The New Mazhor for Rosh Hashana and Yom Kippur

A translation in modern English for meaningful devotional use by contemporary Jews. Explanatory notes and guides to the liturgy with new Hebrew texts within a handsome volume. Includes selections from ancient and modern sources and a liturgical meditation on the Holocaust incorporated into the Martyrology. Revised edition.

Siddur Sim Shalom for Weekdays

Complete weekday service with Torah Reading, inspirational readings, and services for the home. Includes new material for special occasions and commemorations: Hanukkah, Purim, Yom Ha-shoah, and Yom Ha'atzma'ut.

Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals

Leonard Cahan, chair, Editorial Committee

The original Siddur Sim Shalom is the first comprehensive siddur published for the Conservative movement. This new edition of Siddur Sim Shalom has become a popular classic for thousands of Conservative Jews. The prayerbook contains sections on Shabbat and holiday home rituals and an easy-to-follow format. Innovations include the optional Amidah text which includes the matriarchs, liturgical works celebrating the existence of the State of Israel, readings for Holocaust commemoration, and an expanded supplementary reading section featuring works by both rabbinic scholars and contemporary Jewish thinkers.

Or Hadash: A Commentary on Siddur Sim Shalom for Shabbat and Festivals

by Rueben Hammer

Features scholarly commentary by Reuven Hammer; supplementary material from a variety of classical and contemporary sources; introductory material explaining the history, structure, and meaning of prayers and services; and commentary on Pirke Avot by Judah Goldin.

"Reuven Hammer's comprehensive commentary on the siddur is such a welcome addition to Conservative Jewish liturgy. It recognizes the difference between understanding the words of a prayer and understanding the prayer. Rather than simply translating, it explains the meaning and purpose of the prayer in its context - its history, theology, and relationship to the prayers around it. More than telling us what we are saying, it guides us to understand why we are praying these words." - Harold Kushner.

Etz Hayim

David L. Lieber, senior editor, Chaim Potok, z"l , p'shat commentary editor, Harold Kushner, d'rash commentary editor, Michael Fishbane, haftarah commentary, Jules Harlow, literary editor, Elliot Dorff and Susan Grossman, halakhah l'ma-aseh editors

Etz Hayim is a publication of the Conservative movement, produced through a joint venture with the Rabbinical Assembly, the United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism, and the Jewish Publication Society. Featuring the renowned 1985 JPS English translation; authoritative Hebrew text according to Masoretic tradition; essays on key themes by prominent Conservative movement rabbis and scholars; two separate sections of commentary, representing two approaches to interpreting the Torah. (The p'shat, adapted from the JPS Torah Commentary and edited by Chaim Potok, seeks to explain the basic meaning of the text. The d'rash, edited by Harold Kushner, selects insights from over 2000 years of Torah study, including passages from the Talmud and Midrash, the teachings of the Sages, comments by Rashi, homiletic and psychological insights by Hasidic teachers, and readings by contemporary rabbis and scholars); new haftarah commentary by noted biblical scholar Michael Fishbane points out the connections to the weekly Torah portion, provides line-by-line commentary on the prophetic text, and indicates readings for Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities; special section pointing to Jewish laws based on biblical passages (halakhah l'ma-aseh); notation of traditional readings for Sephardic and Ashkenazic communities.

Etz Hayim Travel Size

David L. Lieber, senior editor, Chaim Potok, z"l , p'shat commentary editor, Harold Kushner, d'rash commentary editor, Michael Fishbane, haftarah commentary, Jules Harlow, literary editor, Elliot Dorff and Susan Grossman, halakhah l'ma-aseh editors

Essential Judaism

by George Robinson

What happens at a synagogue service? What are the rules for keeping kosher? How do I light the Hanukah candles? What is in the Hebrew Bible? What do the Jewish holidays signify? What should I be teaching my children about being Jewish?

A landmark reference, here is an indispensable one-volume guide to the religious traditions, everyday practices, philosophical beliefs, and historical foundations of Judaism -- everything you need to know about being Jewish. In Essential Judaism, George Robinson has created the accessible compendium that he sought when he rediscovered his Jewish roots as an adult. Robinson illuminates the Jewish life cycle at every stage, and lays out many fascinating aspects of Judaism -- the Kabbalah, Jewish mysticism, the evolution of Hasidism, and much more -- while keeping a firm focus on the different paths to living a good Jewish life in today's world.

