Philosophy

The secret of living a fuller, richer life can be revealed in three words: GIVE LIFE MEANING. And the secret of finding meaning in life can be found in two words: KIDDUSH HASHEM. In his first book, Living Kiddush Hashem, Rabbi Shraga Freedman explored the many dimensions of Kiddush Hashem, of sanctifying Hashem's Name through our everyday actions and efforts. Since its publication, many readers have shared that the concept of making Kiddush Hashem a core of their "mission statement" has enriched and often transformed their lives. In A Life Worth Living, Rabbi Freedman shows us even more clearly how making a Kiddush Hashem can, and should, frame our every action. Showing empathy and gratitude in our interactions or integrity in our business dealings are not just “nice” things to do, they are an integral part of Kiddush Hashem. Even driving (and parking!) With concern and care for others takes on a whole new meaning when we put Kiddush Hashem into our consciousness. A Life Worth Living is designed to make the spiritual concepts of Kiddush Hashem relatable, practical, and doable. It includes hundreds of stories of Jews, from gedolim to grocers, from the famous to "people just like us," who sanctified Hashem's Name in either dramatic encounters or just plain day-to-day life. Every section includes "Takeaways," "Making it Practical" tips, "Discussion Points," to help bring the concepts into daily life. We all want to live well. A Life Worth Living shows us how. A Life Worth Living is designed to make the spiritual concepts of Kiddush Hashem relatable, practical, and doable. It includes hundreds of stories of Jews, from gedolim to grocers, from the famous to "people just like us," who sanctified Hashem's Name in either dramatic encounters or just plain day-to-day life. Every section includes "Takeaways," "Making it Practical" tips, "Discussion Points," to help bring the concepts into daily life. We all want to live well. A Life Worth Living shows us how. A Life Worth Living is designed to make the spiritual concepts of Kiddush Hashem relatable, practical, and doable. It includes hundreds of stories of Jews, from gedolim to grocers, from the famous to "people just like us," who sanctified Hashem's Name in either dramatic encounters or just plain day-to-day life. Every section includes "Takeaways," "Making it Practical" tips, "Discussion Points," to help bring the concepts into daily life. We all want to live well. A Life Worth Living shows us how.

When A Return to Modesty was first published in 1999, its argument launched a worldwide discussion about the possibility of innocence and romantic idealism. Wendy Shalit was the first to systematically critique the "hook-up" scene and outline the harms of making sexuality so public.

Today, with social media increasingly blurring the line between public and private life, and with child exploitation on the rise, the concept of modesty is more relevant than ever. Updated with a new preface that addresses the unique problems facing society now, A Return to Modesty shows why "the lost virtue" of modesty is not a hang-up that we should set out to cure, but rather a wonderful instinct to be celebrated.

A Return to Modesty is a deeply personal account as well as a fascinating intellectual exploration into everything from seventeenth-century manners to the 1948 tune "Baby, It's Cold Outside." Beholden neither to social conservatives nor to feminists, Shalit reminds us that modesty is not prudery, but a natural instinct--and one that may be able to save us from ourselves.

The Chofetz Chaim epitomized for the Jewish People the trait of chesed, loving kindness, devoting his life to helping his brethren. Among the many treasures this great sage imparted to us, Ahavas Chessed stands out as the authoritative, comprehensive guide to understanding and incorporating the precept of doing chesed, performing acts of loving kindness. With incisive wisdom and penetrating clarity, this book is an invaluable guide for every Jew. Now in clear flowing English, his book is a staple for every home.

In Attached, readers gain new insight and learn remarkable tools for developing a powerful and sustained connection with God.

Through this profound and empowering approach, psychological principles and tools for successful relationships are repackaged through the lens of Torah and applied to the most important relationship of all — between ourselves and the Creator.

“Attached is a beautifully written and practical book that addresses basic questions about faith and developing a deep relationship with God, embedded in the wisdom of Torah, Chassidus, and relevant psychological theories… In a world filled with pain and confusion, this book offers an anchor of faith filled with light and beauty.”

– Dr. David Pelcovitz

“The book’s profound yet practical wisdom will inform, inspire, and encourage each of us to seek the path of deveikus (attachment).”

– Rabbi Moshe Weinberger

“The true secret of healthy human attachment is that it contains the power and potential to elevate man beyond his self-centered focus. It is, therefore, the key to becoming other-centered and to unlocking a meaningful relationship with the Divine. This is a book worth reading for those whose journey is directed toward a loving, present relationship with God.”

– Rabbi Shimon Russell, LCSW

“The author presents a detailed guide to achieving a true relationship with God… I found this work, although deep and philosophical, easily understandable and offering practical advice. I recommend this work to all those seeking to upgrade and intensify their relationship with the Almighty.”

– Rabbi Zev Leff

Rabbi Yakov Danishefskyis a licensed clinical social worker and a CSAT in Chicago, IL. He specializes in treating trauma, process addictions, and therapy for couples. His group practice, Mind-Body Therapy, provides a variety of therapeutic services for the greater Chicago area. Yakov is also a speaker, educator, and author who blends spirituality, philosophy, and psychology.

The Beis HaLevi, Rav Yosef Dov Soloveitchik, is revered as the founder of the Brisker dynasty, Rosh Yeshivah of “the mother of yeshivahs” - Yeshivas Volozhin - and author of the classics Beis HaLevi Responsa and Beis HaLevi al HaTorah.

Among his writings is a brilliant essay on bitachon, trust in Hashem. It was not published during his lifetime, and remained in a manuscript form with family members for close to a century, before it was made available to the public by his great-grandchildren.

