is the first comprehensive look at the in-sights and challenges of cognitive studies for religion.

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Science & Religion—New Books

By Rabbi David W. NelsonIncludes Discussion Guide6 x 9, 352 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-306-4 $18.99Hardcover, 978-1-58023-252-4 $24.99

By Dr. Daniel C. Matt6 x 9, 216 pp, Quality PB978-1-879045-89-7 $16.99

Edited by Rabbi Elliot J. Cosgrove, PhDForeword by Rabbi David J.Wolpe Preface by Rabbi Carole B. Balin, PhD6 x 9, 240 pp, Hardcover 978-1-58023-413-9 $24.99

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2 JewIsH LIGHTs PuBLIsHInG To Order: 800-962-4544

The secreT of sAcred relATionshipsUnlocking the Hidden Teachings of the Bible’s Wisdom Writings

Also AvAilAble

New Books—Personal Growth / Bible

Religion / Spirituality6 x 9, 180 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-58023-493-1 $18.99Available March 2012Author’s Home Area: Los Angeles

Rabbi Michael Barclay is a noted media personality, a regular contributor to The Jewish Journal and the Forward, and a founder of RabbiKnowsBest.com. He is rabbi of the New Shul of Conejo, California. Formerly, he taught for many years at the Department of Theological Studies, and was Hillel director and campus rabbi at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles.

By Rabbi Michael Barclay

A landmark approach to the lively theology and spiritual self-help in the

wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible.The Writings (Ketuvim), the third section of the Hebrew Bible, contains some of the most beloved and challenging biblical scripture: Psalms, Proverbs, Job, Song of Songs, Ecclesiastes and more. Familiar to both Christians and Jews, they convey praise and wisdom, pain and suffering, and the entire gamut of human emotion. But what if there’s more? What if there are hidden teachings within these ancient texts especially applicable to twenty-first-century men and women?

This fascinating exploration into the Hebrew “wisdom writings” unlocks the practical and use-ful ways that Writings can be applied to our modern lives by showing us how to experience God in and through all of our relationships. It opens up the hid-den meanings within these biblical books that can help us identify God in a variety of circumstances—as mentor and mentee, Elder and youth, parent and child, in the midst of suffering, within community and even when God seems not to be there. It provides tools and techniques for using these ancient teachings in deeper, more meaningful and personal ways.

Thought-provoking and useful for lay people, clergy, academics and students—in personal study and in group discussion—this journey through Writings can help us create more meaningful relationships through God, and by doing so, reap the results.

Translation and Annotation by Rabbi Rami ShapiroForeword by Rev. Barbara Cawthorne Crafton5½ x 8½, 160 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-59473-287-4 $16.99

Translation and Annotation by Rabbi Rami Shapiro5½ x 8½, 192 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-59473-207-2 $16.99

By Rabbi David LyonIncludes Discussion Guide6 x 9, 176 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-452-8 $16.99

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RECENTLY PUBLISHED

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Religion / Jewish Life6 x 9, 175 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-58023-492-4 $16.99Available March 2012Author’s Home Area: New York City

Dr. Misha Galperin, a frequent speaker around the U.S. on Jewish identity and com-munity, is CEO and president of Jewish Agency International Development. He is co-author of The Case for Jewish Peoplehood: Can we Be One?


reimAgining leAdership in Jewish orgAnizATionsTen Practical Lessons to Help You Implement Change and Achieve Your GoalsBy Dr. Misha Galperin

Practical and inspiring guidance for leading with more conviction, commitment and passion in a complex institutional world.

For over one hundred years, the American Jewish community has built a remarkable network of insti-tutions to help manage fundraising, education and social welfare initiatives. Virtually every one of these organizations is currently preoccupied with issues of leadership from succession planning to board devel-opment to conflict management. This urgent need for leadership guidance is occurring at the same time organizational life has come under question, with young leaders often claiming that established Jewish organizations are afraid of innovation and change.

In this charged atmosphere, this book serves as a practical guidepost for lay and professional leaders to evaluate the current paradigm with insights from the world of business, psychology and research in Jewish demographics and sociology. Accessible and finely focused, it is supported by vignettes from the field that illustrate the successes of the lessons as well as the consequences of not implementing them.

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Leadership / Management—New Books

By Rabbi Charles SimonForeword by Shelley LindauerPreface by Dr. Ron Wolfson6 x 9, 192 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-408-5 $16.99

By Dr. Erica Brown6 x 9, 256 pp, Hardcover 978-1-58023-361-3 $27.99

By Dr. Erica Brown and Dr. Misha GalperinForeword by Rabbi Joseph Telushkin6 x 9, 224 pp, Hardcover978-1-58023-401-6 $21.99

Praise for Dr. Misha Galperin’s Work“Thought-provoking…. Appropriate for individual reflection, group discussion, and community development or leadership exercises. Recommended for community, synagogue, and academic libraries.”

—Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter

“Provocative…. Illuminates understanding of today’s Jewish world.”

—Jewish News of Greater Phoenix


be like god: God’s To-Do List for Kids

Also AvAilAble

New Books—Children’s / Inspiration

By Dr. Ron Wolfson

An inspirational guide for kids ages eight to twelve to be God’s partner on earth.

Finally, a book for kids ages eight through twelve that inspires a personal relationship with God. With good humor and clear examples, Dr. Ron Wolfson explains the biblical idea that every human being is made “in the image of God,” and that people of any age have the potential to imitate God in order to bring God’s presence into the world. Jewish tradition calls this “re-pairing the world.”

It’s easy to become God’s partner on earth: figure out what God does in the Bible, and then you do it! God creates, rests, blesses, calls, comforts, cares, repairs, gives and forgives. For each of God’s characteristics, Wolfson offers stories and suggestions for what might be on God’s to-do list for kids—the many ways they can make a difference in the lives of others and find meaning and purpose for their own.

This book will encourage kids to use their God-given “super powers” to be creative, to turn off the computer and rest, to be a blessing to parents and friends, to do

good deeds, to comfort those who are sick, to repair a little corner of the world, to give of themselves, and to forgive those who “mess up.”

A great gift from parents and grandparents who are eager for their kids to connect with spirituality, the Bible, and God. A wonderful resource for religious school class-rooms of all faiths.

By Dr. Ron Wolfson6 x 9, 144 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-301-9 $16.99

By Steve Sheinkin6 x 9, 144 pp, Quality PB OriginalFull-color illus.978-1-58023-310-1 $16.99A PJ Library Selection

By Steve Sheinkin6 x 9, 144 pp, Quality PB OriginalFull-color illus.978-1-58023-422-1 $16.99

Also Available:The Adventures of Rabbi Harvey Teacher’s GuideBy Steve Sheinkin with Ariella Tievsky8½ x 11, 32 pp, PB 978-1-58023-326-2 $8.99Tr

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Praise for Dr. Ron Wolfson’s Work“Details ways to help make the world a better place…. written simply and powerfully.” —Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter

“Deceptively simple ... reveals a remarkable depth of Jewish thought.... suggest[s] a host of ways to bring God’s presence into our lives.”

