Shechter Finds the Holiness Within the Mundane
This book sheds light on parts of the Jewish tradition that we had not sufficiently appreciated before.
This book sheds light on parts of the Jewish tradition that we had not sufficiently appreciated before.
\”Danny Siegel\’s Bar and Bat Mitzvah Book: A Practical Guide for Changing the World Through Your Simcha,\” by Danny Siegel (The Town House Press, $12). This is a book that we have long needed.
I am not a Reform Jew, but I confess that I am often envious of the publications of the Reform movement. Whether I agree with their answers or not, I am impressed by the fact that they ask the right questions, the questions that are on the minds and hearts of our people today. So, for example, some years ago they published a book for children on how to cope with their parents\’ divorce. It was ahead of the curve in realizing that this was a real issue in many Jewish homes, and in providing a Jewish perspective on it. And last year they published a book in which they asked many different rabbis to respond to the questions that young people need to think about when they enter college.
This is a book for those who are or who some day may be ill, which is another way of saying for everyone. It contains wisdom culled out of ancient, medieval, modern and contemporary Jewish literature that is intended for the patient, the caregiver and the physician.
In the summer of 1998, Daniel Gordis and his family moved from Los Angeles to Israel. It was supposed to be just for a sabbatical. But after being there for a while, the family decided to become permanent residents. It was a time of euphoria in Israel. The economy was booming and peace seemed just around the corner.
\”A Woman\’s Voice\”
by Marlene Adler Marks
(On The Way Press, $l2.95)
Every Friday afternoon, before Shabbat begins, I go for my Marlene Adler Marks fix.