Embracing Judaism

by Simcha Kling, revised by Carl M. Perkins

Since its original publication in 1987, Embracing Judaism has enjoyed much popularity as a warm and accessible introduction to Judaism and a supportive guide for Jews by choice. This book will bring readers closer to understanding the foundations and development of Judaism, as well as the basics of Jewish life and practice. This updated edition contains new material, a revised personal essay by Rachel Cowan, and a comprehensive bibliography.

"Maimonides says that if you love God, you will want to share that feeling with others. In this wonderful volume, Rabbi Kling conveys his deep love of God and the Jewish tradition, and provides a wonderful summary of Judaism's distinctive spiritual and ethical message. I highly recommend it for prospective Jews by choice and all those interested in Judaism as a religious faith and a holy way of life." -Eric H. Yoffie, president, Union of American Hebrew Congregations.
"Embracing Judaism is a book that speaks to the heart, from its title to its warm, lucid, and inclusive tone. I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to know more about the values and practices of Judaism - meaning everyone who cares about Jewish life today." -Francine Klagsbrun, author of Jewish Days: A Book of Jewish Life and Culture Around the Year.

"More than Judaism 101, more than a convert's primer, this book delivers the basics of Jewish tradition with remarkable sensitivity, clarity, and inclusiveness born of loving-kindness. Rachel Cowan's essay alone is worth the cover price." -Letty Cottin Pogrebin, author of Deborah, Golda and Me: Being Female and Jewish in America

Basic Judaism

by Milton Steinberg

Rabbi Steinberg identifies seven strands that weave together to make up Judaism: God, morality, rite and custom, law, sacred literature, institutions, and the people. A classic work directed to both the Jewish and the non-Jewish reader.

It's a Mitzvah!: Step-By-Step to Jewish Living

by Bradley Shavit Artson

A guide to Jewish living, this book is the starting point for everyone who wants to increase his or her level of Jewish commitment, but doesn't know where or how to begin. From lighting candles on Shabbat to spending a night in a homeless shelter, this book identifies hundreds of opportunities to transform daily living into Jewish living. Over 100 pictures detail the richness and diversity of Jewish life in action.

Amazing Adventures of the Jewish People

by Max I. Dimont

A celebrated author takes on the entire sweep of Jewish history. A concise, provocative, and delightfully readable account.

Tanakh: The Holy Scriptures--The New JPS Translation According to the Traditional Hebrew Text (Paperback Edition)

Jewish Publication Society

The JPS Hebrew-English TANAKH features the oldest-known complete Hebrew version of the Holy Scriptures, side by side with JPS's renowned English translation. Its well-designed format allows for ease of reading and features clear type, an engaging and efficient two-column format that enables readers to move quickly from one language to another, and an organization that contemporary readers will find familiar.

The Hebrew text of this TANAKH is based on the famed Leningrad Codex, the Masoretic text traceable to Aaron Ben Moses ben-Asher, c.930 c.e. Ben-Asher researched all available texts to compile an authoritative Bible manuscript. In 1010 c.e. his work was revised by Samuel ben Jacob, a scribe in Egypt. Lost for centuries, the manuscript was eventually discovered in the mid-nineteenth century and became known as the Leningrad Codex. This edition adapts the latest BHS edition of the Leningrad text by correcting errors and providng modern paragraphing.

The English text in this TANAKH is a slightly updated version of the acclaimed 1985 JPS translation. Wherever possible, the results of modern study of the languages and culture of the ancient Near East have been brought to bear on the biblical text, which allows for an English style reflective of the biblical spirit and language rather than of the era of the translation.

This edition also includes an informative preface that discusses the history of Bible translation, focusing on the latest JPS English translation of the Holy Scriptures. It is the result of a 30-year interdenominational collaboration of eminent Jewish Bible scholars. Readers are sure to appreciate one of the most intensive projects in the history of The Jewish Publication Society.

Emet Ve-Emunah: Statement of Principles of Conservative Judaism

by Robert Gordis

Keeping Kosher: A Diet for the Soul

Newly revised guide based on A Guide to Observance by Seymour Siegel.

An essay on the meaning of the dietary laws for our lives, followed by a practical guide to the observance of kashrut. Revised edition. Published jointly with the Rabbinical Assembly.