—Jewish News of Greater Phoenix Online

Children’s / Religion6 x 9, 150 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-58023-510-5 $15.99Available March 2012Author’s Home Area: Los Angeles

Dr. Ron Wolfson is author of God’s To-Do List: 103 ways to Be an Angel and Do God’s work on earth; The seven Ques-tions You’re Asked in Heaven; The Art of Jewish Living series; The spirituality of welcoming: How to Transform Your Con-gregation into a sacred Community; and co-author of what You will see Inside a synagogue (for ages 6 and up). A dynamic speaker and teacher, he is Fingerhut Profes-sor of Education at the American Jewish Uni-versity and a co-founder of Synagogue 3000.

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AGES8–12

Also AvAilAble

Religion / Judaism / Bible Study6 x 9, 304 pp (est), Hardcover978-1-58023-507-5 $24.99Available April 2012Editor’s Home Area: Atlanta

Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin, recognized as one of the most thoughtful Jewish writers and teachers of his generation, is editor of The Modern Men’s Torah Commentary: new Insights from Jewish Men on the 54 weekly Torah Por-tions, and the best-selling author of Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah; For Kids—Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the spiritual Meaning of Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah; and other books.


TexT messAgesA Torah Commentary for TeensEdited by Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin

An indispensable resource for everyone who cares about the Jewish future.

Young people like to be included in the struggle for meaning, for the right questions to ask and the search for tentative answers. This is the book that has been missing from the ever-expanding bookshelf of Torah commentaries—a collection of messages on each To-rah portion, aimed specifically for teens. It shows them how each Torah portion contains worlds of meaning for them, for what they are going through in their lives, and how they can shape their Jewish identity as they enter adulthood.

This groundbreaking spiritual resource is truly transdenominational—including the insights of Jews who identify as Reform, Conservative, Orthodox, Reconstructionist, Renewal, post-denominational and “just Jewish.” They are rabbis, cantors, educators, au-thors and cultural personalities.

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Judaism / Bar & Bat Mitzvah—New Books

By Rabbi Edward Feinstein6 x 9, 160 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-454-2 $15.99Also Available: Teacher’s Guide978-1-58023-187-9 $8.95

By Penina Adelman, Ali Feldman and Shulamit Reinharz

6 x 9, 240 ppQuality PB Original 978-1-58023-215-9 $14.99

By Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin6 x 9, 144 ppQuality PB Original 978-1-58023-308-8 $15.99

BEST-SELLER

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NEW EDITION

Praise for Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin’s Work

“In a gentle style…. shares both practical and spiritual suggestions for bringing God and significance back to each stage of the bar or bat mitzvah.”

—American Library Association’s Booklist

“Refreshingly relevant…. A fascinating new volume of thoughts on the parasha.”

—Jewish Book World

“Most certainly will give a lot of pleasure to the interested reader.”



These Are The words, 2nd ed.— revised And expAndedA Vocabulary of Jewish Spiritual Life

Also AvAilAble

New Books—Spirituality / Jewish Life

By Rabbi Arthur Green, PhD6 x 9, 304 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-130-5 $19.95

By Rabbi Joseph B. MeszlerForeword by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein6 x 9, 176 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-400-9 $16.99

By Rabbi Elie KaunferForeword by Prof. Jonathan D. Sarna6 x 9, 224 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-412-2 $18.99

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Judaism / Spirituality6 x 9, 320 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-58023-494-8 $19.99 Available February 2012Author’s Home Area: Boston

Rabbi Arthur Green, PhD, recognized as one of the world’s preeminent authorities on Jewish thought and spirituality, is rector of the Rabbinical School and Irving Brudnick Professor of Philosophy and Religion at Hebrew College. He is the author many books, including ehyeh: A Kabbalah for Tomorrow and seek My Face: A Jewish Mystical Theology. His most recent book is Radical Judaism (Yale UP).

By Rabbi Arthur Green, PhD

The most essential ideas, concepts and terms of Jewish life explained by one of

Judaism’s greatest scholars of spirituality.Judaism itself is a language, a group’s way of express-ing beliefs, longings, aspirations and dreams. The vo-cabulary of Jewish life is the framework that Jews use to hand their past to their children. It is also the vo-cabulary that people of other faiths need to know to understand Judaism and Jewish life.

In this revised, expanded, highly readable, enlight-ening and entertaining new edition of “the ultimate Jewish primer,” one of the greatest teachers of our time takes readers on a historical and spiritual jour-ney through Judaism. Dr. Arthur Green explains the meaning, history and origin of over 150 core Hebrew words that are shared and understood throughout the Jewish world. This new edition includes terms previ-ously unexplored.

With humor, insight and relevance, he lays out the basic vocabulary of Jewish communal and religious identity and shows why it is important for people to know and use these words in Hebrew.

Praise for Rabbi Arthur Green’s Work“This provocative work can be appreciated by the lay reader as well as the expert, and by Jews and non-Jews alike.”


“Offers a deep and meaningful exploration of ideas and concepts.... Promotes a greater sense of Jewish literacy as it is accessible regardless of one’s Jewish knowledge.”

—Jewish Book World

Also AvAilAble

Judaism / Theology6 x 9, 350 pp (est), Hardcover978-1-58023-515-0 $35.00Available March 2012Author’s Home Area: Israel

Praise for Dr. David Hartman’s Work

“Insightful and thought-provoking.… Passionate, intelligent and honest … equipped to open an important and meaningful dialogue.”

—Publishers Weekly


from defender To criTicThe Search for a New Jewish SelfBy Dr. David Hartman

How the world’s leading modern Orthodox theologian’s struggles with

halakhic spirituality reshaped and renewed his foundation of faith.

This is an extraordinary look into David Hartman’s spiritual quest to reframe the traditional halakhic sys-tem of formalism and authority into one with a greater emphasis on the individual and his or her subjective, experiential role in creating meaningful Judaism.

It traces his painful spiritual evolution from de-fender of the rule-based system of Jewish law shaped by his teacher Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik to a revo-lutionary proponent of a theology of empowerment, one that encourages individuals and communities to take greater levels of responsibility for their religious lives. It shows how his goals were not to strip hal-akha—or the past—of its authority but to create a space for questioning and critique that allows for the traditionally religious Jew to act out a moral life in tune with modern experience.

In achieving this synthesis of tradition with the sensibilities of contemporary Jewry, Hartman captures precisely what creates vitality in living Judaism and charts the path to nurture its vitality forever.

Dr. David Hartman, one of the most respected theologians in the world today, is founder and president emeritus of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem. He is author of many widely- acclaimed books, including The God who Hates Lies: Confront-ing and Rethinking Jewish Tradition; A Living Covenant: The Innovative spirit in Traditional Judaism, winner of the National Jewish Book Award, and A Heart of Many Rooms: Celebrating the Many Voices within Judaism, a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award.

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Judaism / Theology / Philosophy—New Books

By Dr. David Hartman with Charlie Buckholtz6 x 9, 208 pp, Hardcover978-1-58023-455-9 $24.99Also Available: Study Guide8½ x 11, 14 pp, PB, 978-1-58023-470-2 $8.99

By Dr. David Hartman6 x 9, 352 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-156-5 $19.95Finalist, National Jewish Book Award

By Rabbi Jamie S. Korngold Foreword by Rabbi Harold M. Schulweis6 x 9, 176 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-443-6 $15.99

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The Shema in The mezuzAhListening to Each Other

Also AvAilAble: endorsed by proTesTAnT, cATholic, Jewish & buddhisT religious leAders

New Books—Children’s

Children’s / Religion / Judaism9 x 12, 32 pp, HardcoverFull-color illustrations978-1-58023-506-8 $18.99Available May 2012Author’s Home Area: Indianapolis

Sandy Eisenberg Sasso is author of the award-winning, best-selling God’s Paintbrush (over 100,000 sold), In God’s name (over 80,000 sold), For Heaven’s sake, Cain & Abel and other books. She is active in the interfaith community and has written and lectured on the renewal of spirituality and the discovery of religious imagination in children of all faiths. She is rabbi of Congregation Beth-El Zedeck in Indianapolis.

Joani Keller Rothenberg is illustrator of Sasso’s Cain & Abel: Finding the Fruits of Peace. She holds an M.A. in art therapy and works extensively with children as an art therapist.

By Rabbi Lawrence Kushner and Karen Kushner Full-color illus. by Dawn W. Majewski11 x 8½, 32 pp, Hardcover 978-1-59473-092-6 $17.99Also Available: Because Nothing Looks Like God Teacher’s Guide

8½ x 11, 24 pp, PB 978-1-58023-140-4 $6.95

By Sandy Eisenberg Sasso Full-color illus. by Phoebe Stone9 x 12, 32 pp, Hardcover, Full-color illus.978-1-879045-26-2 $16.99Also Available in Spanish! El nombre de Dios9 x 12, 32 pp, Hardcover, Full-color illus. 978-1-893361-63-8 $16.95

By Rabbi Lawrence Kushner and Gary SchmidtFull-color illus. by Matthew J. Baek9 x 12, 32 pp, Hardcover Full-color illus.978-1-58023-224-1 $16.99

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By Sandy Eisenberg SassoFull-color Illus. by Joani Keller Rothenberg

In a divided world where the one who shouts the loudest often gets the most attention, a story about compromise and listening.

The townspeople have mezuzahs but cannot agree on how to put them up on their doorways. Should they place them horizontally or vertically, standing up or lying down? To end their arguing, they consult the wise rabbi of the town, who advises them to carefully read the Shema in the mezuzah to find the answer.

This lively tale, based on a twelfth-century rabbinic debate, introduces children ages 3 to 6 to the words of the Shema, the Jewish people’s affirmation of faith, and the custom of putting up the mezuzah. A spirited disagreement over how to affix the mezuzah results in compromise and harmony when the townspeople learn to truly listen to one another.

Best-selling, award-winning children’s author Sandy Eisenberg Sasso helps young people discover that there is often more than one solution to a problem, and that living together and creating “home” requires cooperation and listening to one another.

Praise for Sandy Eisenberg Sasso’s Work“An excellent way to honor the imaginative breadth and depth of the spiritual life of the young.”

—Dr. Robert Coles, Harvard university

AGES3–6

Best-selling author!

Over 300,000 books sold!

Also AvAilAble

Children’s / Religion / Judaism9 x 12, 32 pp, Hardcover Full-color illustrations978-1-58023-509-9 $18.99Available May 2012Authors’ Home Areas: Boston and Washington, DC

Liz Suneby and Diane Heiman are co-authors of The Mitzvah Project Book: Making Mitzvah Part of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah … and Your Life and the Children’s Choice Award winner see what You Can Be: explore Careers That Could Be for You!

Laurel Molk is the author and illustrator of sev-eral children’s books including The Mitzvah Project Book, Off we Go! and when You were Just a Heartbeat.


iT’s A … iT’s A … iT’s A miTzvAh

By Liz Suneby and Diane HeimanFull-color Illus. by Laurel Molk

A fun-filled introduction to the joys of doing mitzvot.

This lively picture book for children ages 3–6 is filled with amiable animals who, through their actions, demonstrate age-appropriate mitzvot, including wel-coming new friends, forgiving mistakes, respecting elders and sharing food with the hungry.

It engages children through playful illustrations; likeable animal characters, including Mitzvah Meerkat, the narrator; humor and the repetition of the fun-to-say phrase “It’s a … it’s a … it’s a mitzvah!” that encourages children to chime in as the words are repeated throughout the book.

Side notes on each spread explain the specific mitzvah in every vignette. With this aside, parents and teachers have an opportunity to ask the child or group of children, “What is the good deed here?” and spark a conversation without preaching. Chil-dren will see how everyday kindness is the beginning of a Jewish journey and a lifetime commitment to tikkun olam (repairing the world).

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Children’s—New Books

By Lauren Seidman10 x 8½, 32 ppQuality PB OriginalFull-color photos978-1-58023-321-7 $8.99A PJ Library Selection

By Emily Sper9 x 7½, 24 pp, HardcoverFull color illus.978-1-58023-311-8 $16.99

By Durga Yael Bernhard11 x 8½, 32 pp, Hardcover978-1-58023-433-7 $18.99

AGES3–6

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RECENTLY PUBLISHED

INTERACTIVE

AGES3–6


sAcred TreAsure—The cAiro genizAhThe Amazing Discoveries of Forgotten Jewish History in an Egyptian Synagogue Attic

Also AvAilAble

New iN PaPerBack—History / Adventure

Religion / Judaism6 x 9, 288 pp, Quality PBb/w photos978-1-58023-512-9 $18.99Available May 2012Author’s Home Area: Seattle

Rabbi Mark S. Glickman, a popular speaker on Judaism and modern life, is rabbi of Congregations Kol Ami in Wood-inville, Washington, and Kol Shalom, on Bainbridge Island, Washington. He writes a regular religion column for the seattle Times and has been featured in other books and journals.

By Rabbi Mark S. Glickman

Indiana Jones meets The Da Vinci Code in an old Egyptian synagogue—the amazing story of one of the most

important discoveries in modern religious scholarship. New in paperback!

In 1896, Rabbi Solomon Schechter of Cambridge Uni-versity stepped into the attic of the Ben Ezra Synagogue in Cairo, Egypt, and there found the largest treasure trove of medieval and early manuscripts ever discov-ered. He had entered the synagogue’s genizah—its repository for damaged and destroyed Jewish texts—which held nearly 300,000 individual documents, many of which were over 1,000 years old.

Considered among the most important discoveries in modern religious history, its contents contained ear-ly copies of some of the Dead Sea Scrolls, early manu-scripts of the Hebrew Bible, and other sacred literature. The importance of the genizah’s contents rivals that of the Rosetta Stone, and by virtue of its sheer mass alone, it will continue to command our attention indefinitely.

This is the first accessible, comprehensive account of this astounding discovery. It will delight you with its fascinating adventure story—why this enormous collection was amassed, how it was discovered and the many lessons to be found in its contents. And it will show you how Schechter’s find, though still being “unpacked” today, forever transformed our knowl-edge of the Jewish past, Muslim history and much more.

“Brings the colorful story up to date…. Anyone who loves books and history will relish this.”


“For bibliophiles as well as historians; this is the kind of story that will set their hearts aflutter. Recommended.”

—Library Journal

By Stan Mack6 x 9, 304 pp, Illus., Quality PB 978-1-58023-155-8 $16.99

Edited by Judea and Ruth Pearl6 x 9, 304 pp, Deluxe PB w/ flaps 978-1-58023-259-3 $18.99Winner, National Jewish Book Award

Also Available:The Israel Mission Leader’s GuidePrepared with the assistance of Rabbi Elliott Kleinman5½ x 8½16 pp, PB978-1-58023-085-8 $4.95

By Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD4¾ x 10, 256 pp, Quality PB Original, Illus.978-1-58023-261-6 $18.99

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Also Available:I Am Jewish Teacher’s Guide8½ x 1110 pp, PB978-1-58023-219-7 $6.99

Also AvAilAble by rAbbi lAwrence kushner

Judaism / Inspiration6 x 9, 256 pp, Quality PB 978-1-58023-513-6 $18.99Available March 2012Author’s Home Area: San Francisco

Rabbi Lawrence Kushner is one of the most widely read authors by people of all faiths on Jewish spiritual life. He is the best-selling author of such books as Invisible Lines of Connection: sacred stories of the Ordinary; God was in This Place & I, i Did not Know: Finding self, spirituality and ultimate Meaning; Honey from the Rock: An In-troduction to Jewish Mysticism; among many other books. He is the Emanu-El Scholar at San Francisco’s Congregation Emanu-El and an adjunct professor of Jewish mysticism and spirituality at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion.


i’m god; you’re noTObservations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the EgoBy Rabbi Lawrence Kushner

Flashes of insight—sometimes startling, always entertaining—from one of

the most creative spiritual writers in America. New in paperback!

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.

“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 aware-ness 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

“Breezy [and] accessible … Kushner[’s] wisdom, realism, and the sources he calls upon demonstrate the depth and perceptiveness of his approach to difficult problems.” —Publishers Weekly

“A familiar, comforting, yet invigorating assembly of reflections.”

—Library Journal

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Spirituality / Religion—New iN PaPerBack

5½ x 8½, 160 pp, Quality PB978-1-879045-98-9 $15.95

A uRJ “significant Jewish Book”6 x 9, 192 pp, Quality PB978-1-879045-33-0 $16.95

6 x 9, 176 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-073-5 $16.95

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midrAsh & medicineHealing Body and Soul in the Jewish Interpretative Tradition

Also AvAilAble

New iN PaPerBack—Healing / Judaism

Judaism / Theology / Philosophy6 x 9, 352 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-484-9 $21.99Available January 2012Editor’s Home Area: Los Angeles

Rabbi William Cutter, PhD, is editor of Healing and the Jewish Imagination: spiritual Perspectives on Judaism and Health. He has published widely on health and healing. He is former director of the Kalsman Institute on Judaism and professor of mod-ern Hebrew literature and the Steinberg Professor of Human Relations at Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion.

Edited by Rabbi William Cutter, PhDPreface by Michele F. Prince, LCSW, MAJCS

Midrash provides a revolutionary guide through the most difficult passages of

our life stories. New in paperback!This groundbreaking volume examines the spiritual shortfalls of our current healing environment and explores how midrash can help you see beyond the physical aspects of healing to tune in to your spiritual source.

Pushing the boundaries of Jewish knowledge, phy-sicians, rabbis, social workers, psychologists and phi-losophers investigate the role of midrashic thinking in addressing seemingly intractable social and personal issues. Topics discussed include:

• Howmetaphorsandparablescanaidhealing• HowJewishtraditioncaninformandenrich

health, hospice and nursing-home care• NewwaysofreadingJewishtextsinthe

discussion of medical ethics• Theroleofcommunityinaddressingaging,

loss and suffering.

Visit www.jewishlights.com for a complete contribu-tor’s list.

“show[s], in different and creative ways, how midrash not only can be used to find new meaning in the biblical text—but also as a resource for healing…. Intriguing.”

—New york Jewish Week

“suggest[s] practical ways to use midrash…. excellent.”

—Reporter (Vestal, nY)

Edited by Rabbi William Cutter, PhD6 x 9, 240 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-373-6 $19.99Hardcover, 978-1-58023-314-9 $24.99

Edited by Rabbi Simkha Y. Weintraub, CSW6 x 9, 128 pp, Quality PB Original2-color illus. text978-1-879045-31-6 $16.99

By Rabbi Joseph B. Meszler6 x 9, 208 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-423-8 $16.99

Also AvAilAble

Religion / Biblical Studies5½ x 8½, 220 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-59473-389-5 $16.99Available May 2012Author’s Home Area: Boston

Donald Kraus, executive editor for Bibles at Oxford University Press, has produced such high-profile projects as The Catholic study Bible (first and second editions), The new Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, The Jewish study Bible and The Jewish Annotated new Testament. He is the author of Choosing a Bible and sex, sacrifice, shame and smiting.


The book of JobAnnotated & ExplainedTranslation and Annotation by Donald Kraus

An inviting guide to a classic that challenges God’s justice.

The Book of Job, celebrated as a classic of world lit-erature and one of the glories of the Bible, can often be puzzling and frustrating: puzzling for its dialogue form and off-putting because in places it doesn’t seem to make sense. The book was written in a world very different from ours, and yet the fundamental questions are very much our own: Is it worthwhile to act for the best? Does life have a meaning beyond itself? Are there any answers to our questions?

In this SkyLight Illuminations edition, Donald Kraus, the longtime editor of Oxford Study Bibles, clarifies for today’s readers what Job is, how to over-come difficulties in the text, and what it may mean for us. Kraus’s fresh translation captures some of the finest poetry in the Hebrew Bible as well as recovers some of the original author’s intent. His probing commen-tary explores Job’s daring challenges to God’s good-ness, questions about the basic fairness of existence and compelling descriptions of the glories of the cre-ated world and the bitter sorrows of human life. Kraus identifies and clarifies problem areas in the text, invites us to enter into Job’s dialogue and stimulates thought-ful consideration of life’s intractable questions.

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Bible—New Books

By Rabbi Elie Kaplan Spitz with Erica Shapiro TaylorForeword by Abraham J. Twerski, MD5½ x 8½, 208 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-436-8 $16.99Hardcover, 978-1-58023-360-6 $21.99

By Rabbi Elie Kaplan SpitzForeword by Brian L. Weiss, MD6 x 9, 288 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-165-7 $16.99

Translation and Annotation by Rabbi Rami ShapiroForeword by Zalman M. Schachter-Shalomi5½ x 8½, 224 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-59473-037-5 $16.99

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About SkyLight Illuminations

skyLight Illuminations offers today’s spiritual seeker an enjoyable entry into the great classic texts of the world’s spiritual traditions. each classic is presented in an accessible translation, with facing pages of guided commentary from experts, offering readers the keys they need to understand the history, context and meaning of the text. The series enables readers of all backgrounds to experience and understand classic spiritual texts directly, and to make them a part of their lives.


wriTing—The sAcred ArTBeyond the Page to Spiritual Practice

Also AvAilAble

New Books—Spirituality / Writing

Spirituality / Writing5½ x 8½, 200 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-59473-372-7 $16.99 Available March 2012Authors’ Home Area: Nashville

Rabbi Rami Shapiro, an award-winning author, storyteller and essayist, is author of the best-selling The sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice and Recovery—The sacred Art: The Twelve steps as spiritual Practice, among other books. A rabbi, he directs the Writer’s Loft Certificate Program in Creative Writing at Middle Tennessee State University and is co-founder, along with Aaron Shapiro, of Path & Pen Spiritual Writer’s Conference in Nashville, Tennessee.

Aaron Shapiro teaches writing at Middle Tennessee State University, is widely published and is a frequent speaker on the topics of creative writing and critical theory.

By Rabbi Rami Shapiro and Aaron Shapiro

Push your writing through the trite and the boring to something fresh, something

transformative.If it is true for you that “sticks and stones can break my bones, but words can never hurt me,” then your words are soft, weak and ineffective. Words can hurt; words can shatter; words can strip you naked, forcing you to see the truth no matter how precious the lies.

This is the kind of word craft that award-winning author and renowned spirituality teacher Rami Sha-piro promotes in this fresh and unapologetic guide to writing as a spiritual practice. It isn’t about writ-ing spiritual books or about the romance of writing. It doesn’t cover the ins and outs of publishing and building a brand. Rather, it explores the bedrock of spiritual awakening and how writing can shatter you upon it. Along with award-winning writer and writing coach Aaron Shapiro, he approaches writing the way a spiritual seeker uses meditation and chant—to shift from narrow mind to spacious mind and see through the distorting lens of the self-centered self to the larger reality that includes and transcends it.

Drawing on insights and practices from the world’s religions, and years of teaching writing in and out of academia, they guide you in how to use writing to dis-cover the deeper reality of life and how best to live in harmony with it.

Praise for Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s Work“Alive with meaning. Highly recommended.”

—Library Journal

“One of the outstanding leaders in the field of modern spirituality.”

—Jewish Media Review

By Rabbi Rami ShapiroForeword by Marcia Ford5½ x 8½, 176 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-59473-151-8 $16.99

By Janet Ruth Falon8 x 8, 304 pp, Deluxe PB w/ flaps978-1-58023-203-6 $18.99

By Nan Fink Gefen, PhD6 x 9, 208 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-462-7 $16.99

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NEW EDITION

Also AvAilAble

Religion / Politics & State6 x 9, 200 pp (est), Quality PB Original978-1-59473-374-1 $18.99Available February 2012Author’s Home Areas: New York City and Boston

Praise for Rabbi Dennis Ross’s Work“A welcome addition to the bookshelves of spiritual leaders and laity alike.”

—CCAR Journal


All poliTics is religiousSpeaking Faith to the Media, Policy Makers and CommunityBy Rabbi Dennis Ross

Faith grows when we speak of it in the public square and live out its vision for a

better world. Here’s how.On a daily basis, religious forces are turning to schools, health care, media, the economy and more with the agenda of establishing one faith perspective and its re-strictions as the rule for everybody. But the times call for a reinvigorated expression of a variety of religious outlooks, and that means more than talk of “good faith,” “strong feelings” and “the facts.” It relies on a working understanding of why we speak, who we speak to, what to say, how to say it and where.

This book provides ideas and strategies for a clear, forceful, positive, effective and renewed religious ex-pression that is all too often overlooked and under-represented. It identifies the religious themes in our great debates—immigration, the needs of children and families, church-state separation and reproductive rights, including abortion—and presents new language and methods for communication. In a voice that is warm, conversational and, at times, playful, it avoids attacking or ridiculing those who disagree. It steers away from the all-too-familiar political jargon—left, right, liberal, conservative, socialist—and instead relies on historical examples, current events and personal stories to illustrate the best ways to communicate the positive role faith can play in personal and public life.

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Spiritual Life—New Books

By Rabbi Jill JacobsForeword by Rabbi David Saperstein7 x 9, 288 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-453-5 $24.99

By Sara Hacala6 x 9, 224 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-59473-314-7 $16.99

By Rabbi Jill JacobsForeword by Rabbi Elliot N. Dorff, PhDPreface by Simon Greer6 x 9, 288 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-425-2 $16.99Hardcover, 978-1-58023-394-1 $21.99

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RECENTLY PUBLISHED

FEATURED IN USA tODAy

Also Available: There Shall Be No Needy Teacher’s Guide8½ x 11, 56 pp, PB978-1-58023-429-0$8.99

Rabbi Dennis Ross, author and congregational rabbi, is director of the multifaith network Concerned Clergy for Choice. He also consults to Planned Parenthood on clergy organizing, religion in the media and religious lobbying. He is a frequent speaker on the topic of religion and the media at houses of worship, college campuses, professional conferences, health centers and other venues. He is the author of God in Our Relationships: spirituality between People from the Teachings of Martin Buber.


The oTher TAlmud—The YeruShalmiUnlocking the Secrets of The Talmud of Israel for Judaism Today

Also AvAilAble

Previously aNNouNced—Judaism / Talmud

Judaism6 x 9, 250 pp (est), Hardcover978-1-58023-463-4 $24.99Available February 2012Author’s Home Area: Houston

Rabbi Judith Z. Abrams, PhD, is a frequent speaker on the topics of Jewish learning and sacred literature around the United States. She is the founder and director of Maqom: A School for Adult Talmud Study, and author of Learn Talmud and A Talmud Tale, among other books.

By Rabbi Judith Z. Abrams, PhD

A fascinating—and fun—look at “the other Talmud” and the possibilities

for Jewish life reflected there.Today’s Judaism is based on the Babylonian Talmud, the Bavli. All the law codes we have are based on this Talmud. But what if the other Talmud, the Yerushal-mi—the “Talmud of the Land of Israel”—had won? What would that mean for the practice of Judaism today?

This engaging look at the Judaism that might have been breaks open the Talmud of the Land of Israel, which is growing in popularity. It examines what the Yerushalmi is, how it differs from the Bavli, and how and why the Bavli is used today. It reveals how the Yerushalmi’s vision of Jewish practice re-sembles today’s liberal Judaism. You’ll explore the many ways this Talmud would have influenced all aspects of Jewish life:

• Whatkindofmysticismwouldyoupractice?

• Howwouldyoumeditate?

• Howwouldholidaycelebrationsdifferfromthose we have today?

• Howwouldyoupray?

• Whatwouldbeyourgreatestvirtues?Yourmost terrible sins?

• Whatkindofkarmawouldyoubelievein?

Like Barry W. Holtz’s Back to the Sources, The Other Talmud—The Yerushalmi provides a broad but accessible overview of all the essential aspects of the Talmud of Israel, equipping you for further study and exploration.

By Rabbi Burton L. Visotzky6 x 9, 256 pp, Hardcover 978-1-58023-456-6 $24.99Also Available: Teacher’s Guide978-1-58023-460-3 $8.99

By Rabbi Dov Peretz Elkins6 x 9, 192 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-327-9 $16.99Also Available: Teacher’s Guide978-1-58023-350-7 $8.99

By Sylvia Barack Fishman, PhD6 x 9, 288 pp, Quality PB 978-1-58023-367-5 $18.99Hardcover 978-1-58023-030-8 $24.99

Also AvAilAble by normAn J. cohen

Judaism / Bible Study6 x 9, 240 pp (est), Hardcover978-1-58023-461-0 $24.99Available February 2012Author’s Home Area: New York City

Dr. Norman J. Cohen, renowned for his expertise in Torah study and midrash, lectures frequently to audiences of many faiths. He is a rabbi, former provost of Hebrew Union College–Jewish Institute of Religion, and pro-fessor of midrash. He is the author of self, struggle & Change: Family Conflict stories in Genesis and Their Healing Insights for Our Lives; Moses and the Journey to Leadership: Timeless Lessons of effective Management from the Bible and Today’s Leaders; and other books.


mAsking And unmAsking ourselvesInterpreting Biblical Texts on Clothing & IdentityBy Dr. Norman J. Cohen

A fascinating look at the symbolic power of clothing in the Bible and what it reveals

about identity and how we perceive it.Whatever the context in which it is worn, our clothing is often our most powerful form of communication. As in any great literature, the language of putting on and taking off clothing in the Bible—especially the nar-ratives that turn on the symbolic use of clothes—can provide us with a sense of the overarching worldview of the biblical writers. Yet, by immersing ourselves in the symbolic language and stories of the Bible, we can also gain insight into ourselves and our own lives.

In this engaging look at interpretations of clothing in the Bible, renowned Torah scholar and midrashist Norman Cohen presents ten paradigmatic Bible stories that involve clothing in an essential way, as a means of learning about the text, its characters and their interac-tions. But he also shows us how these stories help us confront our own life dramas, our own stories. In doing so, he presents Torah as a mirror, reflecting back to us our own personalities, ambivalences, struggles and po-tential for growth. By helping us uncover the “garments of Torah,” Cohen shows us how to shed our own lay-ers of insulation to reveal our authentic selves.

Praise for Dr. Norman J. Cohen’s Work“Intriguing….will be of value to many people who use the Bible as a guidebook for their daily lives.”


“A reinvention of traditional Rabbinic approaches [that] will please and instruct many Jewish and Christian readers.”

—Library Journal

“A spiritual guide as much as a tool for biblical study.”—Association of Jewish Libraries Newsletter

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Bible Study / Judaism—Previously aNNouNced

6 x 9, 224 pp, Quality PB 978-1-879045-66-8 $18.99

6 x 9, 240 pp, Quality PB 978-1-58023-351-4 $18.99Hardcover, 978-1-58023-227-2 $21.99

6 x 9, 240 pp, Quality PB 978-1-58023-274-6 $16.99

6 x 9, 192 pp, Quality PB 978-1-58023-118-3 $16.95

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The TorAh revoluTionFourteen Truths That Changed the World

Also AvAilAble

receNtly PuBlished—Judaism / Torah

By Rabbi Reuven Hammer, PhD

Unlock the truths that shattered ancient beliefs and paved the way for

the new and revolutionary religion that eventually 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 inten-tions, 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 re-pairing the world today:

• HumanityisoneasGodisone• Humanbeingsareresponsiblefortheirac-

tions and have the choice to do good or evil • Poverty,deprivation,slaveryandhatredare

evils that must be eradicated• Theearthisnotourstodestroy• Theloveofothersisadivinecommand• Andmuchmore…

“effective … shows modernity is not the sole source of progressive ideas. They have roots in the wisdom of the world’s ancient religious traditions.”


By Rabbi Norman J. Cohen, PhD6 x 9, 176 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-198-5 $16.99

Edited by Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin6 x 9, 368 pp, Hardcover978-1-58023-395-8 $24.99

Edited by Rabbi Elyse Goldstein6 x 9, 496 pp, Quality PB978-1-58023-370-5 $19.99Hardcover, 978-1-58023-076-6 $34.95

“Identifies the ongoing spiritual relevance and insights of those teachings for Jews and Gentiles alike. An important contribution.”

—Rabbi David Ellenson, president, Hebrew union College–Jewish Institute of Religion

“Plumb[s] both the moral depths and spiritual power of Torah … with eloquence and excellence.”—Rabbi Julie Schonfeld, executive vice president, the Rabbinical Assembly

Judaism6 x 9, 240 pp, Hardcover978-1-58023-457-3 $24.99

Rabbi Reuven Hammer, PhD, named one of the “Forward 50”—a list of the most influential members of the American Jewish community—is a former president of the International Rabbinical Assembly. A prolific writer, he is the author of many books, including entering the High Holy Days, a winner of the National Jewish Book Award.

Also AvAilAble

Judaism / Spirituality6 x 9, 208 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-58023-459-7 $18.99

Eitan Fishbane, PhD, a frequent scholar-in-residence and guest speaker at congregations across North America, is assistant professor of Jewish thought at The Jewish Theological Seminary; author of As Light Before Dawn: The Inner world of a Medieval Kabbalist; and co-editor of Jewish Mysticism and the spiritual Life: Classical Texts, Contemporary Reflections.


The sAbbATh soulMystical Reflections on the Transformative Power of Holy TimeSelection, Translation and Commentary by Eitan Fishbane, PhD

Enter into the mystery of the Sabbath, into the wonder and light

of the seventh day.Enrich your spiritual experience of Shabbat by ex-ploring the writings of mystical masters of Hasidism. Drawing from the origins of the movement in late-eighteenth-century Poland to late-twentieth-century Jerusalem, Eitan Fishbane evokes the Sabbath experi-ence—from candle lighting and donning white cloth-ing to the Friday night Kiddush and the act of sacred eating. Fishbane also translates and interprets a wide range of Hasidic sources previously unavailable in English that reflect the spiritual transformation that takes place on the seventh day—one that can shift your awareness into the realm that is all soul. Person-al prayers of the Bratzlav (Breslov) Hasidic tradition express the spiritual dimension of Shabbat in the lan-guage of devotional and individual yearning.

“A rich, literate and compelling banquet for anyone interested in ‘guarding the sabbath day’ and ‘making it a delight.’”

—Rabbi Lawrence Kushner, emanu-el scholar at Congregation emanu-el, san Francisco; author, I’m God; You’re Not:

Observations on Organized Religion & Other Disguises of the Ego

“Rich nourishment for the modern soul. Learned, lucid, inspiring and sacred.”

—Rabbi David Wolpe, sinai Temple, Los Angeles

“An inspiring gift to all those who wish to sanctify the sabbath and create a day of holiness to uplift their souls.”

—Professor Susannah Heschel, eli Black Professor of Jewish studies, Dartmouth College

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Judaism / Spirituality—receNtly PuBlished

Edited by Lawrence Fine, PhD, Eitan Fishbane, PhD, and Rabbi Or N. Rose6 x 9, 256 pp, Hardcover 978-1-58023-434-4 $24.99

Translation and Annotation by Rabbi Rami Shapiro Foreword by Andrew Harvey5½ x 8½, 240 ppQuality PB Original 978-1-893361-86-7 $16.95

Translation and Annotation by Rabbi Rami Shapiro Foreword by Rabbi Zalman Schachter-Shalomi51⁄2 x 81⁄2, 240 pp, Quality PB Original978-1-59473-275-1 $16.99

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receNtly PuBlished—Judaism / Philosophy

receNtly PuBlished—Bible

Religion / Judaism / Christianity5½ x 8½, 288 ppQuality PB Original978-1-59473-310-9 $16.99

Rabbi Rami Shapiro is a renowned teacher of spiritual-ity across faith traditions. He is author of The sacred Art of Lovingkindness: Preparing to Practice; The Divine Feminine in Biblical wisdom Literature: selections Annotated & explained; and ecclesiastes: Annotated & explained (all SkyLight Paths), among other books.

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Religion / Judaism5½ x 8½, 224 ppQuality PB Original978-1-59473-311-6 $18.99

Rabbi Marc D. Angel, PhD, is founder and director of the Institute for Jewish Ideas and Ideals (www.jewishideas.org). Rabbi emeritus of Congregation Shearith Israel of New York City, he is author and editor of twenty-nine books, including Maimonides, spinoza and us: Toward an Intellectually Vibrant Judaism and Foundations of sephardic spirituality: The Inner Life of Jews of the Ottoman empire, both finalists for the National Jewish Book Award.

mAimonides—essenTiAl TeAchings on Jewish fAiTh & eThicsThe Book of Knowledge & the Thirteen Principles of Faith—Annotated & ExplainedTranslation and Annotation by Rabbi Marc D. Angel, PhD

The teachings of Judaism’s greatest medieval philosopher can be a companion on your own spiritual journey.

Moses Maimonides (1138–1204) created a method of mediating between revelation and reason that laid the groundwork for a rational, philosophically sophisticated Judaism. He also provided an approach to biblical interpretation and philosophy that remains relevant for people of all faiths who follow a religion based on sacred text and oral interpretation.

In this accessible examination of Maimonides’s theological and philosophical teachings, Rabbi Marc D. Angel opens up for us Maimonides’s views on the nature of God, providence, prophecy, free will, human nature, repentance and more. He explores basic concepts of faith that Maimonides posits must serve as the basis

for proper religious life. He also examines Maimonides’s insights on reward and punishment, messianic days, the world to come and other tenets of Jewish faith.

“Accessible and authoritative…. Gracefully traces the contours of Maimonides’s attempt to liberate Judaism from particularism and obscurantism. A wonderful and refreshing achievement.”

—Dr. Menachem Kellner, Department of Jewish History and Thought, university of Haifa; author, Must a Jew Believe Anything?

proverbs: Annotated & ExplainedTranslation and Annotation by Rabbi Rami Shapiro

This collection of timeless and practical prescriptions for living honestly and responsibly can be

a companion for your own spiritual journey.More than commonplace truisms, the biblical Book of Proverbs is an anthology of teachings designed to help you live with a sense of self-responsibility. Its wisdom, compiled in the seventh century BCE and credited to King Solomon, transcends nationality and politics, ad-dressing instead the individual seeking the true satisfaction and tran-quility that comes from living with an honest perception of reality.

In this fresh translation of an ancient “how-to,” Rami Shap-iro unpacks the proverbs, demonstrating how these complex po-etic forms are actually straightforward instructions to live simply, without rationalizations and excuses. He shows how unlike almost anything else in the Hebrew Bible, the truths claimed in the Book of Proverbs are testable and verifiable. They force us to examine our lives and how we are living them without the benefit of psycho-logical sophistry and New Age babble: We are either doing good or

doing bad; we are either disciplined or lazy; we are either students of wisdom or puppets of desire.

Praise for Rabbi Rami Shapiro’s Work“Clear, engaging and instructive ... a valuable teaching.”

—Union of Liberal & Progressive Synagogues Newsletter

Juvenile / Judaism6 x 9, 224 ppQuality PB Original978-1-58023-458-0 $16.99

Liz Suneby and Diane Heiman are Children’s Choice Award winners who bring extensive synagogue experience and practical nationwide research to this inspiring book.

Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin is the author of the best-seller Putting God on the Guest List: How to Reclaim the spiritual Meaning of Your Child’s Bar or Bat Mitzvah; and For Kids—Putting God on Your Guest List: How to Claim the spiritual Meaning of Your Bar or Bat Mitzvah, among other books.

Rabbi Sharon Brous, listed among the Forward’s fifty most influential American Jews and newsweek’s leading rabbis in the country, is the founder of IKAR, a Jewish spiritual community in Los Angeles that integrates spiritual and religious practice and the pursuit of social justice.


The miTzvAh proJecT bookMaking Mitzvah Part of Your Bar/Bat Mitzvah … and Your LifeBy Liz Suneby and Diane Heiman; Foreword by Rabbi Jeffrey K. Salkin; Preface by Rabbi Sharon Brous

Make the world a better place through good deeds— big or small.

This go-to source for Jewish young adults is packed with ideas to help boys and girls connect something they love to a mitzvah proj-ect or tikkun olam initiative they can be passionate about. It is filled with information, ideas and activities to spark young imaginations, as well as a planning guide to get organized and off to a good start.

To further inspire their actions, kids will love reading sto-ries from young people around the country who have completed rewarding projects.

“Belongs on the desk of every Jewish educator and of every parent of a child who is preparing to become a bar or bat mitzvah…. Jam packed with ideas…. I can’t think of a more useful gift.”

—Jewish tribune (Canada)

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Crafts / Judaism—receNtly PuBlished

Judaism / Needlework7 x 9, 288 pp, Quality PB Originalw/ 8-page color insert and b/w illus.978-1-58023-442-9 $19.99

Diana Drew, co-president of National Council of Jewish Women (NCJW), West Morris (NJ) Section, is an award-winning former daily newspaper reporter and a long-time book editor.

Jewish ThreAdsA Hands-On Guide to Stitching Spiritual Intention into Jewish Fabric CraftsBy Diana Drew with Robert Grayson

Learn how to make your own Jewish fabric crafts with spiritual intention—a journey of creativity,

imagination and inspiration.Journey along with talented Jewish fabric craft artists from throughout the United States and Israel as they retrace their steps in the creative process used to make thirty evocative projects. Then tap into your inner creativity by following step-by-step instructions to fashion family heirlooms with your own personal flair. Inspirational and motivational, these projects and stories will resonate with your artistic soul and awaken a desire to hand-craft Jewish fabric keepsakes to pass down from generation to generation. Projects and tech-niques include:

•Tallitot•Tallitbags•Torahmantles•Challahcovers•Sederplate•Afikomenenvelopes•Torahtable (shulchan)covers•TreeofLife&shalom wallhangings•Purimpuppets•Andmore!

•Quilting•Appliqué•Embroidery•Needlepoint•Cross-stitch•Knitting•Crochet•Felting• Needle Felting

Bar & Bat Mitzvah—receNtly PuBlished

AGES11–13

22 Jewish Lights PubLishing To Order: 800-962-4544

recently published—Religion / Interfaith

Religion / Interfaith6 x 9, 192 ppQuality PB Original978-1-59473-317-8 $16.99

Widely known for their many events around the United States, Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Imam Jamal Rahman—known as the Interfaith Amigos—are former hosts of Interfaith Talk Radio. Falcon, founder of Makom Ohr Shalom in Los Angeles and co-founder of Bet Alef Meditative Synagogue in Seattle, is author of A Journey Awakening: Kabbalistic Meditation on the tree of Life. Mackenzie is former minister at University Congregational United Church of Christ in Seattle. Rahman, a Muslim Sufi minister at Interfaith Community Church, is author of the Fragrance of Faith.

Religion gone AstRAyWhat We Found at the Heart of InterfaithBy Rabbi Ted Falcon, Pastor Don Mackenzie and Imam Jamal Rahman

A challenging look at the deeper dimensions of interfaith dialogue—that which divides us personally, spiritually

and institutionally.Expanding on the conversation started with their very success-ful first book, the Interfaith Amigos—a rabbi, a pastor and an imam—probe more deeply into the problematic aspects of our religious institutions to provide a profound understanding of the nature of what divides us. They identify four common problem areas in the Abrahamic faiths—exclusivity, violence, inequality of men and women, and homophobia—and their origins.

“writing honestly about their personal struggles and misconceptions, they humanize the issues and make them impossible to ignore…. Offers a tangible use for interfaith dialogue: it can encourage much-needed healing for readers of all faith backgrounds.”


Religion / Interfaith6 x 9, 192 ppQuality PB Original978-1-59473-263-8 $16.99

getting to the heARt of inteRfAithThe Eye-Opening, Hope-Filled Friendship of a Pastor, a Rabbi & an ImamBy Pastor Don Mackenzie, Rabbi Ted Falcon and Imam Jamal Rahman

A deeply personal journey to interfaith collaboration that offers hope for an inclusive and healing way

of being together in the world. Too often religion seems to fuel more hatred than love, more con-flict than collaboration. These three unique friends—a pastor, a rabbi and an imam (“interfaith amigos,” as they have called them-selves on their Interfaith Talk Radio show)—speak openly about the difficult matters, and the need to do the inner spiritual work, in order to go beyond tolerance and intellectual understanding to a vital, inclusive spirituality.

“Adventuresome…. A healing balm for the wounds suffered by people and the planet.”

—Spirituality & Practice

“the authors write frankly about issues of awkwardness and confusion, and about matters of pride…. Recommended.”


“Leads you inside [interfaith] conversation among men who have built strong personal bonds as they have engaged in serious dialogue…. tells a personal tale within the context of a general guide to dialogue. the blend of these two elements gives this book a unique place among the many guides to interfaith dialogue.”

—Congregational Libraries Today

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Featured in the New York Times, on CBS Evening News, and on NPR’s On Point and Here & Now

For more about these books, visit www.jewishlights.com 23

For the cycle oF the jewish year this spring

By Dr. Ron Wolfson with Joel Lurie Grishaver7 x 9, 416 pp, Quality Pb Original978-1-58023-174-9 $19.95Workbook: 978-1-879045-94-1 $6.95Audiocassette of Blessings and Songs: Dn04 $6.00

By David Arnow, PhD7 x 9, 464 pp, Quality Pb Original978-1-58023-444-3 $24.99

By Rabbi Arthur O. Waskow and Rabbi Phyllis O. Berman6 x 9, 288 pp, hardcover978-1-58023-445-0 $24.99

Edited by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, and David Arnow, PhD7 x 10, 304 pp, hardcover978-1-58023-354-5 $24.99

Edited by Rabbi Lawrence A. Hoffman, PhD, and David Arnow, PhD7 x 10, 320 pp, hardcover978-1-58023-346-0 $24.99

Edited by Rabbi Sharon Cohen Anisfeld, Tara Mohr and Catherine SpectorForeword by Paula E. Hymansourcebook: 6 x 9, 384 pp, Quality Pb978-1-58023-232-6 $19.99Companion: 6 x 9, 352 pp, Quality Pb 978-1-58023-231-9 $19.99hardcover, 978-1-58023-128-2 $24.95

By Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky4½ x 6½, 368 ppQuality Pb Original 978-1-58023-396-5 $16.99

By Rabbi Nathan Laufer6 x 9, 224 pp, Quality Pb978-1-58023-399-6 $18.99

By Danielle Dardashti and Roni SarigIllustrations by Avi Katz6 x 9, 304 pp, Quality Pb Original70+ b/w illus. & diagrams978-1-58023-333-0 $18.99

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All Politics Is Religious: Speaking Faith to the Media, Policy Makers and community (pb) SLP -374-1 $18.99 $

Be like God: God’s To-Do list for Kids (pb) -510-5 $15.99 $ The Book of Job: Annotated & Explained (pb) SLP -389-5 $16.99 $ From Defender to critic: The Search for a New Jewish Self (hc) -515-0 $35.00 $ I’m God; you’re Not: Observations on Organized Religion &

Other Disguises of the Ego (pb) -513-6 $18.99 $ It’s a … It’s a … It’s a Mitzvah (hc) -509-9 $18.99 $ Midrash & Medicine: Healing Body and Soul in the

Jewish Interpretative Tradition (pb) -484-9 $21.99 $ Our Religious Brains: What cognitive Science Reveals about

Belief, Morality, community and Our Relationship with God (hc) -508-2 $24.99 $ Reimagining leadership in Jewish Organizations: Ten Practical

lessons to Help you Implement change and Achieve your Goals (pb) -492-4 $16.99 $ Sacred Treasure—The cairo Genizah: The Amazing Discoveries

of Forgotten Jewish History in an Egyptian Synagogue Attic (pb) -512-9 $18.99 $ The Secret of Sacred Relationships: unlocking the

Hidden Teachings of the Bible’s Wisdom Writings (pb) -493-1 $18.99 $ The Shema in the Mezuzah: listening to Each Other (hc) -506-8 $18.99 $ Text Messages: A Torah commentary for Teens (hc) -507-5 $24.99 $ These Are the Words, 2nd ed.—Revised and Expanded:

A Vocabulary of Jewish Spiritual life (pb) -494-8 $19.99 $ Writing—The Sacred Art:

Beyond the Page to Spiritual Practice (pb) SLP -372-7 $16.99 $

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