Now, at last, English-speaking readers can access the treasures of faith and trust that were hidden away for so many years. The Beis HaLevi on Bitachon includes the entire original text; a flowing, elucidated translation; a wide-ranging commentary that explores the many facets of emunah and bitachon, drawing upon the works of dozens of Torah sages; and an Overview by Rabbi Nosson Scherman. “Insights” appear throughout the book, bringing a contemporary focus to bitachon, and fundamental topics are dealt with more in depth in the appendix section.

The Maharal discussed the importance of reciting pesukim about bitachon every day. This volume includes a special section with such pesukim compiled by Rav Zundel of Salant, together with a prayer for strengthening our bitachon.

The Beis HaLevi on Bitachon gives us clear answers to many of life's most important questions. What is the proper balance between hishtadlus, effort, and bitachon, trust? How should a person react in times of trouble? Why does fear have no place in a Jew's life? What are the many benefits of bitachon - in this world and the next?

The Beis HaLevi on Bitachon is the hidden treasure - finally revealed! - which will bring us to the faith and trust so vital to our lives.

Commentary on the weekly Parsha by the author of Bivavi Mishkan Evneh Bilvavi On The Parsha is an English adaptation of the Motzei Shabbos drashot on the weekly parshah given by the author of the Bilvavi Mishkan Evneh and Da Et Atzmecha series. Those who are seeking greater closeness to Hashem, Torah study, and character improvement, will find in it a treasury of Torah wisdom full of depth, as well as practice advice, in all areas of spiritual improvement. The Rav has delivered thousands of drashot on a countless array of topics pertaining to spiritual improvement and avodat Hashem. In these drashot, you will analyze the weekly parshah as never before. Each parshah has a timely lesson with subtle applications to our own soul. You will gain knowledge of important, fundamental concepts in a Torah Jew's life, in a way that is both deep and simple.

Each and every Bas Yisrael has amazing potential and a unique mission to fulfill in this world. Chovas HaTalmidos offers Jewish teens gentle guidance aimed at actualizing that potential and bringing out the best in You. With a focus on developing good midos and arousing awareness in Avodas HaShem, this uplifting sefer provides Chizuk and inspiration as it invites you to discover the beauty and wonder of what it means to be a true Bas Yisrael.

Haim Lifshitz relates in his book on Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, Shivchei Harayah, "Someone once told Rabbi Kook, 'God willing, we will move to the Land of Israel.' Rav Kook replied, 'God is certainly willing. What counts is that you be willing.'"

Rabbi Dov Lipman's Coming Home, a survey of Jewish thought on the significance of living in the Land of Israel, is epitomized by this exchange.

Coming Home presents the sources in classic Jewish texts regarding the primacy of living in the Land of Israel in Jewish tradition. Beginning with the story of the first aliyah - Avraham - to twentieth-century leaders, the book includes sources, commentaries, and stories to make the point that living in the Land of Israel is among the highest ideals in Judaism. The book can be appreciated by teenagers through seniors and can be used as a basis for a syllabus or curriculum for a course in schools and synagogues.

Key Points about Coming Home

-Thorough compilation of sources on living in Israel from a diverse range of texts and eras, conveniently gathered into one book

-Accessible to beginners and scholars alike

-Easily serves as the basis and core text for education about aliyah

-A must-read for olim and anyone considering aliyah

About the Author

Rabbi Dov Lipman was elected to the Nineteenth Knesset in January 2013 with the Yesh Atid Party, making him the first American-born member of Knesset in nearly thirty years. Lipman rose to national and international prominence for his role in combatting religious extremism in Bet Shemesh. He is the author of six other books about Judaism and Israel. Rabbi Lipman holds rabbinic ordination from Ner Israel Rabbinical College and a master's in education from Johns Hopkins University. He moved to Israel from Silver Spring, Maryland, in July 2004 with his wife Dena and four children.

Haim Lifshitz relates in his book on Rabbi Avraham Yitzchak Hakohen Kook, Shivchei Harayah, '' Someone once told Rabbi Kook, 'God willing, we will move to the Land of Israel.' Rav Kook replied, 'God is certainly willing. What counts is that you are willing. ' ''

Rabbi Dov Lipman's Coming Home , a survey of Jewish thought on the significance of living in the Land of Israel, is epitomized by this exchange.

Coming Home presents the sources in classic Jewish texts regarding the primacy of living in the Land of Israel in Jewish tradition. Beginning with the story of the first aliyah Avraham to twentieth-century leaders, the book includes sources, commentaries, and stories to make the point that living in the Land of Israel is among the highest ideals in Judaism. The book can be appreciated by teenagers through seniors and can be used as a basis for a syllabus or curriculum for a course in schools and synagogues.

Dialogues of Love and Fear is a work of imagination and insight that addresses fraught issues of our times in new and refreshing ways. The author, whose own dramatic life journey has taken him from shepherd to professor, from refugee to IDF officer, and from student of a kes (religious leader) to rabbi of an Ashkenazi synagogue, brings the many facets of his identity into dialogue in these brilliantly imagined conversations between two characters. Through them it provides a window into the world of Ethiopian Jewry, their challenges, and the deep questions that every complex relationship carries with it. Covering a huge breadth of topics, this heart-warming, optimistic book offers a transformative perspective that is tolerant, accessible, and committed to Jewish tradition.

The year 2001 began as the United Nations Year of Dialogue between Civilizations. By its end, the phrase that came most readily to mind was 'the clash of civilizations.' The tragedy of September 11 intensified the danger caused by religious differences around the world. As the politics of identity begin to replace the politics of ideology, can religion become a force for peace?

The Dignity of Difference is Rabbi Jonathan Sacks's radical proposal for reconciling hatreds. The first major statement by a Jewish leader on the ethics of globalization, it also marks a paradigm shift in the approach to religious coexistence. Sacks argues that we must do more than search for values common to all faiths; we must also reframe the way we see our differences.