Your People, My People

by Lena Romanoff

“Unlike many religions, Judaism has always discouraged converts, and the obstacles facing a prospective convert are manifold. Romanoff, director of the Jewish Converts Network, is in a unique position to provide guidance and direction to those considering conversion. Drawing on her own experiences as a convert, as well as situations encountered through her counseling activities, she has written a book with an appealing immediacy. She explains how "being Jewish" is not only a matter of faith but of acceptance into a closely knit community that shares a historical and cultural heritage. Romanoff does not minimize the persistence potential converts need to attain their goal. She includes chapters on the emotional impact of conversion, integrating into a spouse's family, maintaining relations with the non-Jewish family, raising children, etc. This informative book is indispensable for anyone considering conversion to Judaism.”

- Carol R. Glatt, Northeastern Hospital of Philadelphia from Library Journal

Living Judaism: The Complete Guide to Jewish Belief, Tradition, and Practice

by Wayne D. Dosick

Why is the Torah central to the Jewish faith? How did the Talmud originate? What do Jewish holidays celebrate? What goes on a synagogue worship service? How to kosher dietary laws work? Why is the land of Israel so important for Jews? These are just a few of the questions Rabbi Wayne Dosick answers in this masterly overview of Jewish faith and tradition, now available in a handsome paperback edition. Writing in short, accessible chapers that cover Jewish beliefs, people, literature, holidays, worship, and living, he captures the essence of Judaism, honoring and explicating the diversity of Jewish thought and observance, from Reform and Conservation to Orthodox. With a timeline of Jewish history and thought-provoking essys on the Jewish idea of God, good and evil, the messiah, believing in the Bible, prayer, right and wrong, the Holocaust, and Israel, Living Judaism is the definitive introduction to one of the world's great religions.

Jewish Literacy: The Most Important Things to Know About the Jewish Religion, Its People and Its History

by Joseph Telushkin

• How much do you know about Judaism?
• How did the Ten Lost Tribes become lost?
• Are circumcisions performed on the Sabbath ?
• Which country first granted Jews equal rights?
• When was polygamy outlawed for Jews?
• Why does Jewish law compare gossiping to murder?

You'll find the answers to these questions -- and much more -- in this insightful and comprehensive guide. Written by esteemed rabbi and bestselling author Joseph Telushkin, Jewish Literacy has become one of the most respected and widely used reference books on Jewish life, culture, religion, and tradition. Now revised and updated, this fascinating volume distills a vast body of scholarship into 348 short, readable chapters, making the rich and complex history of Judaism accessible to any reader.

Organized by subject, the book's fifteen sections include:

• History and Contemporary Life: From the biblical and Talmudic periods through the Spanish Inquisition to modern times, with special sections on the Holocaust, Israel, and American-Jewish life.
• Beliefs, Ethics, and Rituals: From monotheism to Judaism's views on the afterlife, "chosenness," and human relations with God; ethical concerns ranging from the proper treatment of animals to the real meaning of "an eye for an eye"; along with explanations of the major prayers and synagogue practices.
• Jewish Holidays and Life Cycle: The origins and distinctive customs of each holiday, and the rites sanctifying every major life event from circumcision and baby naming to burial and mourning.

Suite Francaise

by Irene Nemirovsky

From Publishers Weekly: Starred Review. Celebrated in pre-WWII France for her bestselling fiction, the Jewish Russian-born Némirovsky was shipped to Auschwitz in the summer of 1942, months after this long-lost masterwork was composed. Némirovsky, a convert to Catholicism, began a planned five-novel cycle as Nazi forces overran northern France in 1940. This gripping "suite," collecting the first two unpolished but wondrously literary sections of a work cut short, have surfaced more than six decades after her death. The first, "Storm in June," chronicles the connecting lives of a disparate clutch of Parisians, among them a snobbish author, a venal banker, a noble priest shepherding churlish orphans, a foppish aesthete and a loving lower-class couple, all fleeing city comforts for the chaotic countryside, mere hours ahead of the advancing Germans. The second, "Dolce," set in 1941 in a farming village under German occupation, tells how peasant farmers, their pretty daughters and petit bourgeois collaborationists coexisted with their Nazi rulers. In a workbook entry penned just weeks before her arrest, Némirovsky noted that her goal was to describe "daily life, the emotional life and especially the comedy it provides." This heroic work does just that, by focusing—with compassion and clarity—on individual human dramas. (Apr. 18) Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc.